“From the lush landscapes of Guatemala, 72DA171 Eric rides the airwaves in pursuit of DX, sharing his nation’s spirit with the world one contact at a time…”
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is delighted to welcome 72DA171 Eric to our international family, officially joining the club in mid-February 2026.
A passionate DX hunter, seasoned operator, and dedicated ambassador of radio friendship, this proud Guatemalteco brings a vibrant energy to the club — along with decades of experience and an unwavering love for the global airwaves!
72DA171 Eric calls Morales, Izabal, Guatemala home — a nation rich in culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty…
Located in the heart of Central America, this rare DXCC is bordered by Mexico (10), Belize (218), Honduras (28), and El Salvador (53), with its eastern shores reaching the Caribbean Sea.
In addition to a handful of serious Freeband DX Hunters, the country is famous for its remarkable diversity…
From towering volcanoes and dense tropical rainforests to the legendary Mayan city of Tikal, where ancient pyramids rise above the jungle canopy, this place is a DXer’s downtime dream.
The stunning Lake Atitlán, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks, and the country’s colourful traditions, textiles, and music reflect a culture deeply connected to its heritage — a spirit that Eric proudly carries onto the airwaves.
Eric’s QTH of Morales, situated in the lush Izabal Department, lies within one of Guatemala’s most tropical and dynamic regions…
This area is defined by warm Caribbean breezes, abundant rivers, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Nearby sits Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala, serving as a vital gateway between inland regions and the Caribbean coast.
The department also features the historic Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a 17th-century Spanish fortress built to defend against pirate invasions — a striking reminder of the region’s adventurous maritime past.
Morales itself is a lively agricultural and commercial centre…
It’s known for its banana production and its important role in Guatemala’s Caribbean trade network.
Surrounded by rainforest landscapes and vibrant natural beauty, the region provides not only a spectacular living environment but also an excellent location for radio propagation — a perfect launching point for Eric’s DX pursuits across continents.
72DA171 Eric’s connection to his homeland extends beyond geography…
Music is one of his greatest passions, especially sounds that represent Guatemala’s cultural identity and traditions.
Whether on the air or off, he embraces the rhythm and spirit of his country in everything he does.
With an impressive 35 years in the radio communications hobby, Eric’s experience speaks for itself…
A former Alfa Tango club member and a licensed amateur radio operator, he particularly enjoys 2-metre operations, while his dedication to Freeband DX has seen him achieve an outstanding 171 DXCC entities worked on 11 metres.
This is a remarkable milestone that qualifies him for DA-RC membership through the prestigious DX Chaser category.
At the core of 72DA171 Eric’s station is the versatile Icom IC-706 MKIIG transceiver, powering his favourite activities of DX hunting, rag chewing, and antenna building…
Eric thrives on the thrill of chasing distant signals, building reliable station setups, and engaging in meaningful conversations that turn contacts into lasting friendships.
His VFO is most often locked on 27.555 MHz USB — the International Call frequency — where he listens for new voices and opportunities from around the globe.
He’s equally known for flicking around the band in search of rare and elusive DX contacts, always ready for the next challenge the airwaves present!
Supporting 72DA171 Eric’s efforts behind the mic of this Icom rig is an Antron 99 (A-99) antenna, a 5.5 m, three-section fiberglass vertical renowned for its strong performance on the 11-metre band…
This exceptional omnidirectional antenna, made by Solarcon in Canada, can also be used across the 10–17 metre amateur bands with a tuner, giving this high-profile DX-Man excellent coverage and reliability for both local and long-distance comms from his Guatemalan QTH.
A firm believer in the traditions of radio communication, Eric greatly values the exchange of QSL cards, preserving the story behind every contact and celebrating the global friendships forged over the air.
His QSL matters are managed by 19DA256 Twan, ensuring smooth confirmation of his worldwide contacts.
72DA171 Eric is also an active presence in the regional DX scene, proudly participating each year in the Central America DX Day and expressing strong enthusiasm for supporting DA-RC events and activities…
His commitment to participation and community perfectly reflects the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines the club.
Beyond radio, 72DA171 Eric works professionally as a Construction Supervisor…
He applies precision, technical skill, and practical expertise in his career — qualities that are clearly reflected in his station building and operating style.
Eric embodies the very essence of Dx Adventure Radio Club values: passion, friendship, technical curiosity, and a drive to connect the world through radio.
His experience, enthusiasm, and warm operating spirit make him a tremendous addition to the DA-RC community.
We proudly welcome 72DA171 Eric and look forward to hearing his strong signals from Guatemala echoing across the bands for many years to come.
c/o Twan Vaessen • Karreweg Zuid 15 • 5995MD • Kessel-Eik • The Netherlands
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