Biography

I was 1st licensed as a novice in 1979. Thanks to my Elmer K1NWE (Bob) now SK. Running a Heath DX-40 with 3 crystals and listening on the bands with a HR-10B receiver and a 40 meter inverted vee.What a blast (after finally learning how to make qso's HI).Added a Heath VF-1 VFO and then upgraded to a DX-60B for about a year. Passed General ticket in early 82 and replaced the heaths with a Tempo 2020 and a tribander. Still lurked mostly in CW sections. The Tempo had a habit of shutting off in the middle of a qso. (my apologies if you were on the other end!) Sometime shortly after that purchased a FT101ex with matching speaker, digital readout and monitor scope. How I LOVE HAM RADIO !!! Then my interest in girls took over and I was QRT for a spell. Returned on the air with a TS-830s in late 90's and then the family started so off again. Passed Extra exam in November 2013 (100% on it !)and had to celebrate with a beautiful FT-950. (Thanks Steve KC1AHU!) Also another event to celebrate is my 1st ever Vibroplex. I've ALWAYS wanted one. (Thanks Louie NA1P).So hope to see you on the bands soon. (Most likely the lower ends!) Always on the lookout for ATNO's but like a good ragchew too!
As far as my occupations I have been involved in electronics since my teen years. I worked in an electric wire/cable factory for 12 years (winding, braiders, extrusion). Yes we did make coax and antenna wire! I spent 9 years as a system tech for one of the largest CATV companies in the US (Ah hardline).Owned and operated my own company for 16 years repairing Pro audio/music equipment. I am currently back at the CATV company as a Senior system(line) technician servicing the HFC plant and digital services with fiber optic certifications. 73 Gary

A couple of side notes: I just worked my 276th DXCC entity on 4/22/17 !!!!!! Changed my callsign from KA1EBU to K1EBU. I figured after 36 years it was time to shorten it a bit to help in the pile ups. HiHi. Currently working on building up a vintage Yaesu operating position. See my pictures on this page.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Yaesu FT-950, Yaesu FT-101E, FV101B, SP-2000, SP-101, YO-100, YC-601, MD-100 mic, Astatic D104 mic, MFJ 969 tuner, MFJ 949B tuner, MFJ-872 wattmeter, Vibrokeyer, Bencher BY-1, Heathkit HD-1410, J-47 key, Signalink USB, Kenwood HS-5 phones. Astron SS-30M power supply, Alpha Delta Delta 4 and MFJ 1702C antenna switches, Antennas are all homebrew. 40/20 meter dual band inverted vee and 30/20/17/12 meter WARC + 20 inverted vee. Both at 40+ feet. 102' ladder line fed doublet at 40+ feet. Also have an end fed wire out to the pond in the back loading up on other bands. Ground Plane for scanner use. Palomar amplified loops.

Other Equipment: Uniden "Washington" CB (AM/SSB). Radio Shack Pro-2052 scanner w/ Motorola HSN4021B speaker. Radio Shack Pro-2026 scanner. Realistic DX-160 and DX-300 receivers.