Biography

Texan. I originally received the Novice + as KA5DGP in the early 80's, but didn't have (or maybe take) the opportunity for anything other than a little 2M at that time until 2012. I decided to become more involved, studied and finally upgraded to Extra in January of 2013. I'm an electrician by trade for power plants, refinerys and chemical then transitioned into electrical design for paper mills, mines and computer manufacturing ending it all at MD Anderson Cancer Center and finally retired (2nd time) after 56 years in the electrical field the end of February 2014. My hobbies are HAM radio and target practice, neither keeping me totally busy (my wife Ann takes care of the rest of my time).

Equipment

Since our back yard is small (plus restricted) the antennas are an MFJ-1796 (topped at about 22'), an Arrow "J" pole (top at about 14'), a random wire across the top of the live oak tree (fills half the 20'x50' area) and a G5RV inverted next to the house. Original HF/UHF/VHF rig is a Yaesu FT-857D which is still used for 2m & 70cm. Recently added is a Yaesu FT-950, plus a Yaesu FL-2100B HF amp and a MFJ-989D tuner. The corner inside I have to work in is small so the desk was expanded a bit to accept the additions. The vanity call I have was my father-in-laws Harvey Comstock a silent key since the 2-13-1978. For mobile there's either a Yaesu VX-8DR HT or a 2nd FT-857D. For anyone interested in 10M I'm Ten-Ten #76862.