Biography

The Saga Of K8KMS

K8KMS - Past

In the 1950’s my dad, Orie Hardin, worked and studied very diligently for his General Class Amateur Radio License. While studying he built his first station out of World War II surplus radios. He took an old 40 Meter AM transmitter and converted it to a 20 Meter double sideband transmitter. He already had a Collins 75-A4 Receiver. In June of 1957 dad was awarded his General Class License. So, in June of 1957 K8KMS first took to the airways.

Over the years, dad not only worked a lot of rare DX, but he also ran phone patch traffic for soldiers stationed overseas and trying to contact home. Once dad even got help and rescued a ship sinking in the Atlantic Ocean. Over his many years in Ham Radio dad did a lot of things, including testing several of my friends for the Technician Class License. Dad also inspired me to study and get my Technician License….Which I did in April of 1961. Dad was very active in all aspects of Amateur Radio. Unfortunately as dad grew older his memory started going and he soon was no longer able to operate his station. Dad gave me his equipment about a year before he went “Silent Key”. Dad passed away on October 11, 2001. Dad was my inspiration to get into Ham Radio and to further my experience in electronics. I loved my dad and always will. I owe him so very much!

K8KMS - Present

In May of 1964 I got my General Class License at the Dayton Hamvention. Over the years, I taught Ham Radio to co-workers and many friends. I also administered the Novice and Technician exams. I was responsible for teaching and licensing over 25 Amateur radio Operators.

Over the years I have also been very active in emergency story and weather reporting and communications. I was involved with the Miami Valley FM Association. I was also involved with the Miami Valley Civil Defense Authority. I went through the entire training program and was net controller for W8RXM (CD’s Ham Radio voice).

In April of 2011 I finally made the BIG move and passed my Amateur Extra Class License. I have also become an ARRL Certified VE. Several of us are forming a group to do testing on demand. There is a need for this in Dayton. In the same year I took my Dad’s call as my own to honor the memory of him and everything that he stood for.

I think that one of my greatest thrills is to be the Tuesday Net Controller for the World Wide Friendship Net. This is almost exactly like Talk Radio….Which I did on WAVI – AM in the 70’s and 80’s. I really enjoy talking to people.

K8KMS - Future

In September 2011 my granddaughter, Samantha Ellis informed me that she wanted to get her Ham Radio license. I was overjoyed. She is the only one in the family who took an interest in doing this besides my dad and me. So I helped her study and after only 13 hours of study, she passed her Technician test with a 92% in October. She was the same age that I was when I got my Technician license (14).Sammy’s call is N8SJE. Eventually dad's call will be passed down to Samantha.

I have been blessed so much by this hobby. Because of it, I served as the Chief Engineer of two broadcast stations and it also got me involved with computers in 1983…Eventually computers became my full time profession.

Finally I have never ever had the first regret for getting involved with this hobby and recommend it to anyone who wants one of the most fulfilling hobbies ever!!

Here are my calls from the past. We may have worked:

WA8DKB (1961 - 2002) K8KDH (2002 - 2011) K8KMS (2011 - Present)

Keith D. Hardin / K8KMS