Biography

I was born in 1942, so I'm an old timer. I was first licensed in 1958, but took a break for 10 years for wife and kids and work. I lived in Washington state when I married.
I resumed ham radio in 1980 and upgraded to extra class license in 1985 and was issued my current call. I have only paper logs. No computer logging program. My station consists of a Yaesu FT450D and Alinco DX-SR8 transceivers and a homebrew New Carolina Windom antenna, which is a wonderful antenna in my opinion. I also have an endfed longwire antenna for 160meters and 80meters. I use a MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II antenna tuner, which works very well. I can speak a little Spanish, German, and I am learning Dutch (my ancestry is Dutch). I worked for 28 years as a social worker in children and family services for the State of Washington. I taught philosophy at the University of Florida as an adjunct professor and at two colleges in the area. My main operating modes are CW (95%) and SSB. I enjoy a good ragchew and chasing DX. Give me a call if you hear me. If you can put up with my elementary Spanish, German or Dutch, I will try to qso in those languages.

I am the Secretary/Treasurer of the High Springs Amateur Wireless Club and Society. I am also the FCC assigned custodian of the club call sign, which is K4VZX.

Amateur radio is the world's greatest hobby, and the best and friendliest people in the world are hams. Let us keep it that way.
73,
Jim NJ7Y

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Alinco DX-SR8 and Yaesu FT450D. New Carolina Windom homebrew antenna; endfed longwire antenna for 160meters and 80meters. MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II. Bencher paddle for the built-in keyers in the DX-SR8 and the FT450D. I also use a Vibroplex Lightning Bug, purchased from Vibroplex around 1990.