Biography

Retired Electrical Engineer; 1st Licensed back in the 70s.. got really busy with a job, family and stuff (kids).. let license lapse until a couple years back. Brushed up on all the new stuff and ran the gauntlet up to Extra in one sitting...

Upon receiving the "wink and nod" from the test observers, the expressions on the newbies' faces was really something to behold e.g.: "You did what?.

We recently relo'd across town to a somewhat "quieter,spacier,small community on a creek, with tremendously relaxed HOA. Big yard, big trees (which will soon be hosting big antennae).

As DIY'er, I saw those trees the neighborhood, the sky... and couldn't resist planting my flag here..

Without even looking closely you'll find that the definition of "Amateur Radio Operator" has morphed into "Appliance Radio Operator"..

... whereas to make plenty of QSOs, it don't take nothing but money, expensive rigs, hi power amps, big towers, big beams, a braggart attitude, and a lack of communication skills or courtesy.

Ever notice that when these Appliance Ops' equipment fails them, they're suddenly sheepish, diminutive, and excuse ridden.. no longer "big league" any more?

"True" Hams will tell ya that Real Contacts (QSOs) are made like they should be, i.e.: "Minimum Power for Reliable Communication" and simple antenna by your own hand.

Though you will rarely hear them boast, THESE are the folks who are truly entitled to the EARNED "bragging rights", the rank, and the title, of Amateur Radio Operator.

The rest are just Appliance Operators Club... where one can simply BUY his or her way into... Gone are the days of "earning" your way to the privileges by "first proving yourself on the battlefield of Morse Code at 13 to 25 WPM, Then being allowed a grueling written exam"...

Guess that's today's "Way of entitlement".

But no matter where ya go; they're you are... AND WE ARE.. :-)

73 and catch ya on the airwaves..

Equipment

ICOM 745 @ 80W into 1.4m Mag-Loop @ ground level (Sea Level +50 feet)
RX antennae: 2 LOG (Loop On Ground) #1 N to S and #2 E to W