Biography

I was first licensed in 1966 and WN8TWV - a Novice operator. I made a total of one (1) qso during the license period (WN9RST) and due to school, social (girls) and other "guy" stuff the license lapsed. Picked the bug up again in late 1967 and proceeded to get my Technician license (WB8BAF and 50.4mhz AM) and have progressed through the ranks ever since that time, e.g., General, Advanced and Extra Class, i.e. the 20wpm Extra Class. After a brief lull in operating to accommodate college and post college stuff I became very serious and more involved about the hobby, thanks to my dear friend Gary, W8RR.

While attending Michigan State University I was a member of the club station, then W8SH. Dave Sumner, now ARRL C.E.O. was our club president and di an excellent job. He was the one patiently taught me how to use the Collins "S" line equipment and the 6 and 2 meter transverter. Good times all. I remember spending many an early mornings/ late nights working 6 meter sideband dx from the club station.

I have earned every license level available except the Conditional License, Novice through Amateur Extra, including the Advanced class license. I am an avid CW/ DXCC operator, although I do enjoy rag chewing in the SSB portion of the bands as well and participating in the local 2m traffic nets . Don't have a favorite band to operate, I enjoy each band for its own unique characteristics.

Not involved in satellite operation "yet", but I'm studying and will be active soon.

I was somewhat dismayed to see the cw requirement dropped. If only as a funnel to separate those who truly wanted the license, who were willing to work harder than the CB operators vs. those who who didn't want to work at all, but all-in-all the new system seems to be working fairly well, except sometimes on when all the cat calls/ cb operators present themselves and make things a mess. It's embarassing. But, this has been a great hobby, and I am prayerful it continues on into the future.

Equipment

FT-2000 is my main rig.
FT-847 is back-up but used quite often.

QRO HF-2500 amplifier for 160 - 10 meters

Ameritron AL-80A converted for 6 meter operation

Three towers:
One @ 85 ft. with a Hy-ain TH7DX: 20-15-10 meters, 6 elements on 6 meters, and 11 elements on 2 meters

Second @ 60 feet with 3 element on 40 meters and 3 elements each on 17 meters and 12 meters

Third tower @ 70 feet with a full size 30 meter, 3 element yagi

Loop antenna for 160 and 80 meter operation