Biography

I operate the AM mode almost exclusively. I enjoy vintage boat anchor equipment as well as modern SDR technology, and everything in between, as long as it operates the AM mode. AM has the potential as a broadcast-quality audio mode on HF. The simplicity of AM encourages home construction by amateur builders.

I've always been intrigued with the mystique of wireless communication and broadcast as far back as I can remember. I was into BCB (AM broadcast band) DXing, TV DXing, and CB, for more than a decade before earning my ham license in 1975. I received my Popular Electronics SWL monitor certificate as WPE2MGU in 1964. I dabbled with Part 15 'pirate' AM broadcasting for a short while also. On CB I was KKD3088, then later KQD6641. CB was much more civilized back in the mid-1960s, using FCC-assigned call signs for identification and sticking 'mostly' to the rules, except perhaps for the 'hobby' aspect, which although rampant on CB, was frowned upon by the FCC. We even used to exchange QSL cards just like our ham radio counterparts (I still have all the cards). I took a particular interest in the various brands and models of tube type CB equipment common during that time and gained knowledge of electronic circuitry examining and comparing schematics, as well as gaining hands-on experience by doing repairs and sometimes making improvements. I constructed a complete self-contained homebrew CB transmitter in high school electronics class in 1965 and constructed another improved version again at home in 1967, right after graduating from high school. I used my Lafayette HA-230 with an Ameco receiving preamp as my station receiver in conjunction with those two homebrew transmitters. Both were operating with legal 5 Watts input power. CB was certainly a stepping stone to ham radio for me and countless others that are active on the ham bands today. In a sense it was an unofficial alternate 'novice' band for me.

Lafayette Radio Electronics was a powerful influence on my early interest in electronics. The thick annual catalogs were incredibly captivating. I spent hours upon hours perusing every page over and over again. Plus, living only 10 miles from Lafayette Radio's headquarters in Syosset, I was a Lafayette 'groupie' as a teenager, visiting the communications room in the store whenever possible, drooling over the shiny new radios. Ultimately, I ended up working at Lafayette in Sam Nolfo's QC (Quality Control) department as an inspector/tester from January 1968 until November 1969. I now sometimes look on eBay for pictures of back panels on Lafayette products to try to find my "Quality Control inspected by" sticker on the back. I've already seen co-worker's stickers, but not my own... yet. If you look, mine was "EN" in cursive script, with the date underneath.

My original call sign is WB2CAU (issued in 1975), although I'm not the original holder of the call sign. For a few years from 2001 to 2004 I had changed it to W2CAU. I came to my senses in 2004 and changed it back to my original WB2CAU.

I am neither a contest operator, nor a DX chaser, and have zero interest in WAS, WAC, DXCC, or any of those similar award certificates. Ham radio is not a competitive 'sport' for me. I also don't usually check into scheduled nets. I enjoy ragchewing one-on-one the best. I've always done far more listening than transmitting.

I've always enjoyed the challenges of kit building, homebrew construction projects, repairing, and experimenting, often times even more than operating. And I admire others who have advanced the state-of-the-art through experimentation, and made exceptional accomplishments in design and construction. Also, kudos to all the nostalgia-inspired craftsmen who have resurrected decaying vintage equipment and made them like new again.

A favorite antenna of mine is the CCD (Controlled Current Distribution) antenna, although I don't currently have one installed for the ham bands. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to properly construct and install a CCD antenna, and it's twice the length of a half wave dipole, but the payback in performance is worthwhile if you have the space available. I did construct and install a CCD antenna for the 80m band in 1986 and used it successfully for about 5 years but eventually retired it because it required more maintenance than a wire antenna due to my particular installation location at that time. I hope to eventually use another CCD again.

Now retired after spending the majority of my working career as an electronic technician. I still dabble on the electronic workbench, but now I have no pressures from management. Life is good!