Biography

Received Novice call (KA9HTW) at age 16 , and upgraded directly to Advanced within the year. I upgraded to Extra shortly after the VE program was implemented, and changed call to WQ9T. First rig was a Heathkit SB-303 receiver and SB-401 transmitter, which I later sold to help pay for a Kenwood TS-530S that is still in good condition. Currently have a Kenwood TS-570SG and TS-2000. Active on all modes, particularly CW and Digital/RTTY. Have 48 states confirmed on 160m, 50 states on 80m, 40m, 20m and 15m, but only about 27 on 10m (need to work on that). Have also qualified for DXCC. Member of SKCC and Ten-Ten. I use an old straight key when on the air for SKCC, but due to problems with numbness in my hand and shoulder (and my lack of speed sending with the straight key), prefer to send with a keyboard in contests.

Equipment

Kenwood TS-530S, Kenwood TS-570SG, Kenwood TR-9000, Kenwood TR-9130, and Kenwood TS-2000. Mainly operating the TS-2000 at this time. In the closet - Hallicrafters SX-111 and several other vintage pieces that I hope someday to have the desk space to leave out and use on occasion.