I was first license as a Novice in 1977 as WD8NSD (Never Say Die). Two years later I upgraded to General, that's when a Novice license was only good for two years. I've always been a big fan of morse code (CW), (without the code its just CB!). I was only a General for about a year then I upgraded to Advanced (AA8SM), then soon after that I made the plunged and passed the Extra (I'm a 20 wpm Extra). When the vanity calls opened up I applied for K8SM, getting my initials (SL) wasn't a big deal.  I wanted a nice smooth call for CW and SM was a good pick.

I mainly operate CW, other than when chasing a DXpedition then I use the microphone, SSB, and now I chase them on RTTY or PSK31 with the Rigblaster Plus. CW is the preferred mode though.  I also like contesting, especially RTTY.  I am using Writelog and MMTTY for contesting and RTTY, I also have TrueTTY for RTTY and PSK31. My favorite bands are the low bands, especially 160 and 80.  I am also chasing DX for the CQ DX Marathon.

As for equipment I started out with a Yaesu FT-101EX and Dentron Super Tuner. I used that radios for years, purchased the FV-101B remote vfo so that I could operate split when I became hooked on chasing DX. After that I sold it and bought a Yaesu FT-890AT, then I picked up a Dentron MLA2500 amp. The same ham had a 40 ft tower with a Mosley CL33 (10/15/20). Going from a dipole and vertical to a beam was a big difference!  I was really into chasing DX now!  My 80/40 antenna is a G5RV at 70 ft, and it worked great. The same antenna is still going strong today and I've worked 275 countries on 40 and 230 countries on 80 with it. I decided that it was time to get on 6M so I sold the FT-890AT and bought a FT-920. I really enjoy the 920 a lot, the DSP is great. In 3 weeks I worked 36 states and 13 countries with a Cushcraft 3 EL on 6M. My antenna for 160 is an Inv-L up 70 ft. I have two beverages (using K1FZ's beverage xmfrs), north-south and east-west (bi-directional). My current count on 160M is a 160 countries (as of 3/10/08).

I'm involved with SKYWARN and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES). If you're ever thru the area give us a call on 146.88 (-600) or 145.70 simplex.

Please QSL via the bureau or LoTW.

73 and Happy DXing, Scott, K8SM (dah-di-dah)