I became interested in electronics and amateur radio at the age of 16. I received my Novice license February 26, 1954 and was assigned the call WN8QJH,in Hamilton, Ohio. Ham radio was the force that would challenge my intellect and provide me with countless hours of enjoyment, frustration and once and awhile a wonderful since of pride and accomplishment.

I received my General Class license September 2, 1954 and soon became very interested in building my own equipment. By mid-1955 I had completed my first home-brew kilowatt station, a pair of 813's, plate modulated by a pair of 811'sdoes this setup bring back any memories?

I left Hamilton and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1965 and was fortunate to become employed at my first job in electronics at Motorola. I upgraded to Extra Class and was assigned the call W7HEQ, November 28, 1969. Shortly after the commission changed the rules regarding vanity calls I applied for a two letter call and received W7JI on May 20, 1977.

Through out the years my main interest in our hobby was that of building home brew equipment. I have written several articles that were published in CQ magazine on Top-Loaded vertical antenna's and high power linear amplifiers.

I worked professionally in commercial broadcasting as an engineer for forty years and retired in June, 2002. At the end of July, 2006, we left Phoenix and moved to Arkansas City, Kansas where my new QTH is located 6 miles East of Arkansas City right on top of the highest hill in the area and has underground utilities. The antenna system consists of a 60 foot self-supporting tower with a 3 element SteppIR Yagi and 160 meter and 40 meter inverted vee's hung at the 50 foot level on the tower.

About 90% of my operating time is devoted to CW and the other 10% is operating SSB either mobile or rag chewing on 160,40 or 17 meters. My son Randyupgraded to General Class on 6/6/09 his call is KE7AZM, Phoenix, AZ.

)n Deceber 16th, 2011 we moved back home to Hamilton, Ohio.  This will be my final QTH.

For more information on my station and ham radio activities check out my website at: http://www.w7ji.com