Inspired by my two older brothers, I was first licensed in 1967 with the General Class license and received the Advanced Class license in 1969. My first experience working DX was operating with 65 watts AM on 10 meters in Grand Rapids, MI in 1968 - 1970. The rig included a Johnson Ranger AM transmitter, a National HRO-50T receiver and CB beams modified for 10 and 15 meters mounted on the top of the science building at Calvin College. The band was frequently open to Europe.

After moving to San Diego in 1971 it was 1974 after I was married before I was able to put up an outdoor antenna for 20 meters. The first home we bought was in a valley but a cubicle quad mounted on a 20 foot high home made wood tower which was mounted on the roof was quite effective. A long wire was able to bring in some voice contacts on 75 meters with Japan. The rig was a National NCX-5.

Our second house was selected by driving through a new housing development until we found the highest point in the development. We bought that house. During the 1980 sunspot peak, 65 watts was sufficient to work USSR stations on 20 meter phone with a poorly tuned 2 element beam mounted about 10 feet above the roof of the 2 story house.

The '80's brought a 3 element beam purchased for $15 and a 40 foot tiltover, crankup tower for $100 and a 1KW amplifier that opened up the world. The '90's brought a new IC-735 and digital modes on HF and VHF. The sunspot peak of 1990 was the best of the 3 from 1970. My participation in the activities during the sunspot peak of 2000 was limited due to other interests and responsibilities. I did try packet and AMTOR on the HF bands a bit.

My introduction to PSK31 in 2001 was a big boost for my interest in ham radio. PSK is about the only mode I use these days. The computer interface is simple and QSOs can be held with relatively low power (25 watts) and dipoles on the bands that typically require beams for phone operation. Listen for me on 14.070 MHz primarily on weekends and some evenings.

2006 brought a TS-2000 into the shack and opened the world of satellite operation. Some experimentation with analog SSTV and the new digital SSTV mode, DRM, has also added to my interest in ham radio. I can also be contacted on EchoLink when I am in the shack.