Got into ham radio in "93" after being off the air for 23 years as a cb'er. I enjoyed the preparation period for the testing just as much as operating. Too bad there are not more levels of licensing as I found the structured study for "that next level" very motivating. I am enjoying CW on the 40 meter band as my main stay in ham radio but you may find me on just about any band at any time. On other bands I am not regular . I am a Pipefitter/Welder with a membership in the Plumber's & Pipefitter's Local Union #25 of Rock Island, Illinois through which I am dispatched to many power plants around the midwest but have worked both the east and west coasts and a few projects overseas At times, the travel experience has made the qso's more interesting. My FISTS number is 9727.
I am working toward a conversational cw speed of 50-wpm but who knows how long that will take. I can qso at 40 with some ops now
I currently use Ten Tec gear , consisting of the Omni Six Plus / Tuner / and Titan III amp on an as needed basis but have other gear available. The antenna is a 570 +/- foot long loop.
I am formerly , N9TNQ but had a call sign change as of 08JAN2013 to reflect call area.
I am keeping my eyes open for a matched pair of 4CX800a tubes for future tube change on my Titan III.
