I was first licensed as WN8OMI in 1964, allowed my Novice ticket to expire for a month before up-grading to General in 1965 and received the call WA8TMK. I up-graded to Advanced in 1973 and to Extra in 1987 and applied for my present call, K8FH. 

First got interested in ham radio while visiting a school buddy whose father was a ham. With my paper route money, I picked up a used Hallicrafters SX-110 receiver and became an SWL. Listening to hams on AM was OK but I became fascinated with CW and started learning the code and it wasn't long until I took my Novice exam. My first transmitter as a Novice I built from old TV parts following a schematic in QST.  I worked all neighbors on that one. Later I picked up a Hallicrafters HT-40 transmitter. A couple years after getting my General I bought my first transceiver, a Swan 500C.  After the Swan came my first Icom, an Icom 751, and I have been through about every Icom radio to come out since then over the years, still have many of them. My latest addition to the shack is an Elecraft K3, a very nice radio but I love my Icoms.

Over the years I have enjoyed tinkering in many facets of the hobby but probably my most favorite has been building and experimenting with different antenna designs. My mode of choice has been CW and I participate in a lot of the CW contests primarily on Top Band. I've gotten into chasing DX just in the last few years and have enjoyed the challenge of working the rare ones. I enjoy operating portable as in Field Day, VHF mountain topping, State QSO parties, and public service events. There is definitely something for everyone in this hobby.

Living only about three hours from Dayton, the Dayton Hamvention has been a regular pilgrimage for at least the past 40 years. Well worth the trip at any distance! Just a fascinating experience, meeting hams you have talked to from all over the world, the comradery of old friends and new friends, cruising the flea market and finding that precious treasure you can't live without. Maybe see you there.