As of the time I write these comments, 12 May 2011, I'm 74 years old and have been a ham since 1956 with a novice call of KN9DTZ. Upon getting my Extra class license, I selected the call K9DT. I worked until 2009 and am a Chemical Engineer and served as a Director of Engineering for a firm engaged in the design, procurement and construction of Chemical,Petroleum Refining and Industrial facilities. The most fun I had in my career was working in Central & Eastern Europe and Kazakhstan where I had a chance to meet several hams who were working in the Oil Refineries that I visited.

I currently use a Kenwood TS-850SAT driving a Collins 30L-1. Antennas are a Hy-Gain TH-6 at 50 ft for 10/15/20, a delta loop on 40 and quarter wave slopers on 80 and 160. The delta loop and slopers also load very well on the WARC bands. One of these days I'm going to put up slopers for the WARC bands. VHF is used while mobile, on 147, 222 and 440 MHZ. On occasion,I bring my hand held 144/440 rig when visiting my son in Berlin, but have had no QSO's so far. Perhaps this summer will be more successful!

My main passion is chasing DX, but I also enjoy rag chewing. DXCC currently stands at 357/339 and am missing only Crozet to get to the top of the honor roll. I have managed to work and confirm over 100 countries on 8 bands; 160DXCC does not seem to be likely. DXCC Challenge stands at 1600 worked and over 1500 confirmed.

I can hold a simple conversation in German and understand a little Czech/Slovak and Russian. I have studied Spanish and Italian, but lack of use leads me to lose most of that capability. Ham radio is a great place to practice languages and meet some very interesting people.

Total QSO's to date are just over 24,000, mostly DX.

If you hear me, stop by to say hello and I look forward to working you.

I'll add a picture later.

73,

Bob