I was interested in Amateur Radio for 15 years ( since ~1974) but the "code" test kept me from the license.

I loved the "wish book", the Heathkit Catalogs. Boy what fantastic stuff. I had read all the technician, general advanced, and extra written study manuals for years. Each was at the local libraries for all to use. Good place to read and study, but reading this material is kinda boring, so I found that a little at a time over the years and I learned a lot, but could not use it on the air...well not on the Ham bands. Can you say citizens band?

When No-Code Tech. was legal, I was ready to get with the big boys. I loved showing the phone patch (pre-Cell phone days) on the local repeater to the guys in my town. and tried to get several of them licensed, but they loved CB's and was/are satisfied with local (3 miles?) radio.

I was first licensed as KD4HTW, back in 1991 after a test session at the 1991 Sumter (SC) Hamfest Testing Session. I self studied the Technical Class Manual. Love VHF/UHF Voice and Digital Modes (esp. APRS and PSK)

I passed the General Written July 2004 and started studying the Code. I could only seem to get a few letters and then I'd get frustrated and quit. This went on for months until I found a study program written by G4FON which uses the Koch Method, it worked for me. No stress, I learned two letters and then added one and practiced with this 3 until I could copy about 98% correct and then add another letter. I learned it all in about 2 months with no stress. I could see that I was learning and that helped me to get instant feedback on how I was doing. Email me if you want to try it.

I passed the 5 WPM Code Test, June 2005, one day before my CSCE expired for the General written, thus, I earned the General Class License, and February 26th 2006, I passed the Extra Class written examination. So after 13+ years as a Technician, I am finally became HF licensed. and I did it BEFORE the Code was dropped from the General License!!!   (I am a Know-Code Ham)

I found a call that I liked and followed the FCC Rules for harvesting a SK call and was issued the call on June 30, 2006. I am now KO4L and hope to continue the service that Mr Philip Costa, the initial holder, did for all his years of operating.

I am involved with the following groups:

Member of Florence Amateur Radio Club, http://w4ulh.net

Member of The Radio Club of America, http://radioclubofamerica.org

Member of OMIK Radio Club, http://omikradio.org

Member of Old Man International Sideband Society, OMISS#5593, http://omiss.net

I am a Instructor, and Technical Specialist  with the ARRL for the South Carolina Section and am a VE with both ARRL and WCARS VEC's. 

I have a lot of info on my homepage the address is http://tinyurl.com/fz3p4

I LOVE JESUS! and I am not ashamed of that. He loves you too. Yes he does!!! No matter what anyone has told you or whatever you think, HE LOVES YOU!

His unfailing love is as great as the height of the heavens above. Psalm 103:11 NLT

Smile and be happy, God Loves You !!!

Rev: KO4L - December 14, 2008