I became interested in radio in the mid 1960's after spending many hours listening to distant AM broadcast stations at night. I quickly progressed into shortwave listening and started learning the morse code. Popular Electronics Magazine assigned me the SWL call WPE1HMV.
In 1968 at age 16, I passed the novice exam and was assigned the callsign WN1KJT. My first station was a Heathkit AT-1 20W crystal contolled transmitter, Radio Shack Realistic DX-75 receiver and a 40M dipole. I spent the first 6 months at 5-10WPM with a straight key, followed by a Vibroplex Lightning Bug. I credit contest operating with an electronic keyer for improving to 20+ WPM. During my senior year in high school I upgraded to General class and became WA1KJT. I've held the call N1DC since 1978 after passing the Extra exam at the old FCC "Custom House" office in Boston.
My present station includes a Ten-Tec Omni VII transceiver and MFJ Differential T tuner. Antennas include a HyGain Explorer 14 at 30ft for 10/15/20 and dipoles for 40/80 fed with 450 ohm ladder line. I use DX lab for logging regular QSO's and awards tracking. For contest operating I use N1MM.
I spend 90% of my time operating CW, chasing DX and contest operating. You will find me in the CQWW, ARRL DX, ARRL SS, NE QSO Party and other contests when time permits. I do operate SSB contests occasionally using my Heil ProSet Plus.
Memberships: ARRL Life Member, Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC), K1USN Radio Club, Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club (KM1CC)
I have been a CW operator at the following special events:
Museum Ships weekend and Veteran's Day at K1USN
Titanic 100th Anniverary at the Chatham Maritime Marconi Center on Cape Cod (call sign KM1CC).
Marconi trans-Atlantic 110th Anniversary at the Eastham Coast Guard Station on Cape Cod (call sign KM1CC)
International Marconi Day at the Eastham Coast Guard Station on Cape Cod (call sign KM1CC)
Operating achievements: all with 100W or less
DXCC CW # 9,614 (curently at 238 verified), DXCC Mixed # 39,686, 5BDXCC # 7495
I QSL 100% and post logs to the ARRL's LoTW. I'm happy to provide a Norfolk County MA QSL upon request.
73 ! Rick
Operating 40M CW at KM1CC January 2013
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