I received my Novice ticket (KA5DAV) in November 1978, at the age of 15. My first rig was a Heathkit HW-7 that I borrowed from my Elmer (W5EXX (SK)). I picked up the code quickly and still love CW after 30 plus years.  I use a Bencher paddle most of the time, but occasionally play around with my Vibroplex bug.

My station currently consists of a Yaesu FT-990 and a Yaesu FT-950, with a Cushcraft A3 triband yagi at 45 feet, a 30-meter inverted vee, a 17-meter inverted vee, and an 80-M full-wave horizontal loop that I use for 80/40/12 meters. I also operate 2-meter FM.

I would like to try 6-meters and have installed a simple inverted vee antenna for this band.  In my 30 plus years of hamming, I have never made a QSO on 6 meters.  I think this band might be fun!

I enjoy CW ragchewing and occasionally chasing DX. I have 216 DX countries confirmed and hold 5-band WAS.  After all these years, I still get sweaty palms when working some rare DX station.  I also operate BPSK-31 and RTTY.

I am a member of FISTS, NAQCC, the ARRL and a life member of QCWA. I occasionally check in to the Geratol net, which meets winter evenings on 3.668 MHz.

QSL via direct, the bureau, e-QSL, and LoTW (preferred).