Just a few quick notes:

In the last 35 years many things have changed in amateur radio. Some things have been very good some not so good. It is still a great hobby.

I have enjoyed working from the low bands up into the microwave band (1.2Ghz). Most of my time was been on 2 meter simplex and UHF repeaters / remote bases. Also have built many repeaters and with the new controllers out there have had a blast doing the programming.

With the encouragement of people like “Bud” Whiteman (SK W6VT) and Ted (WB6LYK) I started out as a technician class back in 1973. After a few years I got the bug to go on the low bands so headed off to the FCC to pass the 13 wpm code. In 1984 I wanted to get a General Radio ticket so while I studied for that figured it was a good time to upgrade to advanced class on the amateur radio side. Got to take the test at one of the very first VEC test sites. In March of 2007 took the Extra test and passed that. I started off with the call WA6GSC in 1973 and then in about 2004 changed to the W6GSC call. In August of 2008 put in for the WØPE call and got it. The connection to the zero call was that I was born in South Dakota.

I could go on all day with a list of great people that I have met in amateur radio. One of the very finest Tommy (SK W6ALO).

One of the greatest things now is working with Ken W6KOS as a VE.

To all the new people in amateur I only hope they can half as much fun as I have in 35 years.

73  Fred  WØPE     aka WA6GSC and W6GSC

 eQSL , LOTW and Direct.  3 Nov 2009 Setting up with WØ Bureau QSL

PODXS 070 #975 30 MDG #2799