I am the Washington state area coordinator for AMSAT for additional information go to   http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php  I was originally licensed as K1RNL in Lexington Mass. in 1961. Up untill about 1995 I did the usual DX & ragchewing. I tried the Russian satellite RS-12. It sparked an interest that has yet to get old. I have the capability to operate A,V,U,S,& L modes. I have no interest in digital communications through satellites, at least at this time. I have designed and built and sold many L & S band helix antennas and feed assemblies for off center dishes. I QSL 100% to all cards received. I have an interest in older Swan radios and I have rebuilt and restored many. A side hobby is photography both 35mm and digital. See page 20 of Nov. 2008 QST as well as the cover of Dec. 2008. I am a regular on AO-7 and make an effort to work to the edge of the footprint. AO-40 (sobsob) was the greatest satellite ever built It's premature demise due to human error (remove before flight) was a sad day. I belong to ARRL and AMSAT and support them as best as I can.  I also volunteer for backup communications for the Renton fire department. See you on the birds.