In the early 50s my folks rented a spare room to an engineering student at Michigan State University. He gave me a crystal set for my 8th birthday, then showed me how to build better ones. After moving to Wisconsin, I was licensed as KN9DOP (Novice) in 1956, then K9DOP (Conditional). Active until 1960, I got a BS degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin and was QRT for 48 years for career and family -- marrying (Charlotte) and raising a daughter (Christine) who now teaches elementary school.

I retired in 2004 after working as an ET, then as a self-taught EE / Engineering Manager / Sales Engineer with oceanographic instrument companies. From 1992 I was president and majority owner of a leading company (Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc  -- www.seabird.com) in that field.

I passed the Tech and General exams in November 2007 and was given KE7PZB. I passed the Extra in December and made my first QSO since the 50s on the 28th. Got the vanity call W7NUW in January 2008 recalling the club station call (W9NUW) I sometimes used so long ago.

Rig is a Ten-Tec Omni VII that is a marvel after the Heathkit AT-1 and AR-3 of my youth! Antennas are homebrew: 30 and 40 meter 'Lazy H' top & bottom loaded vertical dipoles, and a 20 m sloper dipole. I am all CW (FISTS #13711) and don't own a mike.

Hopefully awaiting some sun spots remembering the incredible band conditions of 1957-58.

Other interests include North American and European travel, sailing (I have a Caliber 40LRC, cutter-rigged), jazz and symphonic music, military and political history of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

QSL: LoTW, E-QSL, direct