FIRST LICENSED: December of 1972 as WN6UPE, upgraded to General Class as WA6UPE a year later, then to Advanced as KF6FM, and finally to Amateur Extra as WU6X.

FIRST STATION: Hallicrafters SX-111 receiver and Viking Adventurer 50W crystal (807 tube) CW-only transmitter to a dipole. I bought the pair used for $50 and repaired them to working condition. Through the years, other Viking radios, a Yaesu FT-101, the Drake B-line, a Yaesu FT-990,a Heathkit SB-200 and other radios that "glow in the dark" found their way into my radio room.

CURRENT STATION: Yaesu FT-1000D on long-term loan from my good friend K4JPP, backed up by an Ameritron AL-80B amp. I work all modes including the digital modes of PSK, RTTY, JT65 and CW. A 40-foot tower supports HF antennas including a 2-element, 5-band Lightning Bolt QUAD, inverted V's for 40m and 80m, and a 2m "J" at 50 feet. Although, not much of a DX chaser, I like to work "special events", so you may hear me in a pile-up now and then. I also work VHF/UHF and HF mobil every day with my Yaesu FT-857D, roof-mounted ATAS-120, and sometimes use a Hy-Gain Hustler mounted Australian style off the front bumper.

OTHER HOBBIES: Float tube and stream fishing for trout and bass, computer repair, radio-controlled sailplanes, camping and RV'ing, ARES and communications support for local events, and currently the Secretary at Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club (www.w6ek.org).

BIO: Past Assistant Commander Santa Cruz Police Department Reserves, Past ARRL Emergency Coordinator for Santa Cruz County. I'm a Vietnam veteran (68-70) - shipboard Radarman PO2, with 10 years total service in the Navy Reserves. My favorite jobs have been technical in nature. I've worked for Hewlett-Packard as a microwave tech, Grass Valley Group as a service manager in the television industry, and currently working for a worldwide engineering and architectural services company.

I'm sure we have something in common, and hope to work you someday. I work all bands and modes and occasionally even Echolink. If you hear me, break-in and say "HI". PS: I share the shack with my XYL of 40+ years, Louise, WA6FIA. BCNU and 73, Dennis

ABOVE: 5-band QUAD with and without snow! BELOW: WU6X Mobile