W4KBX consists of an Icom IC-7410 transceiver for HF and 6 meters, an Elecraft KPA500 that bumps up the 7410's power to 500 watts when needed, the matching Elecraft KAT500 autotuner, an Icom IC-706MkIIG transceiver for 2 meters, and a Heil PR 781 mic working through some magic audio processors by Julius Jones, W2IHY. There's also a SignaLink USB for digital modes.

The antennas are an NA4RR hex beam for 6 through 20, an InnovAntennas 6OWL6 6-element yagi for 6 meters -- a real one, not an MFJ knockoff, a Diamond CP22E for 2-meters, and an Alpha Delta DX-EE for 10 through 40.

 

Here's the capacitive paddle key I put together using MØUKD's circuit board and some junkbox parts and pieces. It's a joy  to use.

 

Here's my restored 1955 Hammarlund SP-600 in its handmade wooden cabinet with a matching speaker housing. The beautiful old maple came from an 1940s chest of drawers that followed me around since childhood.

It was a sad basket case when I found it, little more than boxes of parts. Took me about two years to do the complete restoration.

By the way, it's for sale.

 

And for the pilots in the crowd, here's my last homebuilt experimental airplane, built from scratch from highly modified KR-1 plans.

My modifications included the sliding canopy, the F16 style sidearm control stick, three-axis trim, reshaped fuselage, and dozens more. The engine was derived from a VW Beetle engine and was designed and built to produce about 75 reliable horsepower; the airplane cruised at 140 kt: 160 mph. It was a ball to fly! My own personal World War II fighter!

If you have a February 1990 issue of Sport Aviation (and who doesn't?) or can access it on line at the EAA website, you can see the full story of this great little airplane.

 

I'm a "retread" ham. I was first licensed in 1954 then dropped out in 1963 due to school, Uncle Sam, marriage and what not. After lots of help and gracious encouragement from some generous hams, I jumped back into amateur radio in December 2013 as a new Technician, then got my General in January 2014. In July of 2015 I earned my Amateur Extra.

If you landed here because we had a chat, thanks for the opportunity to enjoy some time with you. Look for me on 2, 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, and 60 meters.

I mail back a QSL card for every one I receive.

Cheers!

Richard - W4KBX