Was initially licensed as a novice in 1954 as WN0VHH and soon upgraded to a General Class ticket and the call W0VHH, which, with a short exception as W8KQY, was my call until November, 2008 when my call became W8HMK. I use "Hal" as my radio name.

Was quite active during my high school years, but as going to college and graduate school, a profession and a family came into the picture ham radio was laid aside for a while. Got active again when my son became interested in ham radio (he is now W1FA) but went inactive for a period of time again when he left home. Got involved again since retirement from full-time professional activity.  In 2007 I upgraded to an Extra Class license.  

I enjoy achieving the various activity opportunities that the ARRL offers.  Achieved what I was unable to complete in the 50s, ie WAS (I was one state short in my earlier attempt - there were only 48 at that time). Now working on endorsements for WAS on each band.  Enjoyed working all 50 states as part of the ARRL Centennial year and its W1AW/X stations.  Also recently completed the WAS Triple Play.  Both were a lot of fun to complete.

Also enjoy DX and completed 5BDXCC (#7137) - a goal that looked impossible to me years ago. Have now completed 8BDXCC and have begun working toward DXCC on the Top Band. As of this date (late March 2017), I have 76 confirmed entities on TopBand.  A good start but a significant distance remains.  

Am very close to the 1800 level on the DXCC Challenge and have 293 entitites confirmed on DXCC mixed mode. The DXCC Honor Roll is a longer term goal but this old gray head may run out of time before getting there!. Have also completed 5BWAC and WAZ (Mixed Mode).Am excited about the opportunities that ham radio continues to hold and the new things that keep appearing to challenge one to advance.

Station includes two ICOM 756 Pro III transceivers.  One is coupled to an Ameritron ALS 600 and a Palstar HF-Auto autotuner; the second is coupled to an Ameritron ALS 1300 and a Palstar HF-Auto autotuner. Antennas include a Cushcraft R4 vertical; a 3-element SteppIR beam up about 35 feet; an 80 M dipole and an inverted L for 160 M. Enjoy receiving QSL cards but also remain very current with LoTW. I respond promptly to all QSL's received.

I enjoy "contesting"as well as more leisurely QSO's and hope to meet you on the bands.

The 3- element SteppIR antenna on top of the house

The old gray head himself - W8HMK

My son (Kirk, W1FA) with me.

Below is a view of the Ohio River from my shack window.