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Got started in ham radio in 1971 with novice license WN9GDX. But novice was not renewable back then, and I did not upgrade at the time. It has been a slow climb through the license classes for me. I applied to reactivate my novice license April 19, 1994 and got the call WB9TZV.  I had a poor operating set up and did not make any contacts, heheh.  But my application to get my novice call, WN9GDX, back was approved Sept. 13, 2002, and I upgraded to technician August 22, 2004.  Then on August 16, 2009 I passed the General class exam, but didn't get back on the air until October 2013. I finally stopped procrastinating, took the Extra exam, and passed it in January 27, 2015.  As of March 3, 2015, my call is WM9F. (My twin brother's call is WM9I.) I am now using an ICOM IC-7100 and operate at 100 watts with an LDG AT-100ProII Autotuner going to a Titan DX vertical that performs well, or use an Ameritron ALS-600S with the ARI-500 when I do QRO. I also have an IC-735 with all the matching accessories that I use as a back up.  I have a very nice Czech military surplus straight key and a Vibroplex Brass Racer.

I am active on most modes and enjoy DXing, though I don't have an ideal station for it yet.  It is still a lot of fun. I was able to earn the WAS, DXCC, and WPX in a few months. But I enjoy making any contacts and ragchewing just as much. 

I do collect QSL cards, so I reply 100% to direct requests, no SASE or postage needed.  DX can also send to the W9 bureau (North Illinois DX Association). But I like the ease of verifying contacts through LOTW as well.  Additionally, I upload regularly to HAMQTH, ClubLog, HRDLog, and eQSL.

My clubs: OMISS #9085; EPC #22203; 30MDG #6593; DMC #07504; PODXS-070 #1732 (LONP #298)

I am a Life Member of the ARRL.

Just starting to relearn CW.  SKCC# 14156

This my current station. Not shown is my Yaesu VX-8DR quad band HT.

This is the Titan DX I set up in the back yard.