[SCCC] N6MI (early gear)

[J. Scott Bovitz <bovitz@bovitz.com>]

I was licensed in 1969, when I was in junior high school. I build a low power 15 meter transmitter (homebrew). Then I built a Heathkit receiver. (Thanks, Mom and Dad.) I put a 15 meter dipole between the house and the walnut tree, up about 12 feet. I worked about 10 guys over three or four months.

I upgraded to Johnson Viking Adventurer. I worked about a hundred hams in the United States and Canada. (I had more crystals that you.)

Then…

I moved up to a Heathkit HW-101. I also build a 500 watt amplifier, rack mount. Dad was an engineer, so he kept me on track. I would dim the lights in the house when I keyed down. (Nothing better than that, is there?)

I put up a vertical in the backyard. I worked a ham in Japan.

There was no turning back.

Now I own a television news van (n6mi.com<http://n6mi.com>). I camp in the mountains/desert a few times a year with my ham radio gear. Except for monthly transmitter hunting on two meters, I operate only during CQ WPX CW, the June VHF contest, Field Day, and the California QSO Party. But with these improving conditions, I hope to operate a little more.

Thanks for the memories.

And thanks for the contacts.

73,

N6MI