[SCCC] 1st Rig

[Neil Jessen]

OK....I will jump on the bandwagon.  I hope everyone isn't tired of these emails (though someone did ask to be removed a few days ago).

Rolling back the calendar to 1987, my first rig was a complete "mint" Kenwood TS-820S station, complete with the external 820 VFO and 820 speaker.  I also used the Shure 444 microphone with it.  I truly miss that radio and wish I had never let it go.  Although it didn't have the WARC bands, it was an amazing performer and I ALWAYS got compliments on my audio.  I remember having it all set up and ready to make the first contact and waiting on the mailman every day to see if my paper license would arrive from the FCC.  One day, I met the mailman and finally, there was my novice license.  Within 5 minutes of the mailman dropping it off, the envelope was ripped open and KB6VET was on the air.  I remember my very first contact was on 10 meter SSB with a guy in Colombia.   36 years later, I still find excitement in ham radio.   It has been a great hobby and my only regret is never being able to talk any of my family into getting their license.

73,
Neil - N6VHF