Topband: 74 years a ham

[Paul Elliott]

On January 19, 1937, 74 years ago today, at the age of 14 I received my
first ham license-Class C Operator Privileges and call sign W5GGV
(Kingsville, Texas).  First transmitter was a 45 TNT, first receiver a
57regenerative detector and a 56 audio amplifier-built from salvaged parts
from old AM broadcast receivers, mostly Atwater Kents.  All CW, of course.
What kid could afford a mike in the Great Depression?-and  you could make a
key out of an old hacksaw blade.

 

About 17 years ago, after years of being fairly inactive in ham radio (busy
flying sailplanes), I got more active  on the ham bands, with emphasis on
160 m CW.  Using low power, with a bent piece of wire for an antenna, from a
noisy city lot in southeast New Mexico has been both interesting and
frustrating-even the good stations here  do not hear what either the East
Coast or the West coast hear. But, if DXCC approves all the QSOs in my
pending application, I will have 181 countries confirmed on 160 m.

 

The last 8 or 9 years I have had a 500 w amplifier, and have had small loops
and EWEs for receiving-has helped a lot.  I am still looking for ways to
improve my receiving situation.

 

The 160 m group has been very helpful to me when I asked for information
and/or help.  My sincere thanks to all those who have been so kind. 

 

Now let's see what the next 74 years brings.

 

73 Paul W5DM