Topband: Fw: 78th Anniversary of First Ham License

[Bill Aycock]

-----Original Message----- 
From: Bill Aycock
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2015 9:15 PM
To: Paul Elliott
Subject: Re: Topband: 78th Anniversary of First Ham License

Paul--
To repeat a cliché', "Way to go!"
At that time, I was 10, and had just completed the "Exploration"
(dismantling) of my first Radio-- also an Atwater-Kent. Battery  powered,
with a speaker that sat on top. It had been a Trade-in at the Hardware and
Furniture my Dad ran.
Also in Texas.
Bill--W4BSG

-----Original Message----- 
From: Paul Elliott
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2015 7:41 PM
To: topband at contesting.com
Subject: Topband: 78th Anniversary of First Ham License

Today I have the extremely good fortune to celebrate 78 years of being a
licensed ham.  On a day late in January 1937, in Kingsville TX, I came home
from school and found a small envelope waiting for me.  Inside was my
license, dated January 19, 1937:  operating privileges Class C, station call
sign W5GGV.  I was 14 years old at the time.



My first rig, operating only on 40 m CW, consisted of a type 45 tube in a
TNT circuit and a 2 tube receiver (regenerative detector and one stage of
audio). Both were built from parts scavenged from junked Atwater Kent
receivers.  My key was a piece of hacksaw blade.



I did not start operating on 160 m until about 20 years ago.  On a 120' x
120' lot (very noisy electrically), in Hobbs, NM, I have been able to
confirm 187 countries on 160 m.  I am still trying to come up with some way
to improve my receiving antenna situation.



Age, not surprisingly, has taken its toll but has not stopped me completely.
Both sending and receiving speed have decreased to about 25 wpm-can still
have fun with what I have left.



My thanks to all those on this reflector who have provided help and
instruction to me over the years. There are some very good people on this
reflector.



One small historical note:  I still have my original license although
somewhat the worse for wear.  It got thoroughly soaked in the Pacific Ocean
and stained  when the ship I was on in WW II was sunk by a kamikaze.



73 Paul W5DM

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