Topband: 78th Anniversary of First Ham License

[Eugene Popov /RA0FF/]

 I'm shocked !
Paul, my heartfelt congratulations to you! I wish you health !


73! de Eugene RA0FF
http://www.qsl.net/ra0ff/

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 01:41:30 -0000 от "Paul Elliott" <paab at valornet.com>:
>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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