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 _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
