Page Last Updated: 04/01/2008
I was interested in Ham Radio at the age of 10!
My father was an Amateur Radio Operator, and I helped in building and installing equipment and antennas both at the QTH and in his mobile. My fathers call was K8VEB! He became a silent key in 1972.
My father's station was a HQ 180 receiver, Ameco receive pre-amps and converter for 6 and 2 meters. The transmitters were an Knight kit TX 150, Ameco TX 62, antennas were dipole, 4 stacked Finco 6&2 beams at 70 feet. He also had the Johnson Thunderbolt 6N2 amplifier. He used the Utica 6&2 in the mobile.
I earned the Novice (WB8FDB) & Technician (WA8PEJ) ticket in August of 1962 when I was 14 years old. My first ham station was a Knight kit R-100 receiver and T-60 transmitter with crystals for 80 and 40 meters. Gonset Communicator for 2 meters AM. The antenna was a 80 meter dipole and we used a home brew antenna tuner. In 1965, both my father and I were able to get the WAS on 6 meters. The bad part, the Utah station never confirmed the QSO. We did it, but no official paperwork. Upgraded through the ranks, and received the Extra Class ticket in 1987.
Through the Vanity Call Sign program, I was able to be assigned my Fathers Call!
I have been a member of the following clubs: Grand Ledge High School ARC, Central Michigan ARC, Fort Monmouth ARC, Martinsburg ARC, Frederick County ARC, Eaton County ARC and Eaton Four Forty Emergency Team (EFFECT).
Graduated from Grand Ledge in 1967. Married to Mary Ann in 1968. Joined the U.S. Army in 1970. Scott was born in 1971 while we were stationed at Fort Monmouth NJ. Wm "Kim" was born in 1974 while we were stationed in Darmstadt Germany. Started working for the State of Michigan in 1980 as a Main Frame Computer Operator on the midnight shift. Carrie was born in 1981. Mary Ann was diagnosed with leukemia in 1974. She passed away on January 25, 2002. Retired from the State of Michigan in August 2002. Remarried to Dawn February 14, 2003.
My hobbies are: Amateur Radio, Weather Spotting, Teaching Adult Ed, Woodworking, Photography (Digital/8mm/35 mm), Programming (Quick Basic, C+, Visual Basic), Stock Car Racing, Tractor Pulling, Building/modifying PC's, Surfing the net.