My station is modest (outdated!). I have an old FT902DM transceiver, with
an even older FT101B that was my main rig until 1991. At a hamfest in Augusta,
GA a few years ago, I picked up a Dentron Clipperton L amplifier (using
four 572B tubes) that I am still in the process of rebuilding and upgrading.
I also have a very old Heathkit HA-10, Warrior Amplifier that uses four
811A tubes. For VHF, I have a transverter for use with the FT902DM
that covers 6 meters, 2 meters and 432 Mhz bands on CW and SSB. I'm also
on 2 meter FM with a HT and mobile rig. Take a look at some pictures
of the shack.
The antenna situation
is constantly changing. I now have a Quad that will cover 5 bands from
20 meters to 10 meters (including the 17 and 12 meter WARC bands). There
are 3 elements on 20, 15 and 17 meters and 5 elements on the 12 and 10
meter bands. Here are some antenna pictures.
On 40 meters I have a full wave loop antenna that seems to work well. For
80 and 160 meters, I have a horizontal vee antenna with each leg about
235 feet long, supported about 60 feet high by trees. I use homebrew "L"
and "T" networks for tuning this wire antenna and it seems to perform well.
I have made many friends through amateur radio. Wherever I have lived,
amateur radio has always provided an opportunity to meet people with a
common interest. I am very grateful to the hobby because of this and try
to return something to make it better. I participate as a volunteer examiner
with the Monongalia Wireless Association
in administering FCC exams. I try to recruit new amateurs whenever the
opportunity presents itself. My son, W8TSW,
is tech plus and I enjoy talking to him on the air. My doggie, SM0KEY
(with apologies to the ham in Sweden who might get this unassigned callsign)
participates in my voice QSOs.
At
the age of fourteen, I was first licensed as WN3JGY and have been an active
amateur radio amateur ever since. After upgrading to WA3JGY, I held that
call until the first "vanity" callsign program of the FCC in 1976 when
I upgraded to Extra class and became K3JT. My interests have always been
CW operating, chasing DX and contesting. Along with that comes an interest
in home-brew antennas and fixing old radios (a necessity for me to stay
on the air it seems!). More recently, I have developed a fascination
with operating DX on the 160 Meter Band. The thrill of making long distance
contacts on frequencies just above the AM broadcast band continues to fascinate
me. I have 77 countries confirmed on 160 now and hope to make
more progress towards 160 DXCC. Please look for me on the air,
mostly on CW, but with some SSB operation, in contests or otherwise. I
always enjoy making contacts and talking with anyone interested in this
great hobby of ours. 73.