K5WTX
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Living in Oklahoma, an active interest in meteorology is almost a necessity. I have a Davis Vantage Pro II at home with a live internet link. Weather data from the station is uploaded every 5 minutes to the Weather Underground web site. My station name is NW Oklahoma City and my ID is KOKOKLAH25. APRS weather data from my station is also sent via internet to Findu.com. My station ID is my Callsign K5WTX.
As a geologist, I have always had an fascination with the outdoors and my favorite vehicle to get me there is the venerable Jeep. I have a 2005 Rubicon that I use for trail exploration and 1992 Renegade that I use as a daily driver. I am not a serious rockcrawler or mudslinger, I just enjoy taking established (TREAD LIGHTLY!) trails to get to a fantastic view. The Rubicon has been fitted with a 2.5" lift, 12000# Mile Marker hydraulic winch, dual red top Optima batteries, and an SPOD electrical distribution system. It is also equipped with an ICOM 706 MKIIG and a High Sierra Sidekick antenna for HF, an ICOM IC-901A for 144, 220 and 440 and an Mopar RB1 in-dash NAV system. The Renegade will soon have an ICOM IC-900A for 144, 220 and 440 also.
Like many other hams, I started out as a CB radio operator in 1972. I continued to be active in CB even after I received my first ham license in 1973 and let it lapse in 1975. The rig that I lusted for the most was the original handwired TRAM D201 but I couldn't afford it. Please check out my TRAM D201 page for more information.
K5WTX Station Equipment
The vast majority of my operating is on 80 and 40 meters and I am beginning to use CW more as the operators tend to be more friendly. My primary station equipment consists of an Icom IC-775DSP, IC-736, and IC-821H. I also enjoy using older amateur radio gear and my favorite line of equipment was made by the R.L. Drake Company. I have a complete TR7-R7 station with accessories, TR5 station, and UV3 FM transceivers that I use on a regular basis. I also have several pieces of vintage Swan equipment including an Astro 102BX , 600R SS-16/600T twins, 500CX SS-16 transceiver/508 VFO and a 160X 160m transceiver/160 VFO
R.L. Drake and Swan Company Links
I have only one vintage general coverage receiver that I use for the occasional short wave listening. The SX-133 was the last model tube type general coverage receiver that Hallicrafters made and is relatively scarce. This SX-133 was made in 1970 and was purchased from B&A Electronics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I enjoy collecting all types of vintage semi-automatic telegraph keys or "bugs"'. These keys were used to send high speed Morse code before the advent of electronic means. I currently have 50 "bugs" in my collection. Click on an image below to see the larger version.
Email good on QRZ
