Rodney's Hompage

Like most of today's Amatures, the radio bug bit when I was young. I remember my Mom having an old upright Philco radio in the living room. And yes, the family spent alot of time working Jigsaw puzzles, while listening to the old radio shows of that time. The lone Ranger, Amos and Andy and the like. But there was more than one line on that tuning dial and I was most interested in the other bands. Most of my time was spent listening to Foreign Broadcast.

One day I placed my finger on the antenna connection and a whole new world became avaliable to me. The very next day, the bell wire was hanging in the tree. When I got to visit my Uncle in Kansas City Mo. I was allowed into his Ham Shack. All I was able to do was look and listen, however the Amatuer bug was just starting to get to me. This uncle also showed me the ECHO satalitte during a pass over Southern Indiana at night.

It took another 20years before I got interested in Ham Radio, but thanks to Roscoe Davis WA9TJS, now silent key, I learned the code and got my Novice ticket WN9NHX was the call and I was proud of it. My wife at the time wasn't. I was given the choice. Either she or the radio goes. I should have kept the Rig but you know how that goes.

20 years later the bug bit again. I had devoted my life to being a Railroad Station Operator/Clerk. Then when the stations started closing up, I started driving a Truck. After developing Sleep Apnea, and barely avoiding several wrecks on the highway, I was able to take up the hobby again.

Now I hold a General class license and spend most of my time working either with the Ham gear or working on the Computer. I am the Net Control Operator for the Knox County Skywarn System we have in Vincennes, In. and a member of the Old Post Amatuer Radio Club here. Due to a recent move, I still do not have any HF antennas up yet, but before long I hope to at least have a 20-meter di-pole in place and will be back on the air. Look for me! Thanks Rod Smith KB9LNA

Favorite Links