First licensed about 1960 or 1961 as WN8AWV and followed by WA8AWV in Brunswick Ohio. Operation was on 75/80 meters, CW with a little AM. The receiver used was an HQ-100A which I still have. The transmitter was homebrew using a simple 6AG7/807 tube compliment as a novice and later upgraded to 'high power' with a second 807. Another transmitter I built used a pair of 6146s to obtain DSB but I didn't care much for that 'silly side band' stuff back then. I also built a power amplifier for my little rig using four 211 tubes which were only 50 cents each at the local surplus outlet. (I now see these tubes are reaching $200 each...amazing!) This 211 amplifier was also plate modulated using four 1625 tubes and a couple of ART-13 modulation transformers.
Picture of WN8AWV back in July, 1962. Click on picture for full size view.
Ham radio operation was minimal from late 1963 till I received a BSEE from Cleveland State University in 1968. Cleveland State, or Fenn College which was its name when I started, did have a ham station down in the basement of Stilwell Hall and I did operate it occasionally. I recall it was some old military gear but don't remember what specifically or the station call anymore. I moved over to my current KH6GRT call in late 1968 after moving to Hawaii. The transmitter used back then was a homebrew CW-only rig using a couple of 6146s. I picked up a used Hallicrafters HT-37 in 1973 which I used extensively over the years. The receiver was that same HQ-100A supplemented by a resurrected 51S-1.
Well, the years have rambled on and on and these days finds me retired. I did use an S-line for awhile (nice!). We have been downsizing a bit and if I can't lift the equipment easily, it's time to move beyond it. I've gotten rid of that HT-37, my R-390A, some other heavy boatanchors, and the HQ-100A. We moved onto a FT840 for awhile and now a FT-950 where I'll probably remain for awhile. I do have a love for those old tube rigs but don't have the room for them now, except for 'mr. henry'.
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