Threw my first sparks as a totler, plugging in Dad's train transformer to the 110 service.

As a teen, it was lamps, sockets, knife switches, batteries, etc., etc., that held my interest.

Joined Uncle Sam's finest in 1954. Trained as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Served 4 yrs, 2nd Marine Air Wing.

Worked in and around electricity and electronics all my days, R & D, PC Board Mfg'ing, Test, troublshooting and repair.

Stumbled upon Novice Study Manual at Radio Shack in early 90. First Lic'ed June of that year. Pushed on, 5 written exams and 3 code test later, Extra Class ARO. Later picked up General Radio Telephone ticket as well.

Worked lots of HF/VHF RTTY and Packet in early 90's but work lay away the hobby for a few.

Retired early 2006. Broke out the duster and put the equipment back on the airways.

Now enjoying digital communications to the utmost. Though I'm only a hunt and peck typest, it doesn't hold me back from many fruitful and enjoyable QSO's on Packet, PSK-31, RTTY and SSTV, all bands.

Keep an eye for me. I'll be looking for you, dit dit, 73, Joe.