I was bitten by the radio bug in the mid-sixties ever since building my first crystal-set. Helping the hobby along, a local ham divorced and chucked what probably amounts to a small fortune in old boat-anchor rigs today. I got zapped several times messing around with the gear and eventually got it working. Soon, I was loading it up into a 100 watt light bulb and sending CW to other kids around the neighborhood (1969). The radio and antenna projects have been virtually nonstop since that day. I was very active in the early seventies using the Granada Hills High School (WA6RNT) station. I owe my career in electronics, all to the Ham radio hobby I loved as a kid and still enjoy today.

 

I think I get more enjoyment on the bench or up in the air with antenna's, keeping my electronic skills honed, as opposed to just keying a mic. My passion for antenna building has been a bit obsessive.  When I do get off the workbench and on the air, at least I know I'm being heard.  To keep my on-air activities challenging, I do a lot of QRP.  I've worked the world on 25 milliwatt's (1/40 of a watt) HF - SSB voice. I also love flea-power VHF FM and SSB, often running less than 10 milliwatt's into my home-brew antenna's. I can't begin to tell you the enjoyment I get working distant VHF stations with my Bird 43 and 1-watt slug showing almost no deflection. I have posted a few Picts of  the multi-polarization all-mode VHF SuperLoop design. Feel free to contact me for more info on these exotic antenna's.

 

PS- I prefer the quality of the older gear, however I have some new junk too. 73-Gregg - KI6IUJ s9radio@aol.com