I (Phil) was originally licensed as a novice in 1972 as WN5IZF. I somehow found a used Heathkit HW-16, "Hot Water-16" as some called it. I hung up a simple dipole in the back yard and was on the air! I'll never forget two emotions experienced with my very first contact in Muncie, IN. First, I was ecstatic when someone actually answered my CQ from Muncie, IN, and then Kalamazoo, MI. But I soon got my feet wet "hamming" when that second signal report came back with a "C" attached to it. Of course, I immediately wondered what the "C" meant and soon found out that my little HW-16 had a good tone, but came with a little "chirp" as well. After finding out that was just characteristic of this rig, I relaxed and commenced to make more contacts. I was at that time in my 3rd year as an engineering student at Texas Tech University.

I soon upgraded to "advanced" by taking a slew of tests given by the FCC at a "HamCom" in Dallas, TX around 1978. I passed them all, one after another, but in so doing, I missed the whole blame HamCom! BUT, I got my advanced ticket and was elected to get a fresh new call which was KA5EXG.

I enjoy QRP, CW and simple rigs and antennas.  But I still use my old trusty Yaesu FT-707 and Kenwood TS-520S for a "main" base station.  (But I AM looking forward to the day when I can upgrade to a Yaesu FT-950, or Kenwood TS-590S. I don't expect to ever be in sufficient financial condition to be able to afford the high-end stuff, even though it DOES make me drool! :-)

I'm a life member of the ARRL and I enjoy collecting old vintage radios—ham or broadcast equipment— when I can find it in a garage sale for around $2!

I'll be updating this when I can, as there is more to say, but I gotta get to hammin'!

See you on the radio!

73,

WØCQ, Phil