Hi all I've been a ham since I got my licence in 1975, but my interest in radio goes back to my childhood. I had my first experience with electricity playing with two nails in front of the 230VAC power outlet at the age of 2. Fortunately the fuses blew, but my interest was kindled.

I have had, like many people, a period of QRT, marrying and trying to make a living (farming) but from summer of 2003 I'm back on the bands. Dusting my CW and updating my rigs and antennas.

At present the gear is an old TS-850SAT, which I like very much. It has replaced a TS-450SAT, which replaced a TS820S. The '850 is accompanied by a FL-7000 linear with the IC-AT-500 automatic tuner. I've got my tower up, hosting an old Hy-Gain TH5DX at 18 m / 60 ft, and recently I added a 6 m 6 ele monoband ant at 68 ft which is homebrew. I like making antennas, and have an assortment of dipoles on various bands, including 160, 30 and 17 in addition to a W3DZZ. I also collect Drakes, an presently have the TR-4, TR-4Cw, MN-2000, L-4B and two different B-lines in th shack. Real radios glow in the dark!

Look forward to see you all on the bands. Sorry I don't take eQsls. Being oldfashioned, I guess, but I prefer the good old method.

73s de Karl