I've been in ham radio 39 years. Call sign is WB8NHV. I worked CW and packet for over 10 years, then lost my 70-foot all-band dipole and had to move shortly after that, so my amateur career was cut short until just recently. I'm still on 2 meters with an Icom IC-T22a 1.5 watt handheld, and am a member of the Lake County (Ohio) Amateur Radio Association, being moderately active on their local repeater, N8BC/R, 147.81-21. I am back on HF as of about a year ago, using Echolink software on my Windows XP computer. Cannot use my standard HF gear (Icom IC-725) because I live in an apartment building; of course, in most cases, including mine, that means no outside antennas. I do have a portable 10-40-meter antenna, but it doesn't work well inside the apartment; however, since getting the Echolink software going on my computer I am back on HF (if only on voice modes) and honestly don't miss my OTA station at all. My Echolink node number is 331660.

73,

I recently acquired a Collins TCS setup from WWII. In anticipation of bringing it back to life I've (just) begun studying CW. I've passed practice exams in the past and will study up when the time comes. I was always interested in ham radio but never had an Elmer or any equipment to get on the air until now.

Under the new regulations, you don't need to know CW to get an amateur license; the FCC abolished the code requirement several years ago. The written test is only 55 questions. If you get a score of 74 percent or better on that test, you're in.

Collins was a very good make of amateur gear in its day. I'm not familiar with their military equipment, but I bet it was just as good as their civilian gear. :yes: Perhaps other hams with more knowledge of Collins gear than I will chime in and tell you more about the history of this great make of amateur gear.

Good luck when you go for your ham license. I've been licensed 39 years and, despite living in an apartment and being unable to erect outdoor antennas, still enjoy the hobby immensely. I'm currently using Echolink (r) voice-over-IP (VoIP) software on my computer to communicate by voice with hams across the US and around the world, so if you are in a situation where you cannot for any reason erect an antenna or have any other problems getting an RF-based amateur station on the air, Echolink is the way to go, IMHO.

73 (best of regards in ham talk),

I just thought I'd put in a comment or two.

I have had my ham license for 62 years and the hobby keeps getting better. I have a very nice setup, legal limit of power, nice antennas, and so on. I operate CW, SSB, AM, PSK, packet, RTTY, SSTV, and anything else that comes by. I was in MARS for years and am now joining again - Army before, Navy this time. I was a volunteer examiner for a while.

I have a nice lab where I do repairs and building. I do have an EE degree but there are things you can't learn in school. Last night on 20 meters I had a nice conversation with a guy in Israel. Last weekend I attended a party and met some cool guys and saw some cool stuff and even took home some gear.

I admit having disdain for CB. Back in the day, I was on 11 meters but at that time it was a ham band. I have an impressive list of gear I have used over the years, nearly every brand, tube and solid state. I still remember the pin connections on many tubes and many of the hams I have worked over the years.

Right now I'm looking for a small auxiliary tower to support the WARC beam I designed and built. I like the WARC bands because they give me a break from the contests that mess up my hobby on most weekends. I hate contests so much that I won't even do Field Day.

If anyone has any questions I might be able to answer, shoot! 73 from California.

Well im not a ham yet. But i did sign up for a course on them, learning the basics and studying for the test. Ive recently been looking at tube era rigs. This just looks like fun to me, something new to learn about.

The Collins only handles 1.5-12mhz, so if I get a novice or technicians license I'm stuck with CW. I'd like to learn it anyway to tell you the truth.

Hello! New guy here ...

I've been licensed since 1991 and enjoy CW contesting and chasing DX. I've been somewhat inactive the past couple of years pursuing other interests, but the station is still set up.

Don K8BB