“Keep your antenna up and your key down” – Richard Schmidt K7NSW

First licensed as Novice 1961: WN6PQN in SFO Bay Area, California. Started with Heathkit DX 20 xmtr, Heathkit AR-3 rcvr, and Heathkit QF-1 Q Multiplier. Dipole on the roof. Age 16. Then improved antenna to Hy-Gain 14AVS vertical on the roof.

Next rcvr was Electrovoice RME 4350A. A real step up from the AR-3: very good selectivity and generally a much better rcvr. Worked great with the Q Multiplier. I was still dipping and loading with the xmtr – glad I learned the process and theory behind it but it did get tiresome along with having to change crystals.

Moved to Idaho for my career years and bought a Ten-Tec Century 21 xcvr – thought I had died and gone to heaven. First xcvr and the QSK was WONDERFUL. Sold that to raise money I needed to get a career started. The next rig was a Kenwood TS-430 – I really enjoyed that one. Wore it out!

The next set-up was Ten-Tec Omni VII with Ten-Tec Centurion QSK amp along with their antenna tuner. The antenna was a GAP Voyager. It also had a horizontal loop 812
feet around – fed with window line. Loop was 5 feet above ground hanging on fence posts. A good low-noise receiving antenna.

Retired and moved to Tucson, Arizona. In 2017 I added a Kenwood TS-590SG as my Field Day Radio. Old Timer now. Still pounding brass. Always casual op.

Enjoy SKCC. Primary home station equipment is still my Ten-Tec gear. I added an Ameritron AL-811H for use with my Kenwood TS-590SG. I use them operating portable around Arizona in my house trailer.

Used to spend winters in Green Valley, Arizona, and the rest of the year in Idaho. Now a permanent resident in Tucson. Live in an HOA community. Goodbye, big vertical antenna and monster loop. Lucky to have any antenna! It is a G5RV installed as an inverted vee. The center is up 35 feet. on a push-up pole, my HOA approved. Better than QRT.

I am an ARRL member and active in three local radio clubs: Tortolita Radio Club, Southern Arizona DX Association (SADXA), and Radio Society Of Tucson (RST)

“Keep your antenna up and your key down“. – Richard K7NSW

From: K7NSW – Callsign Lookup by QRZ Ham Radio