K4CVI

Bolingbroke GA

I passed my novice test in 1978, my technician in 1982, my general in 1983, my advanced in 1994.

All of these tests except for the advanced were given at the FCC office on Peachtree Street in Atlanta GA. I could never master 20 wpm code so after a long hiatus I passed the no code extra class in 2023.

I use an Icom IC-7300 as my primary HF radio. An MFJ-998 auto tuner takes care of the SWR's. An Ameritron AL-811H amplifier running 4-572B's feeding a G5RV dipole aligned north south at 70 feet.

For VHF work I use an Icom IC-9700 all mode along with a JM PA-350 VHF amplifier feeding a Hustler G-6 vertical topping out at 75 ft.

Both station can operate on emergency power via 2 batteries and a solar cell.

I enjoy talking 15, 20, 40 m SSB, 80m and 160m AM/SSB, and FM 2-meter simplex, but I do visit other bands occasionally.

I have no particular interest in digital operation modes of any kind. You could say I am mostly an old school guy. Not to say that won't change. All my contact awards are earned via SSB only, no digital modes are used.

My Golden Retriever, Beau, keeps me company in the shack.