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  • Tony Randel, K6BBT
    (formerly WN6LGW, 1968) I enormously enjoyed my time as a Novice. I probably upgraded too fast. That was 1968.My best days on ham radio were the first 6 months – as a Novice. It was really a thrill back then. Naturally, that comes with the perspective of age. Often times…

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  • Charles Sig Signer, NV7E
    Sig, got my novice in 1955. your early experiencs also mirror mine. i built my 1st xtal set from scratch then went on to AM SWL late at night picking up stations across USA. those were the days! Held ... More...
    06.06.13 04:20
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Early-1950s 1953 Bill Bell, KN2CZZ

Bill Bell, KN2CZZ

(1953)

In 1951 or 1952, there was a story in Boy's Life, a boy scout magazine, about a young man who built a radio and went on the air without a license, and was caught.  That story intrigued me.  I was hooked on two way radio.

I went out and picked up an ARRL license manual.  I made an appointment for the novice test, in July of 1952.  I thought that I was prepared for this test, but I failed the code test.  I was very nervous.  I had to wait for the next test to be given in Syracuse, in January 1953.  The FCC only gave tests twice a year in Syracuse.  Once in July and again in January.

I took the test in January of 1953.  The novice ticket finally came after I waited 3 months, 2 weeks and a day.  I still have the original license manual that I studied from.  I also have the appointment notice from the FCC for the test.  I also have my original novice license, and my first rig, a Hallicrafters SR-75.  It is a 10 watt input crystal controlled CW transceiver.  Having trouble with the rig, I soon gave up and went on to other things, at the young age of 15.

In the mid 70s, I had a re-interest in ham radio and got back into it with the call WB2MOP.  In 1978, the FCC for a short time had a de-regulation in the call sign system.  At the time, I requested my old novice call, KN2CZZ.  I have been enjoying mostly 30 meters, since November, 1982, when we were given the band.

This hobby has been a joy for me for many years!

73s, Bill Bell

KN2CZZ

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