(formerly WN0NDN, 1965)

At age 12 having earned enough money from my paper route, I purchased a Heathkit GR-91 general coverage receiver.  My dad taught me how to solder with that kit.  It was frustrating trying to learn the Morse code on that rig, it just wasn't sufficiently selective, even with the addition of a Q-Multiplier. I had to be content listening to W6AM on twenty meters.  He had the strongest signal on the band!  I learned later in life why.  About that time, 1964, AM was on the way out and SSB was on the way in.

More money earned from the paper route allowed me to purchase a used Hallicrafters SX-111 receiver.  It was with this I was able to learn to copy Morse code.  Then a Heathkit DX-60A kit was purchased and my former neighbor (W0TRF) whom we used to listen to on our television when he did AM transmissions on ten meters, administered me the Novice exam.  I passed and had my first QSO on 40 meter cw with Gil, W3GIL, someone who has worked other first time novices noted on this web site.  That was September 26, 1965 when I was WN0NDN.  I still have the original 40 meter dipole that barely cleared the roof of my parent's house coiled up in the garage.  Several stations later, I'm still at ham radio as WA0NDN.  

73's and have fun with this project!
Gary Buda

WA0NDN