(formerly KN4LNE, 1956)

I started in the early 50's as a SWL and in 1954 my folks got me a Hallicrafters S85 receiver which was a dream after using a table model RCA broadcast radio with a mystery third knob.  When I had that 3rd knob turned, the fascinating world of shortwave and hams came blasting thru.  I could hear the code but unable to copy as there
was no BFO.  The S85 resolved that.  One of the people I met in 1955 lived nearby and was a ham W4ENC - Elmer Beck.  Elmer loaned me a oscillator-buzzer to practice and in March 1956 along with Dan Smith (now K4JJF) took our Novice tests.  I had studied the theory and thought the code but did not allow for nerves.  Dan Passed and I didn't.  Went back to Elmer after the 30 days and took the test again.  Passed but the wait was enormous - some 20 weeks til the paper with KN4LNE appeared.

By that time, I had a WRL Globe Chief 90 to go with the receiver and a host of crystals (most I still have) for 80, 40 and 15 meters.  This was 1956.  In February 1957, I took my Conditional test and was soon on the fone bands - mostly 75 meters.  I attribute my start in amateur radio to a career in government communications as a cw radio op in the Air Force and later with the FBI.