Probably started in '78-'79 when I bought a used 23 channel CB radio for '66 Mustang. Don't recall the brand. Used it for traveling cross country when moving while in the military (moved a lot). Upgraded latter to a Realistic. Still have a TRC-428 and a Cobra 29LTD. Couple guys I worked with in the early '80's were into building their own ham radios but I never got the urge to follow but always had CB's. Picked up a AT-6666 a couple years ago, followed by a QT60 and then got my Tech and General licenses. Currently running a FT-710 and slowly studying for an Extra license sometime down the road.
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What year and why did you get into the Radio Hobby?
- Thread starter Moleculo
- Start date
1970 or 71.
An uncle gave me a book - "Using Electronics" - which is sitting on a bookshelf next to me as I type this. That was the initial spark plug. Finding a discarded AM transistor radio was the next. I hooked it up to an improvised antenna on my front porch and began prowling the bands.
Eventually an AM/FM stereo console (Christmas present) then a DX-160 (ditto) followed. Any radio receiver or transceiver I could get my hands on and either fix or use for parts was added to the collection. Add to this a steady stream of electronics related magazines and I was firmly on my way.
The amateur radio angle came about via two of those magazines. One which featured a complete SB-104 lineup, and another an FT-901DM. That galvanized me into getting a Novice license.
An FT-901DM station is currently out on my vintage bench and I have an SB-104A lineup (including an SB-230 and prototype antenna tuner/synthesized VFO) ready to go in its place when I want to change things up a bit.
One of these days I may get hold of a modern SDR-based rig but greatly enjoy operating the older stuff.
An uncle gave me a book - "Using Electronics" - which is sitting on a bookshelf next to me as I type this. That was the initial spark plug. Finding a discarded AM transistor radio was the next. I hooked it up to an improvised antenna on my front porch and began prowling the bands.
Eventually an AM/FM stereo console (Christmas present) then a DX-160 (ditto) followed. Any radio receiver or transceiver I could get my hands on and either fix or use for parts was added to the collection. Add to this a steady stream of electronics related magazines and I was firmly on my way.
The amateur radio angle came about via two of those magazines. One which featured a complete SB-104 lineup, and another an FT-901DM. That galvanized me into getting a Novice license.
An FT-901DM station is currently out on my vintage bench and I have an SB-104A lineup (including an SB-230 and prototype antenna tuner/synthesized VFO) ready to go in its place when I want to change things up a bit.
One of these days I may get hold of a modern SDR-based rig but greatly enjoy operating the older stuff.