Biography

I have been hamming since 1967. I received my ticket after passing the exam at the Federal Building in Dallas, Texas. My call was WA5VGM and we were living in Russellville, Arkansas. We moved to Midwest City, Oklahoma and lived there four years after which we moved to Adamsville, Alabama. I could not keep my 5 call at that time and the FCC assigned my present call WD4LAR. In 1978 we moved to Tennessee, my home state. My first rig was a Heathkit SB101 and I also had the Heathkit SB200 amp. Wonderful radio and enjoyed it very much. Wish I still had it for keepsake purposes. In about 1969 or 70 I bought the Drake Twins and I still have them though I do not use them often. I now have the Kenwood TS590s and enjoy it very much. The 590s is driving the SB200. Recently bought a TenTec Omni VII will drive a new amp with a pair of 3-500Zs.In 1983 I was forced into almost total inactivity due to responsibility in two estates in which I was the executor. I had five employees helping take care of a lady whose charges was in my hand due to the first estate. My hours of work was mostly 18 hour days. That has all now passed and I am back on the ham bands and enjoying it more than I could ever imagine. I am on the Weather Net on two meters using a Kenwood rig there also. I use a dual band antenna on two meters made by Browning and I use a Buckmaster Windom on the HF band except on 75 meters where I use an inverted vee cut for 3.980. Am experimenting with a double bazooka antenna that kI4UYQ made for me. I also use the Heil Pro 7 headset and Heil foot switch.I am presently the NCS for the Tennessee Phone Net on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Stop by and check in to the net 3980. Was recently appointed Morning Net Manager for the net. I am also a member of the Obion County L.E.P.C which is part of the EMA group and am also a member of the Medical Reserve Corp for Northwest Tennessee. I have been appointed Emergency Coordinator for Obion County to serve with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service known as ARES. Have recently been elected President of the Reelfoot Amateur Radio Club. We meet on the 4th Thursday of each month. If in our area on meeting night please stop by the Obion County Library in Union City and be with us. e mail harrelld@charter.net