Biography

Am retired from the phone company.

Originally licensed 1975 as WN1SSX, WA1SSX, AB1A in 1978, off for a while (2005-2013) back active on the HFs Apr. 2013. I have two adult children. My wife is also a ham, N1GTJ. When I got back into Ham Radio, my first radio was a used IC-718 and it was great, loved the radio. Put up three G5RV's dipoles at 50 to 70 ft. Upgraded to an ICOM IC-7410 and an amp/antenna tuner, an IC-7700 and now an IC-7610 fantastic radio with dual watch. Also just put up a 3 el beam on 6m, upgraded to a 5 el. First time ever on 6m. In honor of my uncle Dick (W1ZSV SK) who I was named after and got me interested in ham radio and was a BIG 6M AM guy in the day. I remember his setup, Gonset radio I think, or maybe a Clegg 99 with crystals. Remember crystal control?? Worked the major Aurora event in March 17, 2015 worked 13 states and Canada. Unbelieveable with beam headed north. 1857Z to 2121Z. Also the epic 6M opening to EU after the 2016 June VHF test, June 13, 2016 from 1305Z to 1648Z. I worked 53 stations in EU and 7 new countries.

I want to thank my uncle Dick W1ZSV (silent key) for getting me interested in ham radio and my friend and ELMER, Bob K8LJ for the kick in the ass to get my ticket and finally to Extra Class. And of course my wife, N1GTJ, for supporting me over the many years, and for her understanding when I wanted to put up two 120 ft. towers one which was attached to her barn. Also recently when I decided to get back into ham radio.

In the late 70's and thru 2001 I had two 120 ft. towers one with TH6DXX and sloping phased dipoles using the guylines for 80M. The second tower had 2 element 40M beam and tower was 1/4 wave vertical on 160 with 120, 120 ft. radials. Had an 800 foot beverage for receiving. Of course a KW and many different radios from HW-101 to Kenwood latest radio for 1990's.

After nearly 41 years of ham radio I decided it was time to get a new call, K2KA. Granted on 26 April 2016. Thanks to the FCC for picking my app out of many who applied.

After 43 years I finally got Honor Roll (now 344 countries confirmed)(thanks to the Bouvet Dxpedition) Feb 2023.



Dxpeditions to KP2, KL7, KH6.



See you on the airwaves.

�

73, Dick K2KA and Sue Ferry N1GTJ

Worked DXCCs: