03/16/2007 | W8JMF This was quite an adventure for me. I decided to start on 40, even though I had never worked 40 DX before. I clicked my Collins 30L-1 on, after getting the KWM-2 ready, and a parasitic supressor went up in flames. I had a new to me SB-200 backup amp. fail the previous evening when I tested it for the first time on 10M, so I went to have a look at it in the shop. I eventually found the wire from the tank coil had come off at the bandswitch , so it was a fairly easy fix. Many, many hours later I completed fixing all the questionable solder joints and tightening every single fastener, and thought I'd at least test the amp on 40M. Well I found things rocking and rolling, worked some stations there, and then worked my very 1st 75M DX contacts also, before stumbling up for some rest. I moved to 20M when I finally rose, and things were very good there.

I had never tested the G5RV on 15, but moved there and found it to work pretty well. I went back to 20 and then to 40, using my newly acquired Collins 51S-1 and my 75A-4 for split with the '64 KWM-2, as the evening wore on. I began Sunday on 15M, but had to leave for a rehearsal and concert. When I returned, I finished it out on 15 and 20. It was a thrill to work a number of stations on three bands. I didn't plan on submitting my log, but got encouragement and help from a local club, and my, how things have changed since I submitted paper, as KA8SIO, for the NR and 10M 'tests back in the 80s. Reading the other soapbox entries convinced me to write this. Although I've been a ham for almost 24 years, I feel a lot in common with some of the newcomers. I've worked in 'tests since my early days, but usually just to make a few contacts, though I did get a pretty good number in the CQWW and 10M 'tests in 2006.

I wonder how small of a minority I'm in, running all vintage tube gear, and logging everything by hand during the 'test. I'll be back, likely doing more of the same, in coming 'tests. I had the S-3 line and 30S-1 on my 10M vertical waiting in the wings in studio B, but never heard anything on 10, even when I was getting reports of openings on the other bands. If I can manage my Extra upgrade, get the other tuner and some more antennas in place, and have more on time, it will be intersting to see what I can do with the vintage station.

73 de John -- W8JMF