05/22/07

Ham Radio:

Background :

1996:

Started radio "career" with a Cobra 40 Channel CB HT that someone left in my mothers rental trailer. Rode around town on my bicycle that summer talking on it. Uncle picked up No Code Tech book at Radio Shack, I studied it, but never took the test.

1999 :

I picked up a Galaxy DX-73 and modified it to work (illegally yes I know) on CB. Shot up a 3 element Maco beam set, worked out well. Well the TVI on the neighbors phones was not so good, but I resolved that by making what I now know is a 1:1 Balun. AKA several turns of coax around a coke bottle. I shut down my station later that year, as I moved away from home and life kicked in.

2000 :

I met Dave (KB4ET) as part of my small business I had with Bob (KI4RWL). Unknown to me, the serial card he was buying was all part of his home station setup in ham radio.

2005 :

I purchased a 50 FT Rohn 25 Tower from a local here in Andalusia. I let it set for a year before I went and got it.

2006 :

I purchased an Antron 99 and put my Galaxy 73 back on the air (only thing I had left from the old days). Some things never change about the CB Band. I had not been there 2 days and remembered why I left. Robert and Clay had been discussing going and getting their Technician class license, however I did not study and go with them. After they got licensed, I decided I should too. Bob joined me in studying, given now SK Gill Blue had inspired both him and Jason to become hams. We all 3 went to Enterprise in May and passed our test. I completed the test in 4 minutes and missed one question. Three weeks later we were granted KI4PPA (Bob), KI4PPC (Jason) and KI4PPE (Myself). Me and Bob immediately applied for Vanity status, as we wanted our initials in our call signs.

2007 :

W4WEA Granted on 3/27/2007. Thanks to Bob Sullivan (W5RE) for his information concerning call signs.

This is just a rough outline, more information to come!

Wayne Alday

Amateur Call Sign W4WEA, Andalusia, AL USA