I was first licensed at age 13 in 1956 as WN3GOI in the "Back Mountain" region of the northeastern Pennsylvanian wilderness and got my General class license later that year (remember, in those days you had to upgrade within 12 months of getting your Novice ticket or you were off the air!). I kept W3GOI until I worked at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory on the Big Island in the early 70's, when I was assigned the callsign KH6IJX. I also used that call for a time from California, /6, and Virginia, /4, when I returned to the mainland. The FCC was kind enough to give me back W3GOI in 1976, and I kept that callsign until I opted for W4AU in the 1996 vanity program. I just got tired of working contests from Virginia with a 3 callsign and also wanted something "snappier" for CW; it works...

I operate about 99.9% CW and my main interest in ham radio is CW operating and contesting. I'm a member of CWops, A-1 Operator Club, PVRC, and the best small ham club in Virginia, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (check out k4lrg.org). I enjoy helping to organize our FD activities and our club's annual foray in the Virginia QSO Party. As chairman of our contest committee, I'm always trying to get new club members interested in this challenging and enjoyable aspect of ham radio.

If you work me in any contests or at any other time, don't hesitate to QSL. I really like using the LOTW and prefer that method for confirming both domestic and DX QSO's. That being said, if you would like a card, I respond 100% to cards either direct or via the bureau. Of course, a SASE is appreciated for direct QSL's.

Here's what my current shack setup looks like:

Radios:

2 x Elecraft K3 with P3

Amps:

Elecraft KPA500 for DX'ing and casual operating

Alpha 78 and Drake L-4B - for HP contests

Other:

Two, TenTec Model 238 tuners for antenna switching and using my 40-meter extended double Zepp

on other bands with second radio.

SO2R equipment includes a pair of ICE 419 BP filters and a TopTen DX Doubler

Antennas:

KT-34A @45' - with Green Heron controller

Extended double Zepp for 40 @45'

Dipole for 80 @50'

Inverted "L" for 160