I have enjoyed presenting some of these similar pictures of the glory days of ham radio from the past. They might serve as a guide to see how much fun you can have in the future. I have received this picture from WG1L. This is picture of him when he was operating in 1959. He was at his parent’s ranch in Colorado. During his lifetime, WG1L, had more callsigns than me! WG1L is a dedicated member of FISTS as well. WG1L is a member of the Whitman Amateur Radio Club and the K1USN Club, so I have known him for awhile. He has given a bunch of presentations on different technical topics at the Whitman Amateur Radio Club’s meetings. We also give the licensing examinations in conjunction with the Braintree Radio Club, too. He has always maintained an avid interest in ham radio. He has a strong mechanical background. I find two things very interesting about WG1L. One item is the breath of the range in skills that WG1L possesses. The second is his determination. I think that ham radio in general attracts very capable individuals. I have met broadcasters, high-ranking government officials, scientists, successful lawyers, top-rated pencil wielding accountants that all know morse code. Of course, you know my fascination with wooden towers. WG1L had the dedication to plan and construct his tower. This was in the time of uncertainty, when few other hams were around to help with advise or labor and life had many pressing demands.

My friend, WG1L, also sent some pictures that he took of his tower. WG1L’s tower in California was 38 feet tall. He decided to employ a taper in order to reduce material costs and maintain structural rigidity. The tower was approximately four feet square at the base. Just think of it this; wood does not rust. The tower was reduced to one foot square at the top. Through the neck of the tower ran a steel conduit, which served as his mast. WG1L had only three feet of pipe exposed above the tower. He utilized a three element yagi to get himself on the air. The antenna was approximately 41 feet in the air. It gets more interesting. Where was his rotor? WG1L’s rotor was his arm. He would rely upon good old-fashioned American power to rotator his beam. No small bearings would fail nor would he worry about control wirings or the corrosion of the controlling circuitry in the rotor. WG1L would rotate the entire steel conduit. WG1L transferred direction to a pipe, which was parallel with the ground. He used a car steering wheel in his garage to rotate the tower. All you would need is a battery to run your radios in order to keep the DX rolling during a power outage. Just think of how ahead of the game you would had been during the Blizzard of ‘78. WG1L also built his radios out of Heathkits. He had a receiver that he built in Japan in the first picture along with a DX-40. Later on, he did purchase a Hammerlund HQ-110. I have also seen WG1L give wonderful presentations on building straight keys and paddles at the Whitman Amateur Radio Club. In the past he also shown me how to tie some very nice knots. WG1L also has built a cool mobile QRP station.

N1EY