pdrsite

KB3PDR is now W3PDR!

First licensed in 1962: Re-licensing in May of 2007, receiving call KB3PDR-now W3PDR -represented a return to Amateur Radio after nearly 40 years away. The changes in operating styles, modes and equipment are remarkable. In 1961 I started with an Ocean Hopper, WRL's Globe Scout CW transmitter, Knight Kit VFO and AM modulator. Several dipoles and a bamboo cubical quad put me in touch with my best DX, California. Boy Scouts, Field Days and MARS became a part of my world. Off to college, I took the high road to adventure, a four year hitch in the Marine Corps, eventually setting up the first Navy MARS station in South Vietnam. I am now retired from a business career in surgical instrument, device and equipment sales.

After getting my ticket in '07 , I searched for the old concept of the big rig. The tiny, powerful Yaesu FT-857D linked with a Dell Pro computer, Ham Radio Deluxe and an Ameritron AL-811H Linear won out delivering top performance in every way. Pile ups, occasional side band QSOs, experimenting in UHF,VHF,Digital PSK31,RTTY are all inclusive with the FT-857D. A hill top location allows for great results (DX total 150 countries) with a three band trap and G5RV. A sterba curtain and half acre loop are now under construction.

I will always be grateful to those fine senior hams back in Georgia who patiently taught me Morse code and the basics of Amateur Radio. The great tradition continues!

73s Mike
W3PDR

The Shop