Download My Latest Novel for Free
My hobby other than ham radio is writing. I have written four novels. The last one was written during the pandemic, and within the story, I used all my old ham calls – WN0VNJ, WB0FFE, and KE0PV. After finishing it, I made it available for free download as a PDF. Feel free to download it if you wish. I would also like to hear how you felt about the story. It is only approximately 50 pages, double-sided.
If you wish to download the Novel for free, click here
My Ham Radio Story
Personal Background
I’ve enjoyed the world of amateur radio for over five decades, engaging in many ham radio activities throughout this extensive period. This diversity is one of the most remarkable aspects of this hobby. Ham radio can be likened to a multifaceted diamond, offering something special for everyone, and it provides this enjoyment not just for a moment but for a lifetime.
In the early days of my ham radio journey, I focused on contacting DX stations, those foreign radio operators. Later on, I delved into contesting and satellite communications. However, as time has passed, I’ve found myself drawn more towards participating in nets and engaging in relaxed, informal conversations, or “rag chewing.”
One of my absolute favorite nets is the Chit Chat net, which convenes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. It’s a wonderful opportunity for participants to come together and engage in casual, friendly conversation. Join us for a few minutes, and I’m confident you’ll find it to be a delightful experience.
If you want to know more about me check out my personal page by Clicking Here.
Ham Radio Inspiration
The landscape of ham radio during the 1950s vastly differed from its present form. The equipment of that era was imposing and large, far from the sleek setups we have today. Back then, the term “SSB” had not yet found its way into the ham radio lexicon as an efficient method of transmitting voice. Voice communication was primarily achieved through Amplitude Modulation (AM).
In those days, Morse Code, facilitated through Continuous Wave (CW), remained a cornerstone of communication for many ham radio enthusiasts. It was a time when Mars was not just a planet but also a program that hams could join. This program attracted many enthusiasts because participants had the opportunity to receive surplus military equipment.
One of the delights of that era was working with the BC series of transmitters and receivers. These functional devices emitted a distinctive dynamotor hum as they adjusted frequency and voltage.
Dynamotors historically played a crucial role in
military equipment. They generated the high voltage required for signal transmission and converted power from the vehicle’s electrical system to operate radio equipment.
While I wasn’t a ham radio operator then, I had a close friend named Ralph Osborn, with the call sign K0GOT. Ralph owned a corner store in uptown Lake City, Iowa, a town of around 
800 people. This corner store served as the community’s gathering spot on Saturday nights, with people congregating on the front steps. I used to peer through the store window, captivated by the assortment of electronic equipment inside.
One day, I mustered the courage to enter the store and explore further. That’s when I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph. At the time, I was probably around 14 years old. Ralph gave me a tour and mentioned that he was a Ham Radio Operator. I had no clue what ham radio involved and, somewhat amusingly, assumed it had something to do with cooking while listening to it.
Ralph explained that ham radio was a means of communicating with people far away. To those who have never experienced a world without free phone calls and the Internet, the prospect of conversing with individuals from distant places was nothing short of enchanting.
He extended an invitation to visit his “shack” at his home. I was eager to see this radio station, picturing it as a building in his backyard. However, when I entered his house, I discovered that a “shack” in ham radio jargon referred to something entirely different. I was astounded by what I found. While the specific equipment he used has faded from my memory, I do remember that it was substantial. I would sit there, transfixed, as I listened to him converse with people using AM modulation, spanning vast distances with only a wire strung between two poles outside his house.
I became utterly captivated as I watched him communicate with fellow enthusiasts through his radio. Regrettably, I was pulled in many directions at the time, including building a phonograph recording business and pursuing a DeVry Electronic Course while still in high school. Nevertheless, the seed had been planted, and years later, ham radio would become a significant part of my life, a passion that continues to this day.
Beginnings
In 1969, I realized my dream. I obtained my Novice license with the call sign WNØVNJ. At that point, I was already an electronics instructor at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Since I was teaching a Communications Electronics program, I saw the potential for sharing this exciting new hobby with my students, setting a positive example for them.
As a Novice, my initial equipment consisted of a Drake 2B receiver paired with an Eico 720 transmitter.
My initial contact was with WN2HUD, Sean Quirke, from New York. I still have the QSL card from that memorable contact. Gazing at these QSL cards evokes a sense of nostalgia and reminds me of what we may be missing in today’s world of electronic “QSL Cards.” A tangible quality to holding these physical QSL cards in my hands makes that connection from so many years ago feel vivid and genuine.
Today, I keep electronic logs of my contacts and receive electronic QSLs. Honestly, it’s not the same as the anticipation of receiving a card in the mail from someone who took the time to fill it out and send it. Each card with its unique design and the personal notes from fellow hams added something truly special to the ho
bby. Unfortunately, this personal touch seems to be fading into the past for many. This electronic log, while convenient, doesn’t carry the same impact as the sensation of holding a physical QSL card in my hand.
General Class
A year later, I passed the code and written tests, progressing to the 
General Class Amateur category with the call sign WBØFFE. My first radio as a General Class operator was a Heathkit SB 102.
I traveled from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to the Heathkit factory to personally pick up the kit. The tour of the plant left an unforgettable memory with me.
I vividly recall the excitement that accompanied the process of assembling the kit and the moment I finally put it to use on the airwaves. I esta
blished numerous connections with fellow enthusiasts using that very rig.
In due course, I expanded my setup by acquiring an SB-220 to complement the SB102. I also set up a TH7dx antenna atop an HDX 55 crank-up tower, further enhancing my station.
Advanced Class
Our move to St. Louis marked a significant milestone in my ham radio journey as I upgraded my license to the Advanced Class, resulting in the call sign KEØPV in the 2X2 format. In St. Louis, my station consisted of the Heathkit SB 102 and SB 220, and I had an antenna positioned at 35 feet
, which complied with the HOA regulations. I was fortunate to obtain permission to feature a picture of the iconic Gateway Arch on my QSL card, adding a unique touch to my ham radio correspondence.
Dewitt, Iowa
When we relocated to Davenport, Iowa, in 1991, the house we chose had strict antenna restrictions.
I purchased two acres of land in Dewitt, Iowa to address this limitation.
I had a double garage constructed on the property, which I transformed into a ham shack.
I was concerned about how my neighbors might react to my antenna setup. To my surprise, they were supportive and genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of having large antennas on tall towers nearby. They offered to keep an eye on the property when I was away and even volunteered to help with lawn maintenance. I couldn’t quite fathom why this group was so excited about my antennas.
My curiosity eventually improved, and I inquired with one of the neighbors about their lack of concern. He revealed the reason, saying, “You must not be aware of who else was bidding on this property.” I admitted that I did not know any competing bids. He explained, “A guy wanted to use the land for pig farming.” That revelation provided a perspective
on the relative nature of living next to an Amateur radio operator. Ham radio antennas were more welcome than a pig farm, though both could be considered “hams” in their own right.
Upon our move to Atlanta in 1999, I sold the Dewitt property, and for several years, I went without a ham radio setup. However, in 2003, an opportunity arose to return to Davenport. While we once again faced antenna restrictions in our chosen home, we were fortunate to discover a perfect location for ham radio and an ideal retirement spot in the beautiful setting of Little Swan Lake in Illinois.
KB0PHF
In October 1994, my wife and I attended a hamfest in Peoria, Illinois. Initially, my wife wasn’t overly enthusiastic about waiting for me to immerse myself in ham radio activities. Nonetheless, she usually showed great patience and came prepared with reading material to pass the time.
Having observed me for many years and occasionally assisting me in my pursuit of ham radio upgrades, she decided to take a different approach. Rather than enduring the typical waiting game in a hot spot, she made her way inside the one air-conditioned building, where the ham radio exam was being conducted. She mentioned that she might even attempt the exam. I thought she might secure a Technician class license.
Surprisingly, she emerged from the exam room with a General Class license! Her unwavering support of my ham radio journey has always been remarkable. Nonetheless, she does admit that she would still rather be at her sewing machine than fiddling with a radio. I must confess, I’m puzzled by the sheer excitement she finds in operating her sewing machine, which has remarkably few knobs. Her sewing skills result in beautiful garments and splendid quilts, while my radio gear… well, let’s say I’ll leave the comparison at that.
KF0OML – WB0FFE
In August of this year, my son surprised me by getting his technical and, a few months later, his General Class license. Not only did he get his general license, but he also applied for and received my old call, WB0FFE! Now, when I talk to him, it is like talking to myself from the past. He lives in Iowa. This year, 2024, he operated the Iowa QSO Party. Both my wife (KB0PHF) and I contacted him. It was a grand family affair!
Little Swan Lake, Illinois
In 2005, we moved significantly by purchasing a home in Illinois with a spacious two-acre lot ideally suited for installing ham radio antennas. This residence was on the scenic Little Swan Lake in Avon, Illinois, and we believed it would be o
ur retirement haven. In preparation for our future, we even added a custom-designed extension to the house to accommodate my ham radio equipment, and I erected several antennas.
During our time at this location, I achieved the Extra Class License, and my call sign was upgraded to K9OQ, which I still hold to this day.
On April 3, 2010, life took an unexpected turn when I experienced a heart attack. Thankfully, I was one of the fortunate survivors. However, my cardiologist expressed concerns about living three hours away from the nearest cardiac hospital. With that in mind, we sold our dream home by the lake and relocated to Davenport, Iowa. It was a bitter pill to swallow as this had been our cherished retirement destination, and now it was no longer part of our future.
I had retired as Chancellor of Palmer University in 2009, and since our children had moved on, we opted to downsize. We found a new home within the city limits, offering a more manageable one-acre plot of land. I promptly set up my antenna system, including a TH11Dx on a brand-new 55-foot crank-up US Tower and a SteppIR vertical. The setup was impressive, but the radio room was somewhat cramped, struggling to contain the FT dx 9000mp and VL 1000 equipment I was operating with.
Last Stop – Cumming GA
In 2012, after enduring several harsh Iowa winters, we returned to the Atlanta area, where we had resided from 1999 to 2003. The area’s appeal was not only due to its location but also its favorable climate.
After an extensive search, we finally found a new home that allowed us the luxury of installing an antenna. However, there was a considerable challenge to overcome. The property was densely covered with trees, and a septic tank system field extended across most of the backyard. Even though there was no homeowners’ association (HOA) to contend with, I doubted whether there would be enough space to establish the antenna’s base.
After taking numerous measurements and conducting thorough assessments, I identified a single suitable location that would work within the constraints of the trees and septic tank system. I proceeded to acquire a 55-foot crank-up tower and a Steppir 4-element antenna, equipped with 40 and six-meter add-ons and a tilt plate. With the help of a professional, we excavated the necessary hole and successfully erected the tower.
While I had a great fondness for my TH 11 antenna, I found the Steppir outperforming any other antenna I had used. The addition of the 40-meter element proved invaluable during poor band conditions. I also installed an 80-meter inverted V antenna extending from the tower’s peak, providing excellent performance on 75 and 80 meters. I could work seamlessly across the band with the tuner in the FT 5000 and the VL 1000 amplifier.
Over time, I had accumulated a variety of new and vintage radios, all of which I held dear. However, at 78, I felt it was time to scale back. In the past year, I have sold nearly all of my equipment and now rely on a simplified setup.
Presently, I use an FTdx5000MP in conjunction with a VL 1000 amplifier. I also added a Flex 6400 and an Ameritron AL 1300. I am using the Flex as a remote operation.
While I love the Flex, it simply cannot compete in terms of sound quality with the Yaesu DX 5000mp. I have owned many radios, and none compare to the 5000!
I have retained my Steppir antenna while adding a Hustler 6btv with 62 radials. For 80 meters, I have a long wire antenna, and another trap dipole serves 40, 80, and 160 meters. Given the SteppIR antenna’s exceptional performance from 40 to 6 meters, the vertical and dipole antennas are seldom utilized, except for 80 and 160 meters.
Having the SteppIR antenna is immensely rewarding, which allows me to achieve resonance on any frequency. As many of you know, being resonant is not merely about SWR; it also significantly affects received signal quality. And I know those of you who will talk about boom length, I understand but this is a great antenna. Having used HY Gain TXdx11 and the THdx6, I know the quality of those antennas. Of course, one of the big advantages is the 40-meter capability.
2024 New Layout and New Equipment
I recently changed my station. I sold the ftdx5000mp and purchased a Yaesu ftdx101mp. This is my current setup.
In the upper left-hand corner is the camera outside on the antenna. Using that camera, I can see the antenna turning and monitor it for any issues. The monitor on the left-hand side is the FTdx101mp monitor. The next three and that large one on the wall are connected to the computer. They can hold the logging programs, WSJT or other applications.
Next to the FTdx101mp is the 991A which is used mostly on VHF. 
The Ameritron 1300 amplifier is used with the Flex 6400. The antenna tuner under the 991 is only needed on 80 and 160 meters since the beam is the antenna of choice for 40 through 6.
The SteppIR is set up to track with either the Flex 6400 or the Ftdx101mp. The 1300 also changes bands automatically with the Flex.To the far left under the Ftdx 101mp monitor is the VL 1000 amplifier. That is used with the Ftdx101mp. Again, it changes bands with the FTdx101mp.
I changed the location of the antenna and radio switches. I used a computer slide-out keyboard drawer. This allows me to connect any antenna to any of the radios.
I also added a FT 1000 mp, which I am thinking about selling just because I have too many radios. It works great. I also have a Flex 6400, not shown in the picture.
I purchased the
Drake Twins because they were in immaculate condition, both physically and operationally.
I made an additional change. I decided to sell the FTdx 5000 and 1000, as well as the Drakes. I already have the Flex and an FTdx101MP. At first, I thought I had made a mistake selling the 5000 for the 101. However, after using the 101 for about six months, I would not go back. It is by far the best and most flexible radio I have ever owned.
I have been using HRD software since Simon initially offered it for free. It’s a remarkable package, especially the way it works with other applications.
I use N3FJP’s software for contesting purposes, which I find to be the best. Scott, the developer, is incredibly supportive and responsive when it comes to software support.
For over 50 years, I have enjoyed this captivating hobby, and its boundless diversity keeps it engaging. I never grew tired of this hobby. I’m one of those enthusiasts who relishes trying new concepts and the regular contacts where we spend more time getting to know each other. I have enjoyed conquering modes like FT8 and FT4, along with other digital modes, but my favorite is just the regular SSB contacts. Nothing in my world surpasses the joy of a stimulating rag chew with what will indeed become a cherished new friend.
For Sale
I change out my equipment from time to time. Therefore, there may be equipment under the For Sale tab in the menu above. Please feel free to look at the items there.
My Books:
I have written seventeen books, including three novels, which can be found by clicking here. Take a look, especially if you like sci-fi! My latest novel, 2022, is now available for free download on the same page or by using the link at the top of this page.
73
Larry G. Patten
K9OQ