Tom Perera, W1TP, has a collection of over 3000 Morse code keys and bugs going back to pre-American Civil War, perhaps the largest collection in the World. He displays these keys in his virtual, on-line museum. W1TP shares with me the history of his collection, some interesting stories, and his newest interest and collection of military cipher machines, including the WW2 German Enigma, in this QSO Today.

Greg Algieri, WA1JXR, began his ham radio journey by asking his dad for a Gillette Blue Razor Blade to make this first receiver, leading to amateur radio licenses, higher electronics education, and an entire career with Raytheon, where he worked in radio and antenna design.  WA1JXR is active in his amateur radio community as a teacher of new and existing hams, restoring boat anchor vintage radios, and getting on the air.  He is my guest in this QSO Today.

Ted Holland, WB3AVD, describes himself as a cultural anthropologist who creates artistic telegraph or CW keys based on themes that move him, including OZ’s Emerald City.  An avid QRP contest operator and local emcomm enthusiast, WB3AVD shares his amateur radio successes in this QSO Today. 

Frank Kollins, WA9CWX, loves to operate CW from multiple operating positions, from restored vintage to the most modern rigs. Frank is a student and teacher of radio history from its very ether-like beginnings, to radio’s evolution through World War 2. WA9CWX has an amazing CW key collection and is my QSO Today.

Marty Woll, N6VI, found his way into amateur radio, along with other high school teens in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley in the late 1960s. Interested in CW, chasing DX, and contesting, Marty’s ham radio interests evolved to include VHF, UHF, and microwave contest “roving”, and now emergency communications.  N6VI has always been a leader in our hobby and is my QSO Today. 

For Peter ODell, WB2D, amateur radio morphed into a professional life at the ARRL during the time of Spaceshuttle STS-9 and the introduction of the first amateur radio broadcast from the Shuttle.  Peter describes his amateur radio journey and the challenges of being a ham radio journalist in this QSO Today.

Thomas, Tom, Tate, WA7NPX, began his ham radio journey with his best friend in middle school.  The amateur radio hobby can make lifelong buddies as well as develop practical and professional skills.  WA7NPX shares his ham radio story and how it can serve as a springboard for developing expertise in other hobbies as well.

Henry Seidner, WA2ROA,  like many of his contemporaries in the 60s, discovered amateur radio from Shortwave listening and was licensed in high school. Henry  spent most of his professional life living and working in New York City, and travelling the world.  Amateur radio was his door opener allowing him to make lasting friendships.  WA2ROA tells this ham radio story in this QSO Today. 

Larry Tyree, or Tree, as he is known in amateur radio circles, loves to operate contests, work DX on 160 meters, from his 28 hilltop acres in the Oregon forest, near Portland.  Tree is a serious CW operator, where good antenna design, focus, skill, and patience bring the amateur radio rewards.  Tree tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Roland Smith, K7OJL,  entered ham radio almost 60 years ago after the launch of the Sputnik satellite.  His ham radio activity paused for many years as a result of professional relocations and family commitments.  Roland has since returned to amateur radio at a fast and furious pace, operating in just about every band and mode.