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I suppose my interest in amateur radio began with old books - books dating back to the really early days - oh, at least 20 or 30 years before I was born.

I read books about boys experimenting with "wireless" communications, and was especially piqued by a book on "spark" technology that I got from my Grandfather. One of the devices described in that book was a Ford spark coil - and I had one! Before I could initiate my 'wireless' career, however, I learned that 'spark' technology was no longer legal (in the 1940's).

I did not know anyone who was an amateur radio operator, at least locally. It was only after a move to Detroit, MI, to attend an electronics Tech school that contact with the world of amateur radio seem to come almost within reach. I held an FCC license to operate and repair broadcasting equipment by the time I graduated from electronics school, a First Class Radio Telephone license, but that was for 'professional' categories. The test to obtain an amateur radio license and call sign required that one demonstrate an ability to both send and receive morse code. That skill eluded me.

The door to the magic kingdom of amateur radio finally opened while serving in the US Air Force. Partly because of my background in electronics, and the 1st Phone license, I was assigned to work in a special Base radio station while waiting for my official USAF training class to start - a MARS station. That acronym stood for Military Affiliate Radio System - linking military and amateur radio operations. All of the right doors finally opened. I now had the knowledge to easily pass the technical parts of the amateur exam. The man in charge of the station was a licensed operator who had served a tour on Korea as a radio operator monitoring communist weather broadcasts in Morse code transmission (40 + WPM!) The FCC had recently opened up a new class of amateur license - the Novice Class - that required a code speed of only 5 Word Per Minute. Plus, a licensed radio operator could administer that test, locally. No need to go to an FCC office.

Finally! I became a licensed amateur radio licensee.

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