WB4A

Richard Turner
Morrow, GA

The present for my 10th birthday from my Uncle Stan, then KP4KR now W5PON, was a Hammerlund SPR-210-SX Super Pro receiver with a power supply. Much to my surprise when I inserted a coat hanger into the antenna connection a new world opened for me. I learned CW in the cub scouts, so, I played with the BFO knob (beat frequency oscillator for those not quite my age) every evening until I could copy CW. It remains my mode of choice to this day.

After military service, I completed my education, and with my new credentials entered into a profession that made it almost impossible for me to operate. I lived in Germany where I was an Opera Singer, Conductor,and then later, Musical Director of a Theater. During a thirty year career I also, had the pleasure of meeting other operators and received invitations to participate with them from Central Europe which kept my interest in the hobby.

Upon my return to the United States, I started over relearning CW which I had not used in many years. My Elmers (I had two) Bruce Ault (AA4XR now XW1B) and Mike McIntosh (WB4YRW) assisted, taught, and encouraged me to continue. Bruce, an avid DX'er, worked with me on the air practically every day which ignited the CW DX monster within. Since then I have participated to some extent in most WW contests. I am a former member of the Lakeland Florida ARC, and recently, joined the SECC. I intend to be a very active member.

My former call signs are: KC4BVF and AA4BI

Finally, after many years of bad antennas, RFI, locations, equipment, and conditions, I was invited to participate with the top operators at NQ4I…a FB dream come true!