First AM Contact (K1MVP Take Note)

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Anyone remember the recent thread about Code/No Code, some people just can't learn the code and so on? I mentioned a fellow I elmered named Ron, KK1L. Ron was an early No Code Tech who then took to CW like a duck to water and made it to Extra Class in the blink of an eye. Sends CW with the best of 'em, contester, etc.

Well, it must've been fortuitous that I was on the air last weekend down on 3725 talking with a VE3 named Al. Running his big Marconi 4-400 rig, nice signal down here. Someone breaks in, clearly on a ricebox by the audio. Did I hear that call right? KK1...L? Ron ? Is that you??

Yep, true story. Ron made his first AM contact with Al and me on 80 meters. He was home watching the kids, tuning the band, and heard my callsign. He had thought I was already in Florida but figured the signal had to be too strong for that. We're in the process of making some plans to get together (he only lives about an hour away but I never see him).

So there is always HOPE for those using other modes. I also worked an OT in NH later that day who said he's a CW man but wanted to give AM a try. He said he'd be on more too, even though he gave away a Ranger II recently.

Most amsuing comment from the QSO with Ron: "Hmmm.....something smells like.... burning wood. The rig feels cool, so does the amp...wonder if I have it tuned up right? Better check the wires inside the wall before I burn the house down". He later described it in email as "that nice campfire smell".

Turns out he was running his FT-1000D full strap into the amp. Oops?

So Rene, there ya go. Maybe there is hope for ham radio after all, if KK1L can run his ricebox on AM. You'd better give him some pointers....

[K1MVP]

Hi Todd,
 Ok on Ron,--ya know I just saw him about a week ago, and I told him
 you were back on AM,--so he said "I will have to keep an eye out for
 him", and he did mention his ricebox would do AM,--and with his linear,
 he could give his signal an "extra kick",--and it never occurred to me
 to tell him to run his rig and linear at "reduced power" as compared to
 SSB.
 Let me know how he makes out with his rig, when you see him.
 I should have loaned him one of my tube rigs for am,--until he got the
 feel of it.
                                      73, Rene, K1MVP