Name here is Andy (The only people who call me by my first name are government officials and those pesky telemarketers).
I have always had a lifelong interest in electronics, my first radio was a Knight-Kit Star Roamer Short Wave receiver that I built when I was in the 8th grade (still have it on the shelf). Listened to lots of now defunct SW broadcasters over the years but never could get the hang of CW so it took many hours of listening to CW cassette tapes before I got my nerve up to finally sit and take the test.
I took my license exam on November 7, 1987 at the 0Kernersvile Public Library and passed the written exams / 5 wpm code and was licensed was a Tech Plus (N4ROX). I have no problem remembering the date as that night I met my future XYL on a blind date. (After 35+ years together I think I might keep her around.)
Since I owned and operated a commercial two way (Land Mobile) business I went ahead took my GROL exam and passed it in December 1994. When the FCC dropped the 13-wpm code requirement I went back and upgraded in July 2000 to Extra (AG4AW), then changed to my current call of NC4AB. (North Carolina 4 Andy Brinkley). My CW was never great and after this many years I am trying the digital modes instead of CW and slowly trying to build my CW speed back up.
I enjoy modifying commercial gear to amateur bands along with most all aspects of homebrewing / antenna building, etc, and in my spare time I volunteer with the local fire department as a Firefighter / EMT.
Finally got back onto HF after being off the air for about 10 years and working to build the station back. I am still old school that I collect analog (paper) QSL cards and will send a card (No SASE needed) for any card I receive.
73’s
Andy