Amateur Radio Station WX3K FN20 EPA

A Nice Gesture by our friends at Proctor & Gamble, manufacturers of Duracell batteries

I own a Yaesu VX5 and have a FBA23, the alkaline battery pack I keep loaded with new battery cells in case I need the extra battery power in an emergency. Well, I found that one of the Duracell batteries leaked and corroded the pack terminals. I went to the Poctor & Gamble website and sent feedback regarding my damaged battery pack and the relatively new cells I had loaded in the pack. I received an email thanking me for the feedback and stated I would receive something in the mail. Well, I received a check for $30, the cost of a FBA23 AND they sent me a coupon for a 8pk of AA alkaline batteries. Nice ! Thank you !

BIO

An amateur radio operator since 1974, inspired by many nights spent tuning through the AM and shortwave broadcast bands for distant radio stations, an electronics tinkerer at heart, lover of morse code, a ARRL Volunteer examiner, collector of vintage vacuum tube radio gear, and awe inspired by severe thunderstorms since the day a stroke of lightning struck my parents house. My growing interest in severe weather has always followed me through life, from the excitement of buying my first anemometer to my first storm chase. That is the reason for the "WX" in my callsign. My interest in weather has been present since 5th grade. My sister Pam, WA2WJY got her Tech Plus license the same year I upgraded to extra class in 1996. I passed the 20 WPM morse code exam and proudly display the CSCE on my wall in my shack. I wanted to pass the 20 WPM morse code exam before they downgraded the need for morse code in amateur radio exams. I was very proud of my sister passing her CW exam on her first attempt. I will always remember that very special exam session the rest of my life.

The breadth of my electronics experience encompasses: television bench repair (My first job), broadcast transmitter/studio equipment installation, repair and maintenance, two-way radio bench repair, supervisory positions in the electronics field, and test engineering positions in research and development of wireless products. I am a certified Radio Broadcast Engineer through the Society of Broadcast Engineers and have a number of years experience in radio broadcast engineering. I was employed as a per-diem engineer for many educational, non-commercial and commercial radio stations.

Radio Related Stuff !

Some of my feelings about Ham Radio in general

You must have at times, thought into the past, Where some things go out, while others last. What comes to mind is the Old Morse Code, That has weathered the storms from any abode. To talk with one's finger is surely an art, Of any info you care to impart. In most conditions the signals get through, While the same about phone is simply not true. Those dits and dahs cut through the trash, Of nearby noise or lightning's crash. To the sensitive ears of the ham receiver, That records this data with ardent fever. He knows he's doing something unique, In such poor conditions, that's quite a feat ! To roger the message that came off the air, These brass pounders sure do have that flair. They say Morse ops are a dying breed, but don't despair, There's always the need. When conditions get rough for the new automation, Rest assured there is a need for your station. CW is dying ? Believe it never, This mode will be 'round forever and ever. But one thing is for sure, What we really need Is to relate our knowledge to the younger breed. To carry the torch long after we're gone To send Morse code through the air like a song When at last, silent keys pull that final lever We can rest in peace. It's CW forever --Jim Hatherley, WA1TBY