Amateur Radio: I first started into Ham Radio when I was 14 years old. I was an SWL’er then. While listening to the radio I came across a very loud signal. It was W2DOR Steve Sinkez. He lived about 10 blocks from my house. I went over to his house and knocked on the door and introduced myself. He invited me in and showed me his radio shack in the basement. He built most of his equipment. We got on to 40 meters phone (AM) and I had a chance to talk to one of his buddies, what a thrill it was for me. Steve became my Elmer (Ham Mentor) and gave me information on how to become a Ham Operator. My first Ham Call was WV2UOV (novice) a year later I passed my General License WA2UOV.