Episode 039 - Don Keith - N4KC
The launch of the first satellite, Sputnik, by the Russians, in October of 1957, inspired Don Keith, N4KC, to become a ham radio operator as a kid. Since then, Don has followed a path through radio broadcasting and is now the author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. A series of non-fiction books on World War II submarines has made Don an expert in this area. Don joins Eric, 4Z1UG, to discuss his passion for amateur radio, on QSO Today.
| Sputnik inspired Don’s ham radio journey First License: Novice, WN4BDW, 1961, Age 13 Upgraded to General, WA4BDW Upgraded to Extra, 1977, changed call to N4KC Hometown: Springville, Alabama Elmer: Walt Coleman, W4OXU. Walt led classes in Springville that created an enormous number of hams for a small town in Alabama. First Rig: 807 transmitter, Hallicrafters SX-110 Receiver. Later added World Radio Labs Globe Scout Deluxe Later Rig: Swan 700CX Education: University of Alabama, (BA), Broadcasting and Film Carrier Current radio station - used by the University of Alabama to broadcast an AM signal to the dorms and other campus buildings. Very low power and limited signal to campus. Kleinschmidt teletype - Kleinschmidt was one of the first inventors of teletype machines. Birmingham Amateur Radio Club Current Rig: Kenwood TS-590S, Ameritron 811 Amplifier Favorite Operating Modes: CW, PSK31 Current Antennas:
N4KC’s Top Five Get-On-The-Air-Quickly Antennas article - Don likes to experiment with antenna design. Here is a reprint that originally appeared on the eHam webiste. Don Keith, N4KC Websites:
Submarines Discussed: USS Archerfish - Balao class attack submarine, best known for sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano in November 1944. USS Batfish - Muskogee, OK, WW2SUB Capt William Anderson - Captain of the Nautilus submarine who made the first "transpolar" voyage under the North Pole ice. Don’s ham radio book: RIDING THE SHORTWAVES:EXPLORING THE MAGIC OF AMATEUR RADIO The RSS Feed for all audio content from QSO today is available from here. Please join our QSO Today community by pressing the button below. It is the best way to suggest guests and topics, and provide feedback to Eric, 4Z1UG. |  807 Transmitter Courtesy of RVRLABS  Hallicrafters SX-110 Receiver  World Radio Labs Globe Scout Deluxe Transmitter  Kenwood TS-590S HF Transceiver  Don's Hexbeam |
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