I started my ham life with a FL50 and FR50 (Japanese equipment with 10 watts on CW and SSB) in 1968. In those days, our dreams were to own and operate the American transceivers like the KWM2.But if I was lucky, I could use a SSB from the FL/FR50 series. Most Japanese machines were AM transmitter and receivers, and the most of the world were now using SSB equipment. As I made many QSOs using CW and SSB, this has made it possible for me to be still active to today.
Two years later in 1970, I obtained my 2nd class licence and then in 1978 I gained my 1st class licence. Since then, most of my QSOs have been completed by using SSB.
In 1996 we moved to the city of Kawachinagano, countryside area of Osaka prefecture, so that I may be able to work more DX stations. My station mainly comprised of an ICOM IC756pro with a FL2100Z and a 5 element Yagi for 20-15-10m, and a Kenwood TS930S and a Dipole for 40-30-17-12m. And for mobile, I use a Yaesu FT100 and a multi-band whip, while on trips in the car.
Recently I have been operating on VoIP, using Echolink with other Radio Amateurs. It shows us a new world with very clear sound without QRM, QRN and QSB. We do not need amplifiers or antennas. I have been fascinated with Echolink .
