Mark Pallans has been a radio amateur since 1959. ... He is also a Fellow of the
Radio Club of America. ... a large two-way radio company in Miami, Florida. ...
Wireless Communications Exposition) show held in Las Vegas every spring.
Ham of the Month KG7JPU Art Brigida Art Brigida (KG7JPU) got his first ham license (WN4RGJ) in the early 1960’s while in high school to impress girls. It didn’t work, so he lost interest – in ham radio that is. He had a Heathkit DX-35, a Knight Kit Span Master super-regenerative receiver, and later added a National NC-173 superhet. Although he didn’t operate a ham rig while in college, he was active at the college radio station (WVIK – 90.9, Rock Island, IL) as both a late night DJ/newscaster (“the Beard”) playing what is now called “classic” rock & roll, and as a station engineer with a 3rd Class Commercial license. After college, Art and radio parted company for about 42-years. During that time Art busied himself with family responsibilities and of course earning a living. With his degree in Biology, Art worked as a museum technician at the Smithsonian Institution (Natural History Museum – Division of Mammals) for seven years. After receiving an advanced degree he switched careers to that of contract negotiation / administration and worked in this capacity for several defense and communications companies including Lockheed Martin, CSC, Electronic Warfare Associates, and Verizon. In recent years he has lived in Silver Spring, MD, Aiken, SC, Jacksonville, NC, and Durham, NC. Art retired from the Research Triangle Institute in Durham, NC, in October 2013 and soon thereafter relocated to Las Vegas, NV, with his wife Cathy. With retirement came the time necessary to get back to hamming. Art got his Technician in March of this year, his General in June and is currently studying for his Extra. He has a Yaesu FT-817 and two Baofengs that he operates whenever possible from his “ham shack” on the back porch. Art sincerely appreciates all the support and guidance he has received from the LVRAC and its members – especially Gus (W7GUS) for taking the time to show Art how to use and program the Baofeng and then consistently and tirelessly mentoring Art until he finally made contact. Sal (KM6JD) got Art’s “817” running like a champ by wiring an external power supply, showing how to use an antenna tuner, and providing essential on-the-air operating pointers. Gene (K0GKC) donated his G5RV antenna to Art, showed how and where to install it to best avoid any HOA issues, and then helped with the install along with Gus and Sal. Bill (WB0KSW) showed Art all the ropes about net management and event operations at the Komen event. Thanks LVRAC for helping Art get a very successful (second…) start in Ham Radio!
