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Re: Topband: Don W6AM

To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Don W6AM
From: john <w8wej@citynet.net>
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 23:24:51 +0000
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>
if there is a photo, perhaps some one could post it to this list--I would love to see it. in wv we had several guys running 4-400s on the road. back in the day , I had a hw12a and a master mobile running either a pair of 811a s or 572 b s and remember at night on 75 doing the "hello the west coast" thing with a Webster band spanner in my dodge dart--went through 3 alternators at least- boy did the headlights ever dim!!-good days , golden years of ham radio for me , at least--73 john w8wej
On 7/27/2013 21:04, Hawkins wrote:
TopBand,

Sorry if this is a little off topic.

This description reminds me of Highway Louie whom I believe is SK. I helped a good friend pour, and finish a 90 foot cement sidewalk all morning, and at 66 I am so tired I cannot even think of his callsign. Old timers in the Bay Area will know it. I have kicked myself a bunch for not taking photos of his mobile setup. If anyone has one, especially what I believe to be the last incarnation (I seem to remember it was a Mustang with a trailer for the generator that powered the amp in the trunk.) Hydraulics to auto tune the enormous antenna, which was topped with a toilet bowl float. 1kw from the amp in the back seat, 5KW from the amp in the trunk.

I would really, really love to have a photo if anyone has one. I have a photo of him, but not his mobile rig.

I worked at HRO in Oakland for a while back when it was on Telegraph Ave. Highway Louie was a frequent customer and had dozens of very interesting stories.

Thanks,
Steve NG0G

On 7/27/13 3:33 PM, Herb Schoenbohm wrote:
While I was attending the infamous DX event at Visalia, CA a big
convertible rolls into the parking lot a the Holiday Inn.  I think it
was a Buick or Cadillac, not sure.  But I clearly remember the W6AM
license plate and a very large whip on the back bumper.  I sheepishly
introduced myself to the Don and noticed a Vibroplex strapped down in
the center counsel but I never had the courage to asked to peak in the
trunk or see what  the number of alternators on the fan belt. Even on
40 CW from the West Coast as W6AM/m Don was King. The only thing today
we have close to that are the feats of another Don (KH6DX) who I
understand accomplished a 160 meter DXCC from his car.


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ


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