I have been playing around with ham radio since 1988. I reached extra class in 6 months and  had a nice station with a 50 foot tower and a KLM KT34XA, 6 element triband yagi. Those were the good old days. I now live in a nicer part of town and have a small roof mounted triband yagi - 3 element. I  am using a Yeasu FT1000 and prefer CW. I operate a few times a week and don't chase much DX. My passion in ham radio is working from remote IOTA locations.  www.islandchaser.com I have been on  Santa Catalina and San Clemente (NA066) Santa Cruz  (NA144) and South Water Caye, off the coast of Belize (NA180). I operated there as V31NX. My hopes are to go the Micronesia in the near future. I have done Satellite, Packet, various digital modes  both HF and VHF, DXCC (250 mixed), WAS and am a life member of the ARRL and the local Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club. I belong to the Southern California DX Club as well.