Chapter 1

Today I went back to Mom & Dad's place in central Pennsylvania. Just a day trip to get some of the massive amount of junk I've stored in their basement since I finally flew the nest some years ago. I didn't get all of it - I've only got one full-size pickup truck, you know - but I got a good bit of it, including all of my old ham radio magazines from when I was really active in the mid-to-late 90s.

And for once, I had a flash of foresight. Since I knew I was coming into the area, I sent an email to my oldest and dearest pal. I had loaned Roy, KB3CZD, my very old Henry Tempo One (also known as Yaesu's FT-200 or Sommerkamp FT-250). Works 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10.

Well, at least it's supposed to work those bands. Roy informed me that 40m was still on the fritz; I was hoping he'd get someone to sort that out so he could sell it. Maybe that's why I only paid $50 for it at a hamfest about ten years ago.

Anyway, I collected the Tempo One and power supply/speaker from Roy and his lovely wife, and booked on home. Once I got there, it was reverently placed on a table in the living room, still in its tattered cardboard box...