1976, Operating W6TDM at JB.
The Edward Tapscott Memorial Amateur Radio Station, W6TDM, at John Burroughs Jr. High School
This photo was taken in 1976 when I was a Novice, WN6JPA, at my school, John Burroughs Jr. High School, in Los Angeles, California.
Operating In-Between Classes Trying to Get in A Quick QSO - and QSL Card
Note the book bag to my right. I was probably popping into the station in-between classes. A Model 15 Teletype is beind me and to my left. Our teacher, Ted Ryan, WB6JXY (sk) loved RTTY. We had a vacumm tube terminal unit designed and built by Bud Knight, W6CAL, who was an electrical engineer Ted knew from the San Fernando Valley Amateur Radio Club, W6SD. I admired Bud for his experiemental spirit. Now, that's ham radio!
Roger, Roger Award
When I was at JB, I operated the club station more than any other ham. I of course wanted to operate HF; get on the novice band, get experience, improve my code speed and get some QSL cards. However this was not always possible due to poor band conditons, other kids wanting to use the station, broken equipment, or vandalism.
I often operated 2M FM, with Mr. Ryan as control operator. One of my 2M friends I would like to remember is Al Glasser, K6RFU, "RuFu." Al was a real great guy. He was a retired music composer for the movies, TV and advertising. His best known tune was the "Cisco Kid." As we went up the 405 freeway, north to the San Fernando Valley, Al's tower was a landmark, off of Moraga.
Al was very generous. He had his own award called the "Roger, Roger" award. Al used to say "Roger, Roger" a lot in QSOs. People teased him about it. So he had "Roger, Roger" printed-up as an operating award. Hams who worked Al and said "Roger, Roger" got an award. Al was originally going to print 99 of them, but he was such a nice guys that he started issuing 99a, eventually 99AA, and so on. I still often say Roger, Roger when I am on the air.
I recall several times thinking no on was on the repeater. Then Al would get on and 30-40 people would get on and say "Roger, Roger." While would sneak in a "Roger, Roger" mid-QSO when Al would turn it over to the other station. He was much loved.
QSL from K6RFU, Al Glasser
In Al's QSL card, he is pictured at his shack. His shack was also his musical composition studio. It was in a separate building from the house.
On the air, Al had a very distinctive voice. We did not need to hear Al identify to know it was him. He reminded me of the cartoon character "Snagglepuss."
Note the mistake in my call sign in the QSL.
