[Elecraft] First radio

[Edward R Cole]

It wasn't a crystal set.  I was aware of them and I believe germanium 
diodes were available in 1956-57.  I wanted a "real" radio so  I 
saved up my allowance for over six months to purchase an Ocean Hopper 
- three tube regen receiver kit ($19.95 from Allied Radio).

Pretty funny as I got the kit but did not have a soldering iron or 
gun.  My parents were supportive and bought me a wen 150w solder gun 
for my birthday (guessing they cost about $6 back then).  So at age 
12  or 13 I built that little radio, and it became my Novice receiver 
for a couple years until my folks bought me an used HQ-100.

But I started out with an old BC radio in my upstairs bedroom where I 
listened on the clear broadcast frequencies to stations a thousand 
miles away.  The whole story with a couple pics:
http://www.kl7uw.com/kn8mwa.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"