[HCARC] Icom 8 Pin Microphone

[Gary and Arlene Johnson]

On Field Day I was introduced to an older (about average for HCARC) gentleman who used to have his Ham License (Extra) who let it lapse after a couple of strokes and has since regained his Tech License and wants to get back on the air.  His wife also has her license, but I am not sure if it is active, nor do I know what class her license is/was.    The man's name is Ron Vivian.  Numerous people have tried to see if he is eligible for the instant upgrade to General, but because he started as a General Class Operator (back in the day) he doesn't qualify for the instant upgrade program - go figure. To be eligible you must have held a Tech License at one time in the past.  He is apparently fluent in code and as a Tech can get on 10 meter voice.  If his wife holds a General or above he can have her act as Control Operator and use her call to go anywhere she could go.  He has an Icom IC-775 radio, but apparently his wife can't find his Mic.  Does anyone have an 8 pin Icom mic they would like to sell inexpensively or donate to a good cause??  

I am also working on getting him on the air on 2 meters.  Will be looking for an inexpensive hand held or base station for 2 meters only.  Let me know if you have something he can use.

Ron is an interesting guy and apparently graduated from MIT which would make him very well educated and is a nice guy who is tired of television (I can relate).

I will be building an antenna for him - likely one like the off center fed dipole Dale Gaudier had at field day.  Dale indicated that antenna was resonant on numerous bands and didn't need a tuner if built and hung correctly.  I do not know whether Ron has a Tuner, but the ICOM IC 775 is a nice capable rig, and Ham Radio beats most other things to do if you are both elderly and disabled.  I think I have most everything needed to build an antenna for him, but if you care to donate to the cause - feel free.  I have plenty of wire though.  If I get him up on 2 meters I may need to build a J-pole or something like that if he is using a base station.  Rubber Ducky would be sufficient if hand held is the way he goes.

Let me know if you can help.

Gary J
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary 2013