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About the Archivist/Webmaster

I grew up around the Great Lakes (Alpena, MI and South Bend, IN) and have had a shortwave receiver since 1947. I also have a strong long-term interest in the inland rivers, both the steamboat era and modern tow-boating. Listening to the towboat radio traffic started soon after getting that first receiver (a Hallicrafters S-38), and to the great lakes traffic when discovered a little later.

In the late 70's to mid 90's my Drake TR-7 transceiver had the Aux-7 board set up to receive WCM's 4, 6, 8 and 12 MHz channels. It carried the most traffic and was the strongest "tow" or "laker" station at my Virginia and NC locations. My current shortwave receiver is a SDR box (the AirSpy HF+) hooked to my PC.

I am 90+, a 70-Year ARRL member and a 1956 Purdue EE grad. I have been retired from General Electric (mobile radio product design) for many years. My amateur radio call is K4ZAD, but listening and experimenting/building were generally preferred over transmitting. I am now in a retirement home so my radio time is limited to just listening. My current QTH is near Raleigh NC which is, unfortunately, very far from the rivers.

My other websites are: The GE Mobile Radio History Archive and K4ZAD's Radio Information Site.