Greetings! My name is Ron Harden, Jr. (RJ). My Callsign is WT5X.
I am a 3rd generation Ham Radio Operator having been granted the Amateur Extra Class license. (WT5X) I was first licensed as a Novice in the mid 1980s. (KB5HGM) Both of my parents, my sister, my wife and both of my daughters are licensed. (Some days, dad and I can’t get a word in edgewise!)
My first exposure to electronics came at the age of 7 when my father, the minister of our church, sat me down in front of an old 2 channel RCA sound board. My job that night was to turn down one mic after the song service and turn up the other for the sermon…I was hooked!
I grew up watching my dad invite missionary kids to come to the house on Sunday afternoon and talk to their folks overseas for 30 minutes (Pre cell phone days). Or going over to an uncle’s house, an old military signalman, who could copy 21 plus WPM Morse Code in his head, then just “wear out” a straight key, sending it back!
I have spent the majority of my life in the commercial broadcast field and various aspects of the internet and I am involved in helping churches and community groups set up and run local broadcasts and streams of their services and meetings.
I love being “Radio Active” in my spare time. I have been honored to serve in several elected positions including as the President of the Key City Amateur Radio Club in Abilene, the West Texas Section Manager for the American Radio Relay League and in leadership roles in Skywarn, RACES and ARES and in local civil emergency planning groups. I am a certified Instructor and the VE Liason for the Abilene area. I’m currently honored to serve as the PIC for the West Texas Section and the KCARC.
Where do I think the hobby is going? UP! The changes that have occurred in my life are nothing short of fantastic! I encourage anyone interested to continue to experiment and innovate.
Is the hobby perfect? No. Come on, there are people involved. I like to live by the motto: “You do you, and I’ll do me.” Having said that, I’ll help anyone who has an honest need.
I QSL via LOTW and QRZ.
73 de Ron
WT5X
