Contact Information:

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 are generally preferred over transmitting. Current ham interest is receiving and transmitting (with very low power) WSPR signals. 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.