Operating morse code here, using a Kenwood TS520 as a novice class operator. In the back yard were a set of wires that I had strung to form a Delta Loop, with two active elements aimed northeast at Europe. I added a relay on the reflector to aim the array southwest. I spent almost my entire 2 years as a novice, I enjoyed it that much using code. The TS520 had a CW filter, and an Astatic JT-30 crystal microphone - the poor mans D104! The keyer and wattmeter were kits. The clock is analog. ;-)
My family were fully supportive of my new hobby, and actually ordered some really neet QSL cards as a birthday gift:
