Autobiography of

Dennis L. Williard

My interests in electronics and computers started back in the early 1970`s with the purchase of a short-wave radio receiver.  I would have bought a Citizen Band Radio (CB), but back in those days you needed a parent’s signature for a CB license.   My interest in electronics began and advanced from that time on.  With a short-wave radio I could listen to foreign countries and learn their different languages and customs.  Later I started listening to the Amateur Radio operators.

In 1972, when the major flood Agnes occurred in this area, Amateur Radio Operators (HAM) were needed.  They provided significant emergency traffic reports.  To become a HAM operator you must learn code and basic electronics.  I passed the test and received my Novice Class License valid for five years.  At that point I could only operate a radio using Morse Code.  During those years I learned more about electronics with the help of my friends in HAM Radio. My electronic passion started this way and is still growing.   All of my equipment is the older type, which is less expensive to purchase.

During those years I started studying for the next level of license.   At the end of the five years, I wanted to up grade to the General Class with a more in-depth electronic background which involves sending and receiving Morse Code at fifteen words a minute.  I completed the test in the fall of 1980 and received my General Class License.  This class permits you to use voice transmissions and offers more frequencies in which to operate.

About this time I became more interested in different modes of operations like sending and receiving radio tele-type (RTTY) with a computer. This started my fascination in computers.  In 1982, I started working with a Commodore Vic 20 which I used for operating and RTTY.  With that, I Iearned another mode of operation called paket radio which is a form of digital transmission similar to the internet.  This mode of operation is still very active to date along with APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System).  To get on paket radio I used simple terminals and learned to hook them up to my radio.

As the years went by, home computers were becoming more popular.  I switched all of my computers to IBM systems starting with a 286, 386, then a 486 system.   My children took an interest in the computers also.  At first we were running old systems with green monitors.  I learned how to connect to the phone lines and used a system called BBS. (Bulletin Board).   I also found BBS’s that were using 800 telephone numbers and found free software to download to my systems.  I located a BBS that was part of the Department of Education  which allowed me to download free software for my children assisting them with their early years of school.

I am still downloading and trying out new software.  I suppose this is where my computer background began.  At the present time, there are three computers that are up and running in my home. One is mainly used on the internet, the other  with my ham radios, and the last one is running in the DOS operating system which not as popular a system as windows.  I have built all three of the systems with the help of a ham operator friend.  When they go down I am able to repair them.  I sometimes help other people get their computer systems running and help them learn more about their computer. People also trust my opinion and ask my advice on computer related questions.

As a result of my past experience and knowledge regarding computers, I have acquired employment with Pikes Peak Television Cable System where I serve as Assistant Line Manager.  I am also responsible for upkeep of the Bulletin Board System.  I serve as Multi-Media Technician\Desktop Support for the Line Mountain School District where I service, repair, clean and maintain the computer systems in the various district buildings.

My community activities include being a member of the Herndon Fire Company, Herndon Fire Police and Herndon Lions Club.  In addition to being an Amateur Radio Operator, I serve as Communications Officer for the Local EMA and as a member of SkyWarn, a division of the National Weather Service.

I have an on-going interest in computers and electronics.  My skills and retained information can only improve in the future.  I am willing to under go any training or education necessary for a more complex job.