John Dilks, K2TQN, the QST Vintage Radio columnist, will be speaking at Ham-Com, the ARRL National Convention, in Plano, Texas.

John’s presentation is titled “Wireless North Pole, Don Mix 1923 Adventure” and he’ll be offering it Friday at 4PM in Fairview rooms 1 and 2, and Saturday at 8AM in Northbrook room 3

As John sets the scene for his presentation . . .

“Imagine for a minute you are a young 21 year old ham living in Connecticut with your parents. You have recently completed your schooling and are thinking about a career in radio. Self-taught, you are able to build or troubleshoot any radio circuit; you have honed your Morse skills and are one of the top radio operators around and well known by your peers. So what are you going to do? It is early winter 1923 and you receive an invitation from Hiram Percy Maxim to apply for the position of radio operator on an expedition to the North Pole.

“It sounds exciting doesn't it? The only hitch is, you will be leaving in the spring and the trip will last for a full year. You will be spending most of your time on an 88 foot schooner and anywhere you can walk from there. You will be a working crew member but your primary duty is being responsible for keeping contact with the outside world on a ham radio set.”

The story was taken from the daily journal written by Don Mix. The presentation includes original photography taken by Don Mix and Captain Donald MacMillan during the expedition.