Personally, I like your "Shack" as it is/was. I read the part about your high school budget, and figured you were not active or veteran military, but supported our military, especially the Marine Corps. I am PROUD that you have the sense and dignity to exhibit our fine flag, and commend you for that. Unfortunately, instead of appreciating that, you were called out in public for it. I am able to get PM's here, and I am sure you are too, so I feel it should have been done that way. Now, back to you and the shack. Many of us started the way you have. When I started, there was a lot of room for experimentation, and we did it. I remember laying on the floor at my Grandfather's, and listening to German programs on his shortwave radio in the living room. He would translate it for me, and was his way of staying in touch with his home It was a big part of what got me interested in radio. I used all kinds of things to make things to hear, as well as get on the air. After high school, I started to a tech school to further my education, but was called by Uncle SAM to serve this fine Country. After returning, I followed electronics a bit, and once again became active in SWL, Scanning, and Ham Radio. My career had changed though from electronics to Public Safety. This too had been something as a kid I wanted to do, and it came naturally after my service. I spent over 30 years in it, and am now able to enjoy my radio hobby. I still work, as I found that if I didn't, I got real lazy, and gained weight!! Keep up the interest, experimenting, and looking at new things. It all pays off somehow.
73,
Knightrider.