The SWL setup in 1963, Philadelphia PA, with a Hallicrafters S-118.
Popular Electronics magazine used to register SWLs
and issued "callsigns." I was WPE3FHG.
SWL-ing introduced me to people called "hams."
 
 
 

My General/Advanced station, WA3AYW, in Philadelphia, 1965-1974.
The equipment includes a B&W 5100s with SSB adapter and a HammarlundHQ-170.
Two microphones?  Yep, one for AM and one for SSB!
Those boxes could sure warm up the basement!
 
 
 

I moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1976 and became WB0SYC.
In 1978 I upgraded both my license, becoming AB0G,
and my station, adding a Yaesu FT-101F.
A Heathkit HW-8 QRP rig and 2m FM gear were also new additions.
In the mid-80's a PC and MFJ data controller
put the station on packet and HF digital modes.
 
 

AB0G/1, Westford Mass., 1992-1999
Don't let the mess fool you.  I still managed to work lots ofDX
and ran RTTY and AMTOR with the Yaesu FT-101F,
as well as QRP with a Heath HW-8, and packet and FM on 2m.