The Engineer's Edge: Why WW9Z Chooses Greyline for Real DX on HF

From Submarine Comms to Field Day Success: WW9Z and the Greyline Vertical

By its very nature, high-performance amateur radio is a system of systems. It requires technical discipline, reliable equipment, and an operator capable of translating theory into practice—qualities that perfectly define Mark Morgan, WW9Z.

For over three decades, Mark has embodied the sharpest edge of radio communication. Licensed since 1987, his early experience led to a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, specializing in Submarine Communications. When your primary task is ensuring mission-critical reliability deep beneath the waves, your standard for performance becomes non-negotiable.

Today, as a Systems Engineer with advanced degrees and teaching credentials, Mark applies the same rigorous, engineering-first approach to his shack in the Greater Nashville area. And when it came time to select the heart of his antenna system, he chose a solution that meets his high-stakes criteria: the Greyline 28-foot OCF HF Vertical (VDA) Antenna.

Precision Engineering Meets Field-Proven Ruggedness

Mark's station is a testament to quality, featuring a Yaesu FTDX10, a Kenwood TL-992A amplifier, and an MFJ 998RT remote tuner. But no setup is stronger than its antenna.

The choice of the Greyline Vertical (a 28-foot OCF system designed to look like a flagpole) was deliberate. For a man who owned and operated a tower service business and ran communications for a Naval Submarine base, the antenna needed to be more than just a piece of wire; it had to be a robust, deployable piece of infrastructure.

"My antenna setup of my 28' flagpole OCF vertical that I can fold over." – Mark Morgan, WW9Z

The Greyline design offers the operational flexibility and structural integrity Mark demands: a low-profile aesthetic that delivers high-performance results, capable of being quickly deployed or discretely situated for the long haul. The fold-over capability is a nod to a pragmatic, experienced operator who values both performance and real-world utility.

Proving the System: Success at Field Day 2024

The true test of any piece of gear is not in the brochure, but in the field. Mark put his Greyline Vertical to the ultimate operational challenge: Field Day 2024.

Field Day is about rapid deployment, operational efficiency, and punching through QRM under difficult conditions. Using his Greyline antenna system, Mark successfully "exercised almost all modes" and achieved stellar results. The vertical antenna proved its mettle as a strong performer across the bands, demonstrating the kind of rugged reliability that a former military communicator requires.

Talk about Double-Duty! Dual Use Communication Systems, base system and Field Day or in this case, /Portable! 

Mark WW9Z's entire career has been about building and managing complex, mission-critical communications systems—from the deep ocean to the DX and contest floor. The Greyline Performance HF Vertical is the antenna he selected to anchor his personal system. It stands as a powerful endorsement of Greyline’s commitment to providing amateur operators with gear that is truly engineered to perform.

Systems Check: Did You Catch Q5 Yesterday?

Mark’s story confirms that success is about combining superior hardware with a disciplined approach. With the big weekend contest/event approaching, now is the time for your final system check. Watch this YouTube interview of Greyline's founder, Jon KL2A discussing the worlds best CW operators going for world records on the bands this weekend. He offers tips on how you too can work them from your HOA or small lot station.

If you missed yesterday’s Q5 interview where Jon KL2A discussed the nuances behind the complex strategies the elite operators must consider, you are missing the crucial operating techniques that you too can utilize to work across the planet, this weekend! (or at least start to think like them. Let's work 'em).

[Watch the Q5 Replay]

Discover the performance advantages of engineered solutions. Explore the Greyline DX Flagpole and HF Vertical Antenna collection today. Start here.