Topic: Ham radio ops?

[ourobouros2k2]

Just thought I would see who else here might have their amateur ticket.


I am currently licensed as a tech, but plan on upgrading next month. My call is KD5OUW. My first HF contact was about a month ago, I talked to a station in Newfoundland province Canada from here in Oklahoma on about 75 watts.


My decision to get my ticket was based largely on hearing Art discuss the subject at length.


Here is my shack..

[999]

nice shack


I haven't been on the air in a few years - need to get my OM to help me put up another antenna.

[ourobouros2k2]

Just curious 999 what antenna were you using?


I am using a G5RVjr with MFJ auto tuner. Works pretty well, on days when solar flux has been up around 117, I have been able to talk to Newfoundland and yesterday talked to Kingston, Jamaica (Oklahoma is my QTH). I have it in an inverted vee config with apex at 20'. My lot is really space restricted, no trees, and power lines criscrossing my back yard preventing any type of vertical.  I can either mount a vertical on the side of my house, or put up a fiberglass 35' mast and string up something like an alpha delta DX-CC wire antenna in inverted vee configuration.


I hate space restricted lots, lol..


Andy

[999]

I used a full-size G5RV up in the trees in the woods behind the house, for many years. Not restricted here.  Unfortunately a tornado got it :/ and I haven't been on the air since.


I am going to try a Windom antenna next.


(I am partial to wire antennas - I've had good results with them & I usually operate 50 watts with a Ten Tec Scout or 80 watts with one of those old Heathkits. I've talked to Antarctica, Japan Russia, etc with some good timing and good solar conditions.)


My elmer was also in a restricted area. He had a big Collins radio in his kitchen LOL and a wire horizontal dipole going out a 2nd story window to a tree.