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My Rigs

Byadmin

Since I’m actually back on the air, I thought I’d post a couple of notes about where and how. First, here’s a picture of the shack before antenna cables.

Icom IC-706MKIIG with LDG Z100 autotuner. (The Yaesu FT-880 was headed to my car.)

The Icom rig has two antenna inputs, and one now connects to a Hustler 6BTV vertical, which is tuned adequately on 10/15/20 Meters, but needs some work for 30/40/80. It’s all within range. Here’s the picture. The branch with about a 2 inch clearance is scheduled to go, the rest of the foliage around I’m stuck with.

My 6BTV. The branch (2 inch margin!) will go shortly. The tree I’m stuck with.

Another vertical (not even sure of brand) serves me for VHF/UHF.

VHF/UHF Vertical. I use a 2×2 nailed solidly to the building. Under the duct tape, which is surprisingly resiliant, the antenna is connected to the post with a steel clamp. Yes, the building looks awful. It will look good for about two weeks when I pressure wash it.

For mobile use I have a Yaesu FT-8800. Yes, indeed, for those who debate the utility of this approach, I use one of the auxiliary plugs, rated and fused at 20 amps with a jack rated and fused at 15 amps. I have had no difficulty. I most commonly work 146.52 simplex and have had a number of fine QSOs while traveling.

Yaesu FT-8800 with connections. I can keep it in the hump in the center when necessary. Maximum simplex contact was about 40 miles, but that involved some altitude on one end of the QSO.

I have my brother Bob, N3AU to thank for most of this equipment. He’s set up for 160 Meters through 70 cm and very involved in VE work and emergency preparation.

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