[Azham] Still seeking hands-on antenna assistance!

[Darrell Shandrow]

Hi all,

I could really use some local, hands-on assistance with the issues below.  I
keep trying to no avail.  I'm sorry that I'm blind, and thus not able to
accomplish many tasks completely on my own that others take for granted...
But, I'd really like to get on the air...  I'm in an apartment and
restricted.  I'm not willing to bring too much attention to myself by asking
our complex's management for permission to use the roof or anything like
that, but I have some ideas for dealing with the situation as it currently
stands, so I need help to evaluate and try implementing some of those...

I have set up my portable QRP station in my apartment here in Tempe,  My rig
is the Icom IC-703 and my antenna is currently the Outbacker Joey
backpacker.  I am looking for a little assistance to resolve some issues and
to improve the antenna situation as much as possible.  Unfortunately, as a
blind person, it is very difficult to impossible for me to really do much
experimentation on my own, so I am looking for someone who would actually
work with me to make this all work better.  I've got a couple of items I'm
trying to fix sometime soon:

1.
Want to fix the RF keyer circuit lockup in my 703 so I can send CW.  I have
heard of inserting some SMD capacitors somewhere in the keying circuit from
the rig to the paddles.  It is obviously something with which I'll need some
assistance to complete.
2.
I'd like to set up a counterpoise for my Outbacker Joey and mount it in such
a way as to be out a couple of feet from my apartment's patio railing when
it is in use.  I know the short three-foot counterpoise wire supplied with
the antenna is critically ineffective.

If interested, please reply to this note by e-mail or feel free to call me:

Home (evenings): 480-966-0922
Cell (days): 480-628-0124.

Thanks and 73 to all.