[FARC] Thinking about HF...

[Dave Lufkin]

Well, well, well. I think the time has come for me to get my General 
class upgrade. I've got the month of August off from school, and that 
should be just about the amount of time I'll need to study the materials 
(already in hand, thanks to KJI @ the Father's Day Hamfest), do some 
practice tests online, and take the written test.

Here's the question: once I pass the test, what then? All I have now are 
Icom 2 meter and 70 cm rigs. So, I'm putting out a call for 
recommendations. I'd like to operate on as many HF bands as possible, 
within reason. I have VERY LITTLE room for any kind of antenna, so I 
know I'll have to have a good antenna tuner. I like Icom equipment, and 
I'd like to have 100 watts or so to play with.

I'm leaning towards the IC-718 for my rig, and I've heard good things 
about the SGC tuners. K3MMB ways all I need is a good mid-sized loop 
antenna, and the world will be my oyster (well, I'm paraphrasing Mike at 
this point!).

Does anyone have experience with the 718 that they'd like to share with 
me? I'd like to stay well under $1000, so that the XYL doesn't get too 
upset. After all, she "doesn't have any expensive hobbies!"

Any and all opinions / comments to kb3jrj at earthlink.net

--Dave Lufkin KB3JRJ
  Frederick, MD USA