[GVARC] Questions about power lines, etc.

[David Oberstadt]

I'm well on my way to being ready for July's General examinations. I have
yet to purchase an HF transceiver. I would much appreciate your insight and
experience about some areas that I'm not knowledgable:

1. Power lines run directly in front of my house. They are not the
"high-tension" lines, but the sort that run power to the neighborhood (10
KV?). How will these impact antenna type, placement, and other
considerations? (I know I need to keep the antenna well away from the power
lines!)

2. What is the difference between straight keys and paddles? What I mean
is, why would I choose one over the other? If I learn on one, how easy is
it to move to the other?

3. I have a Yaesu VX-5R HT that does rather well even on the rubber duck. I
want to make an antenna for it and need an SMA connector to attach to it. I
was unable to find an SMA connector at Radio Shack in Gilroy. Where can I
find one without resorting to eBay or a trip to Sunnyvale?

4. I do not yet own an HF transceiver, but I do have my 6m, 2m, 70cm Yaesu
and an old JVC shortware receiver. Is there someplace I can tune to find CW
for practice?

Thanks much!

David in Gilroy, KG6MVX