[KL7AA] Getting Started on HF - Looking for Antennas

[Adam Booth]

Thank you for the suggestion, Jim.  I am considering selling the
FT-817 before I get too deep into it and use it to buy something like
an FT-897.  I really like the idea of packing it up and taking it
mobile, setting up a dipole outdoors, things of that nature.  I was
worried at first that it is only a 5W rig, I know that if I come up
short and can't pull in any signals or get out I will get discouraged.
 I am a new ham and pretty young as well so I know I have a long way
to go, but I also had the feeling that starting out on QRP would be a
stretch for me and my limited knowledge so far.
I would really like to trade up to something a little more powerful,
so I think I am going to put a little work into fixing up the FT-817,
selling it and use that cash toward a more powerful rig to start with
(e.g. FT-897 or maybe a Kenwood or Icom rig)
Thanks for everything,Adam BoothKL3TX

 ----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Larsen - AL7FS" 
To: "Adam Booth" 
Cc: 
Sent: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 21:05:59 -0800
Subject: Re: [KL7AA] Getting Started on HF - Looking for Antennas
 Adam, don't have time for a long reply but serious consider spending
a 
 bit more and getting a 100 watt rig. (or just shop around for a used
100 
 watt rig at a lower price) I am a life long QRP, low power, operator 
 since about 1970 and trust me, you do not want to start with a QRP
rig. 
 You can turn the power down on the 100 watt rig if you want to do
QRP.

 Propagation from Alaska is tough these days, especially for QRP, and
has 
 been for 6 years. The look ahead for the next 11 year sunspot cycle 
 says...Buy a 100 watt rig.

 A ham in Palmer did not take my advice...he finally gave up, sold his

 QRP rig and I have not heard him on the air or at club meetings
since. 
 Pretty sure he got discouraged and quit doing ham radio

 Just sayin'

 73, Jim, AL7FS

 Check out my website on QRP at
 http://wwwAL7FS.us/

 On 7/22/2014 8:45 PM, Adam Booth wrote:
 > Hello!
 > I am just getting started in HF. I am currently working on my
 > General so I won't be transmitting but I am more of a listener than
a
 > talker anyhow. It seems like a good place to start is maybe the 20M
 > band. Are there any bands that you would recommend for a beginner?
 > I don't yet have the cables to work digital but I would like to try
 > that in the future as well. I am also looking for any
 > apartment-friendly 20M or other HF antennas for sale -- I know that
 > finding an apartment-friendly HF antenna might be a tough find so I
 > would also be interested in something I could set up outside
 > temporarily and I could work outside during the summer, I'm
thinking
 > of maybe setting up in Kincaid Park or somewhere higher up.
 > If anyone has any recommendations or HF antennas for sale, I would
be
 > very interested. I'm also interested in any and all Yaesu FT-817
 > (non-ND, although I think ND accessories would be compatible)
 > accessories up for sale.
 > ThanksAdam BKL3TX
 > ______________________________________________________________
 > KL7AA mailing list
 > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/kl7aa
 > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 > Post: mailto:KL7AA at mailman.qth.net
 >
 > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
 >