Thanks for taking the time out to look at my Call. I am originally from Juneau, Alaska but have since moved around quite a bit and have ended up working in the Carolinas of all places. Currently I am a Drill Sergeant working out of Fort Jackson South Carolina so my time is a bit limited getting on the air but I have been getting it in as much as possible. My primary rig is a Yeasu FT-897D, been having a blast with it running into a LDG AT-200 Pro AutoTunner with various antennas (Inverted "V" Dipole being the choice of configurations). I work portable 20 Watts in this area using the local pines as antenna supports with very good results. Everything I need for my station is packed in so it does cost a bit in weight but well worth it to have the satisfaction of running an all inclusive station that if very portable and reliable.

I also run QRP CW as well using a Elecraft KX1 as my primary rig for this. I operate using only a straight Key, I am not a speed demon and I have found that I tend to want to send faster then I can recieve keying up on a paddle.I use the Auto Tunner that is built into the rig and about 28 feet of wire up as high as I can get it (lead ball and nylon string) and three more on the ground cut to the same length running the same direction (B-N-C to Bannana). I am able to tune up on 40-30-20 with no problems getting between 3-4.5 watts out. The complete station fits in a small bag and only takes a few minutes to set up making it that much more relaxing to operate. I use a 5 Amp Hour Battery and some old Sony active speakers (not big on shutting out the woods around me with ear buds).

In any case I hope all is well in your neck of the woods, hope to see you on the bands!

73

Joseph P.