Hello,

If you heard me with no problems, I was probably operating from my primary QTH - the home of restored vintage Ham Radio equipment. I currently use an updated Yaesu FT-101E, a Tempo 2020, or a Drake C-line, sometimes aided by an L4B PA. Often under control of a CAT system (not to be mistaken for Computer Aided Transceiver). It effectively modifies the airflow in the PA stage, thus contributing to the overall system efficiency.

Shown below is my 40m full-wave sloper. It offers a notably quiet reception. Remember, I live in South Florida, the QRN Kingdom.

photo: courtesy of VA3NCD

My favourite band is 30 meters. the CW heaven. I operate there using a regular quarter-wave vertical, strategically located far away from the house. Yes, you are right, three counterpoises are not enough to effectively radiate. But two neighbours near this antenna are . enough to be QRT.

photo: courtesy of VA3NCD

Well, if you think you heard me - I might have been operating QRP from a nearby beach. I often go there with my FT-817ND and different antennas to try. Salty water does miracles and allows DX fun even with 5 Watts. The lowest DX-useable power on my record is 250 mW, while working ZD8O on 20m CW. In a pile-up!

Needless to say: CW FOREVER !

Beach goers appear to be attracted to my QTH by a suspiciously warmer water pocket!

If I did not hear you, I was probably operating from my mobile QTH. While I have substantially suppressed my engine noise, other cars passing by, may produce RF interference beyond my control. My current vehicle, adapted for Ham Radio use, is a 1995 Ford Contour (aka Ford Mondeo).

HF antennas are 40-6m monoband sticks, roof mounted. Good ground for mobile antennas makes all the difference. I bagged ~240 countries as a N4PL/M (since 1998), majority of them 2xCW. Recently added a trunk mounted V/UHF vertical for FM rag chewing.

Ford employees who designed this vehicle must have been Hams. This model has remarkably good CW ergonomics - the gear shifter is perfectly located to support driver's wrist, while operating the paddles.

The current rig is an Icom IC-7000, typically running at 50% of RF power. I do CW while driving. My reports include RST plus vehicle speed :-)

My passion is CW, DX-ing, antenna experiments and . . . building friendship bridges over the Ham Radio. This is what this hobby is all about for me. I do hope to meet you sometime.

73, Wald N4PL (also: VE3PEX, SP5GBT)

HSC #825,A-1 Op,SKCC #8696

more at: http://www.qsl.net/n4pl (move your mouse over the QSL card)