I finally got back on the air and upgraded to Extra Class - the old fashioned way - with 20 WPM code.

I operate 99% CW with the venerable Drake B-Line Twins, Elecraft's K2/100, and numerous QRP rigs.

Dipping and peaking the T-4XB is not quite as easy as just switching on the K2, but it feels much more like REAL ham radio. And besides, it really does keeps the shack warm. By the way, if any of you know where I might find replacement ICs (923 flip-flops) for the R-4B crystal calibrator, please clue me in!

I built the K2/100 in October '03. If you've read the reviews of this rig, you probably heard about the MOJO. Believe me, it is all true. The K2 will knock your sox off!

The WA7CS QRP station includes an Elecraft K1, Wilderness Radio Norcal-40A, and from Small Wonder Labs the DSW-II and Rock-Mite 40. Of course, there is also a Tuna-Tin II to round out the QRP contingent.

The K1 was a 2007 Christmas gift from my XYL. There is no need to brag on this rig - everyone knows that Elecraft is "Da Bomb". The K1 is set up for 40, 30, 20, and 15 meters and includes the built-in ATU.

The Wilderness Norcal-40A is a great rig, highly recommended. I built it in a couple of evenings and added the memory keyer/frequency readout.

The DSW-II is so small that I still have trouble figuring out how they got such big performance in there!

Finally are the diminutive Rock-Mite 40, and the nostalgic Tuna Tin. Both worked perfectly on first try. The most recent QSO was nearly 6000 miles per watt!

Other than an expedition to the back yard to test out a couple of end-fed Zepps most of my QRP rigs have not been out in the bushes. However, I also homebrewed a switchable 4:1 / 1:1 balun and a NORCAL BLT so no matter how crummy my antennae are, I'll be able to get a decent match.

The home QTH HF antenna is the venerable Hy-Gain 18-HT Hy-Tower vertical.

http://webpages.charter.net/crstrode/18ht/18-ht.htm

This antenna works like a charm and really brings me back to my Novice days when it was the object of my dreams.

I'm ready willing and able to help out any ham needing a contact from my QTH.

A little more info on my shack is located here:

http://webpages.charter.net/crstrode/arswa7cs.html

I'm also the trustee of the Roy Strode Memorial Amateur Radio Club (WN7SUV).

The RSMARC clubhouse is up the road in Spokane County, WA. That station is equipped with various rigs including an Icom 735 and SGC-2020.

From a dependability standpoint, the IC-735 is hard to beat. I bought it new in the 1980's, and have never had a lick of trouble.

The SG-2020 is an amazing all-band, feature packed DSP QRP/CW/SSB/Digital rig with a little extra oomph (over 20 watts) avaliable. Its a rugged, effective, and inexpensive portable HF transceiver.

WN7SUV gets out fairly well with a 125 foot doublet up in the pines about 35 feet. In times of low sunspots, a Heath SB-1000 KW amp feeding the doublet via a Johnson KW Matchbox really does the trick - however, I must admit that routine operation is usually 5-watts.

73 es 72

ARRL A-1 Operator

FCC 2nd Class Commercial Radiotelegrapher

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator

FCC Ship Radar Endorsement

DXCC, 5BWAS, WAC, QRPARCI 1000 miles/watt

FISTS #4561

Flying Pigs #700