The simplest pack antenna I ever made and was pleased with was one using a length of 300 ohm twinlead (like Radio Shack sells). You need enough to make a 20 meter dipole plus enough extra length to make a 1/2 wl transformer (can't remember the exact dimensions, but you can calculate it easy enough, be sure to take VF into account). It's all one piece of line. Put a couple of fishing swivels in the end and hoist it up. Works as a 20 M dipole (obviously) and on 40 meters it radiates on the whole line, horizontal and vertical. Light as a feather.

A little black spray paint will keep the UV out.

Looks exactly like my junk box.  Except I don't get a peep out of it. 

Free EZNEC barely has enough segments to model a dipole, hi. I'd suggest going through the learning curve and get free 4nec2. Quirky, but has a lot of good features including a fairly decent geometry editor (unless you like typing in all the numbers spreadsheet style. 

I agree, that price is really not that bad IF it is in top condition, esp. with all the filters.

This one is interesting:
http://cgi.ebay.com/DRAKE-TR7-STATION-NOT-ESTATE-PERSONAL-2ND-STATION-/170613377727?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item27b9598abf

Couldn't sell it for $1150 BIN, so relisted as auction and it fetched $1300!

A VM is the way to go. I leave it as an exercise for the reader as to how to obtain the Windoze license.    I know you want to save money on the laptop, but I'd highly recommend going for something beyond a P4. A P3 is not going to cut it for a VM and P4s in laptops are just too hot. Dual-cores are coming down in price, however.

BTW, you can run the VM either way, Linux in a Windows host or vice versa. With a VM you are not limited to running just two OSs either. For instance, you could try out another version of Windows or Linux while retaining the previous version.

Actually, I hear slow ops all over the bands these days (not complaining, just noting!).

You really should contact FISTS (fists.org) and they might be able to put you in touch with a code buddy. Nothing will improve your speed like real QSOs. I'd be happy to set up a sked with you, but I'm probably too far from you for consistent communications. 

vy 73,

Casey, TI2/NA7U

Simon,

Sounds like you are a savant when it comes to pattern recognition. I'm left-handed and it took me a lot longer to get the hang of Morse, hi hi!

You and the repliers on this thread certainly testify to the advantages of using the code. I was sold on it at the beginning for its efficiency in terms of miles per watt and the simplicity of equipment needed. If I want to use voice then I have a phone, Skype, etc.

Good luck and hope to hear you on the air!

vy 73,

Casey, TI2/NA7U
http://cloud-warmer.blogspot.com

Mark,

Well, of course, I was not trying to supplant eHam, hi hi!  Just meant that if someone shoots me an e-mail from the blog that I'm responsive.

vy 73,

Casey, TI2/NA7U
http://cloud-warmer.blogspot.com

http://cloud-warmer.blogspot.com

Just started this blog to document my activities in hamming down here in Central America. Moved a couple of years ago from Oregon and re-setup the shack and a 2nd operating position in the house. Probably my all-time favorite activity is working on new wire antennas. I currently have a 2 elt. 5-band quad, a 400 ft. skyloop, a 20 meter EDZ, and a (soon to come down) VK2ABQ for 20 meters. Latest project is a rotatable 2-elt. EDZ for 10 meters with an astounding 13.5 dBi gain!

Please stop by and let me know what you think. Would be happy to field questions from those new to ham radio.

I also have another long-standing blog about our daily life here: http://adullroar.blogspot.com

73 es pura vida,

Casey  TI2/NA7U

K6YR,

If you want to see some terrific gain on a 2-elt EDZ for 10 meters (shortened to 33 ft.) check out my design on http://cloud-warmer.blogspot.com.  The .nec file is there for downloading.

73,

Casey
TI2/NA7U