Most VE groups will let you take another exam at the same session, if you want, although some VE groups reserve the right to withhold a second test if you missed passing by more than a few questions.  And there's generally no limitation regarding how soon you can attend another session, regardless of whether it's given by the same VE group or a different one.

The Par end-fed half-wave antennas seem to be very popular with those who operate portable.  I use one here at home and am very happy with it.

I know that the OP has an FRN, and that the issue of SSN is moot.  However, I didn't want folks to be left with the impression that the only two choices are to provide an SSN or FRN.  The 2008 ARRL Volunteer Manual states:

"The VE Team asks the examinee: "Are you a United States citizen or national, or have you been lawfully admitted for permanent residence or for U.S. employment?" If the examinee answers “Yes,” instruct the examinee that he/she must use his/her social security number (SSN). If the examinee needs to obtain an SSN, he/she can apply for one separately. If the examinee answers “No” and is not eligible for a SSN, write the word "FOREIGN" in the SSN box on NCVEC Form 605."

Al, first things first: congratulations on getting your ham license!

As you've no doubt noticed, there are a few congenitally grumpy amateurs who will complain about anything you do.  You have two obligations in this regard.  The first is not to let them detract from your enjoyment of the hobby.  The second is not to turn into one of them.

At the risk of stating the obvious, a couple things:

1) You may be getting RF in the transmit audio.  I used a Donner interface when I started out, and I had a bit of a problem with RF getting into the transmit audio (nothing against the Donner interface: if you have RF in the shack, it can happen).  A careful rerouting of the cables or a repositioning of the interface box can help.

2) Get someone local to listen to, and try to decode, your signal.

By the way, I like your approach of posting a here's-my-problem video to YouTube.  A lot of questions posted to this forum could be answered, provided we had some idea of what the question actually was.  So, good idea!

PSK Reporter is looking for the string "de <callsign> <callsign>".  Make sure your CQ macro sends the call twice after the "de".

QST did a sound card review a while back; the article concluded that any 16-bit sound card was plenty good enough.

And here's another vote for the SignaLink USB.

I've had good luck with a Par end-fed antenna on 20 meters; if the reviews are any indication, lots of other amateurs have had success, too:

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3632

Par also makes a three-band QRP version (I have one, but haven't used it yet):

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5105

Each of these antennas comes with a small matching network at the antenna feedpoint.  While I don't know what the internals look like, it's a fair guess that there's a low-to-high-Z transformer, and that some counterpoise current is injected into the outside of the coax shield.  In some installations this may be a problem, although the reviews seem to indicate that few, if any, owners are having difficulty with this.

I have no interest in Par except as a very happy user of their 20-meter end-fed.

Based on what people tell me during QSOs, the two most popular multi-mode digital programs seem to be MixW and HRD's DM780.  I use DM780, and while it's a bit of a challenge to learn, it's excellent.

I see your point.  I stand by my point.  We disagree.

Geez, Dave, if you have to end an argument with something as rude as "Get it, now?" maybe you've already lost the argument.

I still fail to see the problem.  A major change in user behavior might be objectionable, but this is not.  I read the newspaper this morning and I assure you, there are bigger problems afoot.

But if someone does ask Phil to make a change, be sure to say "please," even if that constitutes a change in behavior.

I can't see anything wrong with PSK Reporter's 2-call requirement.  PSK Reporter is a great service to anyone who wonders what propagation is like or whether they're being heard.  A minute spent modifying macros isn't much of a price to pay.

And a tip o' the hat to Philip Gladstone for this terrific idea, and to the HRD people for including the reporting facility in DM780.  Nice going, folks!

Most-recent-posts-first is far better than the old way.

Last weekend was the CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest.  That's probably what you heard.