Gene - great post.  I agree and since I pack my lunch every day, I really have not issue at all with the $5 OQRS.  Just making small talk about something that likley crosses peoples minds, as it did mine.  Not having to deal with the envelopes/USPS, etc is worth something for sure.


NU4B - also good points.  I did not mean to imply that these are money making expeditions by any stretch.  I have read some about the costs involved, but I also view these trips as voluntary, and known to incur personal cost.  Otherwise agree with your post entirely.
Lance

I'll play devils advocate from the 'cheap-a**' side on the OQRS...

HK0NA indicates on QRZ that they will accept direct QSL via N200.  For US hams, the cost is then a pair of 45cent stamps.  HK0NA OQRS has a minimum contribution of $5US.  I would rather use OQRS, but the Wal-Mart side of me wants to go direct...even if I throw in a few bucks I am <$5.   I agree, I am splitting 'cheap-a**' hairs here...     By comparison, the PJ4C OQRS is $2.  

Yes, you can make the case that we should support DX financially...but at $5, and approaching 200k contacts(of course I realize not all will QSL), they could collect some serious cash.  

Just throwing it out there for conversation...

Lance
K0URN

Scott,

Check out the SKCC group.  Great bunch that will help you from QRS on up. 
http://www.skccgroup.com/

Super supportive.  There is a live sked page at
http://www.obriensweb.com/sked/index.php?page=skcc

They do a "Straight Key Sprint-Europe" once a month as well...


Good Luck,
Lance
K0URN

I have some direct experience with this situation.  I started with a mini-G5RV in the attic of a 2-story house.  Worked the world and still works fine.  However, I also now have two end-fed 20M wire antennas.  One out back and one on TOP of the house held above the roof with 3" electric fence standoffs.  They are perpendicular to each other.  I am amazed that they seem to perform equally well on transmit.  East coast stations have no problem hearing me on the wire that runs E/W...they should be in a null... K5LXP is correct, you just don't notice the orientation of the wire so much.

However, one thing... the wire hanging in free space out back is quieter on recieve than the same wire on top of the house or the G5RV in the attic....and they are all quieter than by 4BTV.

Wire is cheap.  String them both up and give a listen!

73
KØURN  Lance

How about this one for $40 shipped... plus you get to put it together!

http://www.americanmorse.com/kk1.htm

K0URN

KB4QAA - Agree with your thoughts.  Was thinking more about outside use for short periods of time... Like I slip out after dark, raise the 4BTV, and slip on the PL259 rather than screw it on(cold fingers in the dead of winter  )  Then detach a few hours later.

I have two antennas which share a feedline, so this might make it quick to switch...

Lance

Recently read an older aticle in QST about old GR874 quick disconnect adaptors for PL259's.  They can be found but are expensive ($30-50/ea)...  Then found these quick disconnects here:

http://www.packetradio.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=c2b276m1c8mn447tpqubcjq0q2&keyword=kc259


They are item KC259 and are $4/ea.  Any thoughts on using these for 'regular duty'?

Lance

I found one...

Lance
K0URN

Anyone have this manual or know where I can find an electronic copy?

TRAC Deluxe Message Memory Keyer TE284

Thanks,
K0URN