I think it is a good idea to check SWR yearly or when you think there is a problem and write down the results. That way you can compare it to the last time you checked it. When I first got my mag mount, I checked it after moving the mag mount several places on the roof and trunk to see where I would get the best results. Intresting how the result would change, even by moving the antenna a couple of inches. I also check all my rubber duck antennas to see how they fair and get rid of them if they start to go south.

I agree with all the posters so far, but one extra word of advice. Grab some wire and some coax and start creating some of the antennas in the books. I found through my own experience, that it is easy to overthink everything (theory) and that the practice has its own rewards.
I have a large bin in my garage with old CB antennas, TZ antennas, wire, coax, connectors and lots of other salvaged or low cost items that I am out having fun with. Having a antenna analyzer and a couple of antenna switches help!
Enjoy!

Just a quick update. I have started to gather all my documentation electronically and am storing it on "Dropbox", this way I can access it from any mobile device, where ever I am (copies to my smatr phone, ipad, etc.) In addition the orginal and a work copy are stored at my QTH. I also have a spreadsheet in google docs that I also keep a list of everything I own, works for me when I am at a hamfest and forget the type of antenna mount a certain adapter is needed for.

73BRAHMA, I had a 897D repaired a couple of months ago and the turnaround was less than 2 weeks, inculding the shipping time. Call the repair number, let them know that the rig is coming with an explainantion of the defect and possible parts needed. I was very happy with the results I got!

 Both were there and I have pictures to prove it. I also saw a lot of hard hats with antennas on top. BTW Hamvention brings $10M into the dayton area each year.

This was my second Hamvention. I thought the facilities were about the same shape as last year. Attendence was up (25K I heard) and I saw better stuff for sale both inside and in the flea market. I passed my Extra test, but noticed the lines were much longer and there seemed to be fewer people running the paperwork. I bought a fair amount of odds and ends, a used tuner, a heil mike and a lot of cables. The best deals were the stuff I bought on Sunday. The best deal was the 20 new ampohal N conectors someone labeled as "free". DARA runs HARA as a well oiled machine, the amount of time and effort to negoiate another venue (if there was even one available) would take more than a year to put together. On top of that, everyone else would have to change their plans for lodging, off sites meetings, etc.

Believe it or not, I doubt anyone is making tons of money on this event. the costs these days for venues, inculding the paid staff, advertisting, security, clean up, etc really are high. Couple that with the cost of extra space for the forums and it creates large costs and slim margins. Since we had great weather, I am sure there was a little extra in the kitty this year from the last minute participants. Next year it might rain and they might take a lost, who knows. My only beef is that there is never enought time to talk to everyone I want to meet and catch up with.

My understanding is smart phones are not allowed. The memories need to be cleared of any memories

My understanding is those questions were dropped for tests administered after the change to the rules.

Wow, that was easy!
I took out the tap and die set (discovered I actually have two, a standard and metric set). Four minutes later there were new threads on the old radial. I am going to try the old one first (lost about 1.5 inches when it broke) and then go on to making a new one to see if there might be a different in the SWR.

Thanks Terry,
I realized I have a old (never used by me)tap and die set, is that what I would use to make the threads?

I have a Crushcraft ARX-2B that one of the radials broke off of. Now I can buy a replacement for 12 bucks shipped, but I have a piece of aluminum rod that is the right length and diameter. 1/4 x 20 1/2 rod. what do I use to add the threading on the end?  How hard is it to do? is it worth it to try to match the commercial part or should I just buy the replacement?

Cost is just for replacement purposes, the trick is NOT to total that column!

Thanks all, I too have been using a Excel spreadsheet to track all my major equipment (date bought, cost, serial number) as well as tracking a "want" list as I go to Hamfests for said items. I then know what batteries, mikes, antenna adapters, etc I need. I also have downloaded all my manuals (and service manaulas) into a "dropbox" file that I can access from anyone I have connectivity.
 

Beyond that, I'd rather be on the air

Thanks, I often need that advice to avoid "over thinking" everything!

Lots of people are still giving away old TV antennas. My neighbor had three mounted in her attic that she gave me and I have constructed two antennas from the parts. These had never been exposed to the outside elements. My club often has free antennas (and other goodies) that hams who are downsizing, or widows donate to the club. I have a nice Ringo Ranger II that I am cleaning up to get back on the air this weekend. Try an ad on freecycle or the free section of Craigslist as well.