My understanding is that qrp is 5w in CW mode and 10w PEP in SSB mode.If contest rules specifically state that one must use a 5w qrp power level,then 5w is your max output level.I own an Icom 703+ qrp rig that has a max output level of 10w.It is a qrp radio.So is the Elecraft KX3 which puts out a whopping 12w!..Believe me,my 703+ is not a qro rig and I do not bust pileups with it.To qrp purists,I am not operating @ a 5w qrp level,but I am certainly not running a qro radio either!...If this is the case,then please tell where a qro level output begins..Is it 10w?.. 25w?...50w?...100w?...or is it 500w?...It was a good question originally asked,but a 5w output difference to 10w certainly does not boost your signal to qro level.See you @ 10w qrp on the bands.Or is that qro?..73...Dennis W7KB.

My personal belief is to buy new and obtain a warranty or to purchase from an individual that I know.The odds are in your favor to make your purchases in this fashion.Buying new gives one the peace of mind of knowing they are the first owner and knowledge that they have operated the equipment properly and buying from a friend or known seller offers the possibility of a refund.Anything else is like rolling dice and hoping you come up a winner.With the current amount of scams,dishonesty and schemers we see on these forums,it really doesn't pay to take chances and be burned by individuals to save a few dollars.If one can't afford to buy what they really want,then save enough and wait to do so.In the long run you will have saved the diffference in replacement or repair costs on these items and will also have saved yourself a lot of anger and frustration.Save a few bucks now or pay later,it is up to the individual.Every one of my purchases are new or are from an individual I have known for some time that can be trusted to offer an honest item at a reasonable price.That way,both parties are completely happy with the transaction...73...Dennis W7KB.

Why not start with the ARRL Antenna Book?...Pretty much covers all types of antennas,not specifics on any one type of antenna use or design....73...Dennis W7KB.

For the price,take a look at the Icom 7200.A good rig,minus all the elaborate bells and whistles that are not normally used by a beginner and a rather simple menu to navigate through.The only real drawback is that it has no internal tuner.I purchased a LDG AT-200 Pro II to use with mine.W7KB

If the impedance of a delta loop is about 100-120 ohms,just curious why a 2:1 balun instead of a 4:1 balun isn't recommended for use?...Dennis Reagin W7KB.

With 10w output,inboard tuner,speech processor,low current drain,and DSP filtering along with a superb receiver,I will stick with my Icom 703+.The Elecraft KX3 and Juma multiband QRP rigs would also be sound choices if one wants to go a step higher in quality.Yes,5 watts is QRP in CW mode and 10 watts PEP in SSB mode.Either way is certainly not QRO.If you are using a qrp rig,it is nice to be able to hear that station calling you.A good antenna is crucial in making qrp contacts.Anything in line that follows afterward makes it that much better in your logbook....73....W7KB.

K1WJ:Yes,this antenna will stay as measured.You know how well the winds blow here in Arizona,so I have not tried using it above 15-20 mph wind speeds.This isn't like a telescopic antenna on a smaller transistor radio,it has tight tolerances in it's sections and at $59.95 the price is right,too.W7KB

David:I am also in an HOA restricted community.What has worked well for me is a MFJ-1979 16.9' telescopic whip antenna.I have this very sturdy,stout whip antenna mounted on a mirror mount antenna bracket clamped to a  a 8' PVC pipe placed inside a metal tripod.The feedpoint is about 7' above ground and the two attached resonant radials are about 5' above ground @ 180 degs.apart.The vertical radiator and radials are measured for a full 1/4 wavelength for each band 10-20 meters.I consistently get great signal reports using it for either stateside or DX qso's including 5/9 reports into China,East Malaysia,Australia,New Zealand,Europe,Africa and elsewhere.This simple antenna just flat out works,and works fantastic.73..Dennis W7KB.

There are some easy solution to this problem.Buy NEW products.Get a factory warranty with them.Don't buy off of ebay.Only buy a used product from someone you personally know.If you can't afford a new product,save your money until you can.You will then not have to deal with sellers of this caliber.Problem solved.

Worked his station 25 April 2011 on 10m,received his card direct about 2 months ago.It won't hurt to gamble and send him a QSL.Be patient and you should get one in return.73..W7KB.

If the internal auto tuner is not a big factor,the Icom 7200 is worth looking at.Good radio for the money with very nice audio/receive quality.73.W7KB.

Buy the AA-520.If you cannot afford it,buy the AA-230.Why buy the MFJ when the Rig Expert is within your budget?

Check your operators manual or Elecraft themselves and see what the operating temperature specs are for your transceiver.Living near Tucson in the Sonoran Desert,I am well aware of extremely high operating temps.and adjust to them.I place my Icom 703+ inside a small to medium size cardboard box at my operating location facing away from the sun and keep the rig out of direct sunlight.I place a smaller DC powered fan directly behind the radio and this changes the temperature inside the radio from toasty warm to a rather cool temperature.I bring along one AGM battery for the radio and one for the fan while doing my portable QRP ops.I try to make every attempt to keep the batteries shaded also.While I will not be found outside making contacts when the temps here reach 105-111 degs,below that I operate without worrying about thermal runaway with this set up.Good luck and keep cool.73..W7KB.

Worrying will not change the fact that the antenna is in this location.That your neighbor has no problems with it is in your favor.Don't call any city or county agency and ask "is this antenna okay to be where it is?"...Let them find it on their own.The less said about this antenna to anyone,the greater chance it will never be discovered.Now,quit worrying,get on the air,make QSO's and have fun!...73...W7KB.

Throw away the knockoff Opek UVS 300,buy the Diamond X-510 or even a Diamond X-200A.Problem solved.Remember this important lesson.You get what you pay for or you buy twice.Most every Amateur has done the same.Good luck & 73.W7KB.