I have 2 ( two) FT-100D transceivers that have been modified and both are still in use. I use 60 meters often. The USER Group Mod works fine, just follow it carefully and completely no matter if you don't understand the why.

After the article in QST about the new FreeDV software downloads I thought I would try it. I already have 2 sound cards in my computer since I play with an SDR. I set it up and configured it and tuned to 14.236 mhz and began to zero in on the digital signal in the waterfall. I made a couple of contacts but I also noticed that they were a little off frequency according to my radio digital readout. No problem I simply tune to them. Next the QRM. Some of the contesters sat right on top of the frequency or very near and while they transmitted ( voice, cw and RTTY) I waited for a break in the transmissions. It was taking several seconds for the digital software to sync with the digital signals on the band and often the QRM returned before lock was achieved. I suggested to a few of the folks I contacted that an Internet Chat room or some other gathering point was needed so that we could coordinate another frequency and also to allow others to learn from the more experienced users. For instance the best audio I heard came from stations using 5 to 40 watts of output power. More than that seemed to cause a great deal of distortion and block others trying to communicate. What do you think? If you have experimented with FreeDV lets hear what you have to say. Your ideas and suggestions. Maybe some of the experienced operators will give us their input as well.

It sounds like an electric fence or invisible fencing to me.
Good luck and 73,
Tim

If you are seeking a multiband antenna then NVIS is not what you want.
NVIS is a directional system designed for a single band. It is like a yagi pointing
up, toward the sky, which is why a NVIS is referred to as a"Cloud Burner".
A 80 meter dipole or loop would be a better choice of antenna, since you have an
auto-tuner.
73,
Tim WA4PTZ

Sounds like what you want.
73,
Tim  WA4PTZ

Pete,
I have some that I have used repeatedly for more than
30 years. As long as it properly protected from
water,lightning and of course excessive power it
should last a lifetime.
73,
Tim WA4PTZ

I placed an order in September and received it
October 23.

Also, be sure to find out what frequencies can be used
for cross-banding. not all are acceptable.
73,
Tim WA4PTZ

Denny,
Here are some things that you might wish to consider
when deciding which 2 meter transceiver to buy.
(1) Age (old stuff is almost impossible to find parts for)
(2)Power output (The higher the better as long as it
   is adjustable.(FCC Regs))
(3)Frequency and channel agility ( This also includes
   Intermodulation rejection and receiver sensitivity)
(4) Channel/frequency memories
(5) Availability of DTMF output
(6) Availabilty of CTCSS and Digital tone processing.
   In many areas all of the repeaters use CTCSS tones
   to reduce or eliminate noise and interference from
   both other HAM repeaters but commercial sources as
   well. If you don't have these features you cannot
   access these repeaters. More and more are changing
   to Digital tone control for the same reasons.
(7) And lastly PRICE ( You get what you pay for)
I am a big fan of both Kenwood and Yaesu. In that order.
73 and Good luck on your test,
Tim WA4PTZ

I have owned both versions of MFJ's analyzer and have
learned much from them. I upgraded to the more
expensive model , with UHF so I could have more
versatility of use. They both performed well. Now
there are folks who would tell you to buy a better
and more expensive analyzer and they have their good
points. But for the buck the MFJ is great. I use
alkaline batteries in mine because it is sometimes
many weeks between uses and the nicads don't like
the idle time.
Enjoy and 73,
Tim  WA4PTZ

I started out in radio as a CB'er but my curiosity
caused me to want to know HOW and WHY. So I learned
and adapted as did many of my CB friends. There are
bad apples in every barrel, even in Amateur Radio.
Why? We will never know, but often it has to do with
envy or low self-esteem. I personally wouldn't get my
panties in a wad over it. You can't change the world.

73,
Tim WA4PTZ

I used to spend many hours listening to both 6 and 2
SSB but after years of wasted time I now periodically
check some of the REAL TIME DX propagation sites to
see if there is any activity. If no one lists any
then I go do something else.
73,
Tim  WA4PTZ

Oops, forgot the power . 100 watts

6 element Homebrewed Quad at 35 feet.
73,
Tim WA4PTZ

I was given an old TA33 Jr and had similar problems
when I rebuilt it. I discovered that the balun had
water in it so I replaced it with one from a ATB-34
that I had bought cheap some years back. It works
great. I hope this helps you.
73,
Tim WA4PTZ