Seriously, guys.  A quick Google search and you'll realize he's just a troll.  A pretty amateur one at that.

Edit:  And you'd think an $8000 radio would have a better proofreader for their ad copy.  If, in fact, it shows its 'metal' during a contest something is horribly, HORRIBLY wrong.

I've been extremely happy with my IC-7000 and the Little Tarheel II on my Tahoe.
Sure, the antenna is a bit of a tradeoff with size/performance, but I don't expect my mobile station to compare with a good home setup, I get great signal reports and it works well enough to keep my plenty busy when I'm in the truck.

Plus, the antenna is made well and if you spring for the auto-tuning package it's dead simple to install and operate.

Also, you specified 'digital', what is it you want to accomplish?

Hey, I shave half my face with my off hand with a straight razor every morning!
You can do it, it's just muscle memory, although it is awkward at first.

Echoing the 'save up more' comments.
There are some really good deals to be had lately on the Icom 706 series, especially if you don't want/need the II/g models.

Antennas aren't necessarily a big expense, get a few Hamsticks and manually swap them out while saving up for a screwdriver maybe.
Remember, there's a big difference between 'cheapest' and 'functional'.

The banner ad for Gigaparts is not actually hosted on the QRZ webserver.

What you're seeing is the delay from THEIR server to your web browser as the page updates.

Here's my question:

I see a lot of you guys using various services offered by ARRL, FCC, 1010numbers, and various other web based services.

I've done a few cursory Google queries, but I want to ask YOU guys.

As a new Amateur Operator, what services should I utilize?  I've heard some talk of web based QSL services (not sure how I feel about this honestly, I grew up admiring the cards and look forward to getting my own), and various other services ranging from email hosting, web hosting, and FCC.gov logins.

If you guys had to start over, knowing what you know NOW, what are the sites you would visit, and what would you sign up for on each site?

In the brief time I've been using it, I really like it, though as of yet I'm unable to take advantage of any interface options.

Try http://www.hometheaterforum.com
They're pretty helpful with all audio questions.

As a side note, I learned something the hard way last year.

Those anti-theft codes for your radio?  They do nothing but insure you NEVER see your radio again.

Here's what happens:  Every time a pawn shop accepts something, they send a list of serial numbers to the local police station.  If the serials match up with your (on the theft report) unit, you get a call.

You ALSO have the option of combing through the local pawn shops yourself (it helps to have a receipt with you) to kindly ask if they've accepted any equipment matching your's description.

IF your radio had the anti-theft codes activated, all that happens when the thief tries to pawn the radio, is once they hook it up in order to test (ALL pawn shops do this), the codes pop up, and when the theif is unable to enter the codes, the pawn shop refuses to accept it.

Your radio ends up in a trash bin.  Folks, trust me, or if not, ask your local law enforcement.  Anti-theft codes do nothing for you but ensure your radio's end up in the trash.  Leave the codes off, keep a record of your serial numbers, and you have a chance.

73

Ok.  Due to space limitations, I'm pretty much limited to ONE vertical antenna.  (Not getting involved with dipoles at the moment, too many kids running around the neighborhood that I can't watch out for while transmitting).  

I'm not worried at all about vhf/uhf, but would LIKE to be able to cover all HF up to 6m.  Tall order I know, but you guys are pretty sharp, and I'm the new kid on the block, so I'm turning myself over to you guys.

Rig will be a Yaesu FT-920 (which includes an internal tuner, but I don't mind purchasing an external unit if it would improve performance.)

Preferably, I would like to have as few radials as possible, I'm going for as sneaky an installation as possible, it will also have to be mounted on a rooftop of the house as well.

Thanks in advance guys, I look forward to all your suggestions!

Has anyone had any luck getting this to work under Virtual PC 6 with OSX?

I'm using the Keyspan adapter, WinXP as the emulated OS.

I've started a correspondance with the folks over at Hamlib, and hopefully can get something OSX native fairly soon.

Every time I try to dump data from my VX7 into VX7 Commander, I get the 'timeout' error.

Help!

TIA, 73

IT JUST POSTED!

Now it should be just a couple of days (Took Element 2 on a Thursday night, Element's 1 and 3 on Saturday morning) until it reflects my full privleges.

OK, 'nuff here...got some stuff to do!

Can't wait to talk with you guys.