I agree, PSK is a wonderful mode.  All you have to know is your ABC's and how to turn on your computer and the radio at the same time.  PLUS it's so easy, you don't even have to think or nothing!

What we need are more mindless modes where the computer does all out listening and talking, that way we can just sit there getting fatter while having amazing QSO's with other computers 10's of miles away.

<grin>

73

If you can work CW, the coolest backpack rig going right now is the Elecraft KX-1 and you can use it to listen to SWBC if you get bored....but it is a CW rig, you have to build it, and it's about $450 with all the options.

The Small Wonder Labs rigs are very nice and very inexpensive.  I am gathering the bits to make a SW+ dual band rig for 20 and 40 by putting the two boards in one enclosure. It has been suggested to also build in a end fed wire tuner and visual SWR indicator.

Not sure when I'll get it done but it is on my list...and the list is getting too long.

Do you want to keep it QRP? The upside of keeping it QRP is you'll need less battery power.  

The FT-817 from Yaesu is a 5w rig capable of CW and SSB plus PSK ect.  Covers from 2m to 160m. It has no built in antenna tuner.

The Icom IC-703 is 10w, but doesn't over VHF/UHF..I think the 703 Plus covers 6m though.

If you can do the CW only rig, the Elecraft KX-1 is the best backpack rig out there.

73

Check out http://qrp-l.org  and ask those guys.

A new mail list for QRPers and homebrewers has been created.  This new list will be managed by a 5 member Board of Directors and will be unmoderated.  The list is designed for the free flow of information as it pertains to QRP operations, homebrewing, and antenna help topics. The current BOD has QRPers from Hawaii to Florida.

You can check the new list out by going to:

http://qrp-l.org

You can read all about the new list by visiting:

http://qrp-l.net

73

I hear PSK on 40m almost every single night.

Look around on 7070

In considering the ramifications of the FCC ruling on CW testing, I
have decided to save CW, and I challenge you all to join me.

No response to this message is necessary. Just nod in agreement,
raise your right hand/foot and say "I do".

I've been a licensed amateur radio operator since the fall of 1988.
Compared to a lot of hams out there, I am a rookie. In 18 years I have
demonstated the fun of being a amateur radio operator to hundreds,
maybe more, of guys and gals. In that period of time, I have been
successful in bringing in a total of 5 new hams. None of which enjoy CW.

Also during that time, I have demonstrated how much fun CW is to
dozens, maybe hundreds, of guys and gals, and in that pile I am
responsible for ONE CW operator, and he's not even 35 years old yet.

I challenge you all, every single one of you, that enjoy CW, to
recruit two more new CW operators to the fold, sometime between now
and when you die.

You will need to be enthusiastic, cheerful, and pretend the dumb
questions of a newbie won't bother you. You need to try and involve
yourselves in public displays of CW, set the example, and be an
ambassador for CW.

Anyone with me?

FREE CW TRAINING (Koch Method):  

http://www.g4fon.net/

Also, if you want a free copy of the K7QO CW Course (MP3 files) send me a blank CD ROM and a postage paid return mailer and I will burn the disk and mail it back. My address on eHam is good.

Do any of these mobile nets accept CW checkins?

I only have CW in the truck.

I've never used one, never owned one...but I hear hams say they stink, and I've heard hams say they're OK for the money you spend.

It'll be better than a wet kite string and worse than a set of beams at 100 feet.

The 45th Annual Hoosier Hills Hamfest will be held on
October 8th, at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.

This is one you do not want to miss out on! There will
be a special QRP Forum at 10AM, so bring your rigs, and
any of your projects to "Show and Tell".  This is a
great way to meet other QRPers and share some stories
and ideas.

Your forum hosts this year are Brian Murrey (KB9BVN)
and Ivin Flint (W9ILF). There will be some prizes to
pass out, thanks to the QRP Amateur Radio Club
International.

Hamfest tickets are $8.00 and the gates open at 6AM.
Children under 12 are admitted for free when they are
with at least one paying member.

You can register for license testing at 11AM, and the
testing will begin at Noon. Also there will be free
Bingo beginning at Noon, and hourly prize giveaways
start at 8AM and the huge grand prize drawing is at
2PM.

See http://www.hoosierhillshamfest.org  for all the
details. Southern Indiana is beautiful this time of
year, plenty of camping in the area, so come down and
spend the weekend!

73 de KB9BVN

I have IRF510's for sale on my website.

http://www.hamradparts.com

73 de KB9BVN

Scott...I built my ZM-2 in 1998 and I use it quite frequently. It's a neat little tuner.

The Norcal BLT tuner is a great deal too.

http://tinyurl.com/pl9lf

Anyone know where K7VO is now?

I finally got my SW20+ rig finished today and I could not be happier. For the money, this little rig is pound for pound, the most fun you can have with your clothes still on.

On a suggestion from Steve Weber KD1JV, I replaced R27 with a 10 ohm resistor, and R25 with a 4.7K resistor.  This made the tune up and alignment go very smothly. I am making about 1.8w and with some more fooling around I can probably get it up to 2w.

I added the optional freqmite from Small Wonder Labs and it works very nicely. I have a Norcal Keyer to add to the rig later this week, so I can use my Parkwood Paddles that my friend Richard WB9LPU made for me several years ago.

Can't wait to take it mobile.

Dave Benson at Small Wonder Labs has been a consistantly great supplier of QRP kits and accessories for years.  I have purchased numerous rigs, and add ons from him and they always get delivered within anticipated time frames.  Dave has some of the best customer service and fastest email response in the hobby.

If there is a long backlog on a item, it is clearly detailed on the website BEFORE you buy.  Typically there are no surprises when dealing with Small Wonder Labs.

73

I've worked 4 different DQ2006 stations with my 3w KX1 and attic dipole, or fishing pole vertical.  All on 20m.