I received an email asking me to leave a sign of my presence. Well, here I am! It’s been a while since I’ve been on this forum and I’m glad to be back.
My IC-706MKII died in January of 2018. I can’t afford to send it out for repair. I replaced it with a Recent RS-918 SDR QRP transceiver. I am really impressed with this small rig. I have been working in digital modes (JT65, JT9, FT8 and FT4) since February 2018.
I also lost my main antenna due to getting new windows installed. I was using ladder line and can no longer pass it through a window while having the window locked. I chose security over the feed line.
I bought an MFJ-936B loop tuner and started to experiment. I found I can work 30m, 20m and 17m with a 10ft long piece of ¼” copper tubing and 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m with a 4½ft long piece of ¼” copper tubing. I have been able to work Europe frequently with the rig running 5 watts and the loop sitting in my shack!
I want to start using CW once again as the band conditions seem to be getting better. Hope to see you guys on the bands.
72 Dave - K8HW
