I know it has been over 8 months since I made a post in my blog, but I do apologize. I got caught up in the emotional turmoil called life, which happens to the best of us, even hams. In case you missed my posting on the QRZ.com webpage, I am now without HF capabilities as my beloved Icom IC-725 is not working anymore, as I blew something in the PA circuit during the November Sweepstakes in 2013. Due to its age and scarcity of parts, I decided in the best of my financial responsibility, to sell my old radio for parts. Once I obtain my refund check from college this semester, I will be obtaining a Yaesu 897D, along with a SSB filter as a suitable replacement. Also, in case you missed it, a great antenna designer and amateur legend, Tom Nickish (W8AMZ) has passed away in December, and I would say his antennas were one of THE best ones ever made!!! I have two different versions of the G5RV that was made and sold by him, the smaller, G5RVJR. Which is still mounted to my trailer, and the ZS6BKW optimized edition which I never used outside Field Day.
-New equipment-
You may be wondering, "N2ASD, what new equipment did you get?!" Well, I did pick up a 32' section of Delhi Tower from someone locally at about $80 with 2 rotors and control boxes! Even though they are designed for TV antennas, I do not think that may be hurtful for using them for the new amateur antennas I am looking to get in the near future as I plan on gaining an HF beam for 10/15/20. If the rotors can not handle the load, I will also see what I can to to pick up a Ham-IV rotor.
(New antenna tower, about 32' long, with the rotor covered under a bag to protect from the New York winter!!!)
(A secondary rotor next to a few old lanterns)
Future Plans
One of my biggest, and most anticipated things for me is going to Seattle in March! As much as I look forward to it, the biggest thing I want to do is operate portable on HF out there, but with my college refund taking anywhere from 3 weeks to the whole semester could prove devastating to my plans. I may consider doing a Go Fund Me! Campaign to help make N2ASD/ Portable 7 a reality, or speak with my brother about taking me to a local amateur radio club in the Seattle area so I can use their HF equipment for a few hours if it comes to that, as well as introducing him to the hobby, and maybe try to do a licensing bootcamp so he can pass both the technician and general licenses in one go so him and I could talk on HF. I will keep you up to date as N2ASD/ Portable as of right now is in a tentative stage, and wont be finalized until Febuary.
Until then, this is N2ASD signing you clear.
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