Amatuer Radio has one MAIN problem
Thats right!
It seems a LOT of Amateur's think the way they do it is the only way it should be done and anyone else doing anything else is a lid.
Well here is how one general class use's his stuff. I have a Yaesu FT-2900 mounted on a custom bracket that sits centered above the steering wheel. I use that to communicate via repeaters with local hams each day. The topics range from the newest rigs out, antenna's, HOA issue workarounds, guns, cars, work, meetings, arranging to meet for lunch etc.
On the trails I use 2 meter on 5 watts simplex to effectively communicate trail conditions, assistance, day planning etc.
On arrival, I find a peak somewhere and a path up to it, set up a tripod I got a gun show that is for cammo netting with 1 1/4 fiberglass poles, put a 10 meter whip, #14 gauge wire, and some 550 cord on the top pole, start adding sections until I have it about 30 additional feet, connect the 817 and start the QRP fun!
Now I am sure there are plenty who would not find this entertaining or fun, but making a contact and talking about a relaxing weekend in the woods has fostered many a long distance friend. I have yet to communicate off this continent, but I have had one heck of a lot of fun doing it and I do not care if anyone thinks it is "the way" I should do ham radio or not, it is simply how I do it.
When I get my 857d perhaps using 100 watts instead of five may get me across the pond and I can ragchew with some other wheelers in Europe or whatever. One of these days I am going to be on that peak with a home brew handheld yagi and see if I can hook up to the satellites too.
If you find the way I do it within reason and would just like to chew the rag sometime, aim for mid-missouri or southern missouri and give it a shot
KD0JMH
Rich
