Getting the Equipment...

So what do I have???  So far it's a Yaesu 817nd with an LDG z-817 autotuner powered by a JetStream 25 amp power supply.  I have a MFJ 941e from when I had the 857d.   Why do I still have it?  I have a feeling that sometime in the near future, I'll want another 100 watt rig, and this 941e is not bad.  There's a local hamfest on November 6th, so maybe I get lucky and find a nice 100 watt rig.

So why did I go with the 817nd? 
To be honest, there's no reasonable explanation.  I just always wanted one.  Back when I was a Technician, I told myself that as soon as I get the General, I would treat myself to the 817nd.  I always thought it was such a cool radio, and to be honest, I think it really is.  I can't explain it, but I feel that the receive is more sensitive on this 817nd than the 857d that I had.  Blasphemous, I know, but I'm picking up more signals using my 60 foot of random wire hanging from my window.

I do like the fact that it seems easier to operate than the 857d, and the fact that there's an included antenna for VHF/UHF.  I can't transmit with my random wire, but it sure is nice to hit some of the local repeaters and get to know the local ham community using the supplied antenna.  It's certainly helping me get better networked with the local hams.

Will I keep the 817nd long-term?  I don't know.  Based on my track record of buying and selling my equipment (cameras, golf clubs, pool sticks, etc), I'll probably sell it one day, but for now it's all I got, so I'll continue to utilize it.  I sense that if I do sell it, it will be because of a QRP kit that I built (maybe a Elecraft K1 or KX1).  But for now, it's a really great unit and truly a modern marvel to have so much in such a small package.

Next project will be building an antenna within the confines of this tiny townhome.  Gotta love the HOA.

73 de KJ4YFU