Hello Sean!
18 Apr 26 20:12, you wrote to all:
SD> I've decided that I'd like to get a Yaesu FT-891 HF+6m rig and a Yaesu
SD> ATAS-120A screwdrivewr antenna for my home station. I live in a tiny
I have heard that the FT-891 is a good radio. I have the FT-857D (2) and the
FT-991 and an old FT 747GX. One of the FT-857D radios is used for packet radio
forwarding, currently on 40 meters as well as 15 meters. If you are into digital
modes, you can get a DigiRig and play on HF packet using VARA HF and other
packet modes.
SD> Section 8 apartment and while technically I am not allowed to put up
SD> antennas, I do have a large aluminum access ramp professionally
SD> mounted to the front porch for my mobility scooter. My property
SD> manager knows I'm a ham, am EMCOMM trained, and am involved with
SD> SKYWARN so she doesn't mind if I have a few small antennas on it.
It's good that she allows for that. You can only do what you can.
SD> I have a copper J-pole and the ATAS-120A is small enough to put on the ramp
SD> and not draw too much attention.
I also have a copper J-pole and a couple of others made of steel. One is for
70cm only, another two for 2m. I don't believe I have any dual-band J-poles. I
also have the ATAS-120A, but I need to take it apart again and see what the
issue is with the motor. Likely a loose connection.
SD> However, living solely on SSDI and a small VA (veterans' disability)
SD> pension doesn't lend itsself to saving much money so I am considering
SD> selling all of my extra RF gear I don't use to try to put away to get
SD> the radio and antenna.
As I approach retirement, I realize that I will likely have to stop buying
things I want and only save to get the things I need. I really don't buy what I
want any more, either. The company was bought out last year and the new owners
have cut down on any overtime. I'm OK with that, I really value my time at home.
(Although as I type this, I am at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area in one of
the campgrounds) I have a dual-band VHF/UHF vertical and a random wire, mostly
suitable for 40 meters. I've been checking my Winlink email through the W6RAY-10
RMS, as well as the packet BBS on both 40m (VARA) and 70cm and 2m AFSK 1200 bps
packet.
SD> I've been off the air since April 2019 and I sure miss being on the
SD> air.
It's about time. I know of your health issues of late and wish you the best. If
I was a bit closer, I would come help you get back on the air. I don't see us
getting back that way any time soon. We visited my son and his family in 2020
and 2021 in northcentral Arkansas (Fulton County), which isn't too far away from
Johnson City, TN (compared to California). Hopefully, you can find at least one
local ham to assist you with your station.
SD> ... To a cat, "NO!" means "Not while I'm looking".
That is SO TRUE! We have 4 cats and a dog, and you get on to them for something,
and as soon as they think you aren't looking, they start it again.
73 de Ray Quinn
Home QTH Visalia, CA
DM06ii
... A Smith and Wesson beats four aces.
--- GoldED+/W64-MSVC 1.1.5-b20250409
* Origin: Ray's Road Node | Somewhere in California! (1:214/23)
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