The Rig - Part 1

I'm still pretty set on creating a solid portable rig but as I look at the components I want I realized that I breeched the $1000 mark pretty quickly. I'm the kind of person who would rather save up and get the thing I really want than get something cheap that I don't like and then replace it later. Going the cheap route means more frustration and more money in the long run. Plus my brother, KB7QOP, promised me a radio of some sort on completion of my General exam so that should get me started.

I think the radio KB7QOP offered me is intended to be some kind of 2m hand held/mobile radio. If he decides to get fancier I won't complain; presuming his thought was the handheld I will have many enjoyable hours getting familiar with life in our area on 2 meters.

As I save some money I will be researching and designing my portable rig. Here is what I have so far:

HF/VHF/UHF 5w Transciever - The Yaseu FT-817ND

$675.00

40m - 2m Mini-Buddipole Antenna

$225

Tokyo Hy-Power HL-45B HF Amplifier

$450



Sorry American/Kenwood fans I seem to be leaning towards the Japanese options. The transceiver is solid and has a great track record. It can run off alkaline batteries or a rechargeable NiMH battery. The antenna is compact and has a nifty travel case. The Amp was designed for the FT-817 and supports automatic band switching for the 817 - which seems like a cool feature to me.

I'll definitely be discussing my thoughts with more experienced HAMs after I "go public" with all of this.

For those wondering why I would buy an amp for a QRP transciever remember my goal is to create one highly portable rig. While I actually think QRP (working with a low power transmitter) is pretty cool it's not my primary reason for buying this transciever. Portability and multiband support are the main draws for me. The 5w output is actually somewhat of a drawback for my purposes, but a small price to pay in my opinion. The amp will give me more options. If I go hiking the amp is staying home. If I'm at home or at field day the amp is probably coming along. Having the amp in an emergency situation is a good thing. Can't help folks if you can't be heard.