I’ve had my ham radio license for a few years now (KC0QBP), but I’ve never done much with it. I have a little handy-talkie (Yaesu VX-7R) which I use more as a little scanner than anything else (quite fun when near the airport, or to listen to fast food orders). I had wanted that to change and to get into HF (which I see as more interesting).
I did lots of research and watched eBay but I eventually decided to just buy an Elecraft K2. I had wanted one for years because I love electronics kits and the K2 is by far the biggest I can find on the web. Between having a job and savings I eventually decided to go for it.
When I started building my K2 I knew it wouldn’t be fast, but I never though it would take as long as it did. After placing my order I got my K2 and accessories on July 13th (my birthday). Over the next few weeks I assembled it (which was fun), troubleshot it (not as much fun), and planned. I later got my antenna up (G5RV, what a job that was), got a trench dug in my backyard to run the line out and got the cable inside. I hooked my little K2 up and I was able to hear stuff! Very cool.
My setup is rather simple. I have an Elecraft K2 (SN: 5649), a KPA100 (100 watt amp), KAT100-1 (external 100 watt antenna tuner), and K2SSB (SSB transmit adapter). My antenna was (as I said) a G5RV (made by MFJ). It was hung up about 35′ (at the center) in my back yard, forming an inverted V. It could use some adjusting.
I saw was because that was my setup. I never did much of anything with it, mostly because the antenna kept falling down and was a terrible pain to get back up. Weak rope, high wind, ice storms, and old tree limbs made keeping the antenna’s center support up very tough.
At this point, I have no antenna. For various reasons I need an internal antenna, so I’m looking at some form of closed loop. I need to dig out my antenna books and see what might fit my new location best. I’m looking at a loop both for space and because as a balanced antenna I won’t need a ground which would be tough. Once I’ve done that, I can play with my radio again.
