Thanks Bob, I'm going to print that out and keep it handy!

Contesters are like these people who, when behind a wheel, become monsters. They'll trample everyone on the air and after the contest, they retreat back into their little self. For me, they fall into a double category, weird/rude. Some day they'll be on their deathbed, and I wish I'd be there to hand them their latest contest certificate and ask "was it worth 2/7th of your life?" I just hate rude behavior of any kind. It often stems out of deeply rooted self-esteem problems.

They also run a lot of RF power. My puny little 15W can't compete.

Every time I hear a contester monopolizing a QRP calling frequency, I think I am going to email him "The Considerate Operator's Frequency Guide." I suggest everyone do the same. Maybe if these guys get enough emails they'll move to their own calling frequency, wherever that may be.

Gil.

I'm on 7030, and some ass**le is calling non-stop without pausing for more than 1 second. Just sent him an email too. I don't understand how someone can be so rude. 7030 is a QRP calling frequency, not a contest one. It's the same story almost every week-end and now Wednesday!? Geez!

Gil.

By the way... If you are a contester who likes to call non-stop on QRP frequencies, you're not welcome here. Don't sign-up, and don't come back.

Damn it i'm pissed off!

Gil.

Everything you wanted to know about propagation:

http://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/article-radio-propagation-N4UFP.pdf

Gil.

Those radios are no longer manufactured. You can find them used on Ebay. Ten Tec has a good reputation, and I second Tim on this. To get your feet wet, you can get a good used HF radio for $300-$400... Just make sure the seller has a good rating.

Gil.

QuoteIt looks like the MFJ only recieves on 40 meters

Well, yes, but it transmits too, and it's only $270  :)

Gil.

QuoteGil,  so are you recommending the Icom7200 for transmitting and buying a separate radio as an emergency backup for listening in a grid down environment?

Well, if you can afford it! I have heard good things about the 7200. Being rugged and having good filters already included...

I would definitely suggest something with less current draw, that you would keep in an EMP protected case. For that, the MFJ-9440X is ideal, at the price is right at $270.

Gil.

Hello,

From what I have learned recently on this forum and subsequently researched, the 7200 has everything you will ever need, including very good (and expensive) filters included...

Keep in mind that all these radios have a high current draw (1.5 to 2A on receive for the IC-7200)... For grid-down communications, that is a major concern.

I would personally suggest an MFJ-9440, or even a used Elecraft K2 (220mA on receive).
A used SGC-2020 or Index Labs QRP+ would be ideal.There is always the FT-817ND. (All about 450mA).
If you see one of those two on Ebay (2020 & QRP+), jump on it! They go very fast.
Always check the receive current draw. As far as output power, you don't need 100W. 10 or 20 is plenty.
I routinely have 5000+ miles QSOs on 12-14W...

Gil.

You have to decide if you want to go with a straight key or a paddle... I went with an paddle because most radios these days have built-in iambic keyers and I can output cleaner and faster code with a paddle... Try both, see what you like best...

Gil.

I don't think you need more than a $120 interface...

Gil.

It would be fun to use inverted Morse, with a constant tone and silent dits and dahs...

Gil

Yes it can! You just need to plug in a dummy load.

Gil.

If those satellites could forward email, now that would be something...

Gil.

Hello,

An EMP for me is a major concern, just because it can occur naturally, and it has (big one in 1859). Anything that has transistors or integrated circuits in it would fry. That means pretty much every electronic device in use today, including computers. So, there isn't just radios to be protected. Having one of those cheap laptops ($300) in a Faraday bag/box would be a good idea. Make sure all the software you might need is on it. I don't have a spare, but I did pack-up a solar powered scientific calculator. Regular electric devices like say a simple toaster, soldering iron, vacuum cleaner, etc. and yes, paddles, would not be affected. Tube radios actually might be fine.

Digital modes since they require a computer, are more complex and might not be practical in an all-out catastrophe. Another problem is their number. There are just too many. If there was a national consensus among preppers to adopt a certain mode, then maybe, but I don't see that happening (no harm in trying though). I would favor Olivia for it's ability to work with weak signals. CW, SSB and FM would be the main modes to use for sure, and of course, I want to promote CW. Most CW radios have message memories so that you can record one and have it transmitted every-so-often, automatically. With headphones, they can be operated silently... Blah blah blah, I could go on...

I will personally try digital modes, get a Signalink box and play with it a bit. Then I'll probably put the interface in a Faraday box with an El-cheapo laptop and forget about it. Anyway, there is such a thing as too much gear. You want backups, but when things start to pile-up, it's time to stop buying more crap. There are other areas of prepping to be considered, and radio, while close to the top, is not number one. For me, digital modes are an "extra." Meaning that if I'm bugging out, the stuff stays behind...

Gil.

Excellent, you're 2wpm ahead of me, now I need to catch up  ;)

Gil.