On Wed, 31 Jul 2002, k1my wrote: > I recently gave a presentation on beginning DXing at our Arizona State > Convention. At the end of the presentation several newbie's approached me > and ask for my recommendation as to a beginning DXer station. These are > brand new hams who really don't know anything about DXing. > > What are your thoughts for: > > * an "economical" station (xcvr, antenna, etc), probably a used xcvr, but > which one?
I have been a ham for 35 years but I just got bitten by the DX bug in late 1992. My rig then was an FT101E. Cost me $200. I used a low sloping 40 meter dipole (high end ~30 feet up fastened to a pole on my roof, low end ~5 feet up). I used a tuner to tune it to the other bands. I worked my first ~150 countries with that rig! Even busted the pileups on C91J, 3Y0PI, 9G1AA, AH1A etc. with it. > > * a "best value" station for someone with a little more money The second rig I purchased was a TS-440S (no built-in tuner). It was $500. I put up a vertical full-wave loop (actually two full-wave turns) strecthed between two 20 ft 2X4's in the yard. The loop is 12 ft high, 56 ft long and the bottom wires are ~4 ft off the ground. Very low-profile. I put up a few dipoles strung between the pole on the house and the loop supports. I've worked another 150 countries or so with that. I just recently got a TS-850SAT. Wonderful rig. I still have the same antennas. I have never used one, but I understand the Elecraft K2 is an excellent performer and is relatively inexpensive. It's becoming popular as a contesting rig. They have a model now that puts out 100 watts. > > Remember that we don't have a heck of a lot of trees out here for dipoles or > wire antennas. At least you don't live in Notrees, Texas! :-) > > Suggestions would be appreciated and I'll incorporate them into my > presentation for the next time. > > 73, Bruce, K1MY/7 > Sun Lakes, Arizona > 73, Zack W9SZ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org