Christmas 2001 Santa brought a Yaesu FT-817 and since I have been hooked on QRP. I had almost forgot the joy of QRP operating.

What makes this rig so attractive is the frequency span (160m - 70cm) and the receiver. The RX is top class, almost like a BIG rig. The 817 works CW, SSB, AM, FM, any digital mode you can imagine - and some of the latter are really good performers on QRP.

My "big" HF radio is a Japan Radio JST-135. It runs 150 W continuous output in all modes including FM and RTTY and is an excellent workhorse. I use a Heil headset, Datong automatic RFspeech processor and an MFJ-784B DSP filter. For CW I use a Logikey K-1 memory keyer with Bencher paddles or an old EB key from the Maritime Service.

The digital modes are handled by an AEA PK-232MBX, a Kantronics KPC-2, and several old computers. On the computers I have programs for APRS, MFSK, PSK31, Hellschreiber, RTTY, SSTVand others which use the soundcard in the computer for send and receive. The MFJ-784B has special filters for digital modes. It is an excellent value and a central piece of equipment in my set-up.

My antennas are a 3 element yagi up 13,5 meters for 10-15-20 meters.On the other bands I use an 80 m horizontal loop up 6 - 12 meters. The 80m antenna fed as a top-loaded vertical against ground performs quite well for European 160 meter contacts.This might be due to the fact that I am located only a few meters from the seashore.

I like to take the FT-817 trekking in the woods. I use a 41 meter longwire with a small antenna tuner and a gel-cell battery. If you are looking for a portable keyer, look no further than the Mini Paddle from Palm Radio in Germany. I bought it from QRP Project. A great paddle, and the speed of delivery and service was excellent. Highly recommended!