At the beginning of 2005, the shack was for all practical purposed out of business.
It was the infectious enthusiasm of my old friend (and Worlds Greatest Salesman, Carl, AG6X) that rekindled my excitement for HF.
I purchased a Kenwood TS 440 to replace a TS 450 that Kenwood told me could not be repaired.
After many calls to Kenwood, I am convinced they are the worst at customer service of any of the manufactures.
After using the TS 440 for a short time, its response prompted me to have it checked by some fellow hams who have the expertise in such things, it was determined that the unit was basically deaf.
It was sold for parts and the station was once again silent.
What I learned from all this experience was that I would not own another Kenwood even if I won one as a door prize at Dayton and that the next rig I got would be something I might have some chance of repairing myself.
AG6X to the rescue again. Carl had the good fortune to win an Elecraft K2 and a local ham function in California and knowing I have been a fan of the radio for many years, sold his kit to me for what was a steal, after some time gathering dust it was finally assembled and is not in full time service as my main ( only ) HF rig.
I had intended on installing the 100 watt option as soon as I got the rig working but have yet to do so and in fact have been having so much fun with it as it is, I may never get around to doing so.
Today the majority of my contacts are CW at five watts and I find the pleasure of making contacts this way overshadows the fact that I lack a massive antenna farm or big power.
If ya hear me calling CQ, give me a shout !
Along with the the big stuff are the following.
Heil headset and boom mic.
Logikit Cmost -4 keyer
logikit SCAF Filter
Vibroplex Square racer
And the ever popular Bird 43 watt meter.