MY HF STATION

    My HF station consists of an ICOM-718 running 100 watts. The radio is powered by a Radio Shack 25 amp switching power supply. For antennas, I use either a G5RV or a 4-band Hustler vertical. I use an LDG Z-100 automatic antenna tuner with my G5RV so I can tune up all bands 40 through 10 meters. The vertical allows me to operate on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters without a tuner. For CW operation, I use a bencher paddle with a N0XAS PicoKeyer and Radio Shack racing headphones. I also have a Donner's Digital Interface that I use to operate the digital modes.

    My G5RV antenna is located in my attic, about 30 feet off the ground. I have it bent in a Z-shape so it can fit in the attic. This antenna gets into Europe, Africa, and South America very well, but I have some problems hearing stations in Asia and Oceania with it. This is why I decided to put up a multiband vertical. Not only does the vertical radiate equally well in all directions, but it also has a low angle of radiation that makes it great for working DX. So far, with only four radials per band, I am pleased with how the vertical is working.

    Presently, I operate on all bands 40 through 10 meters using CW, SSB, or PSK-31. I usually run 100 watts output power. It is amazing how much fun you can have with the power of a household light bulb. My 100 watts does not blow the DX station's ear drums out, but with a little patience it does get through most pileups. My favorite band is 20 meters because it always seems to be open to somewhere in the world. This makes 20 meters a great DX band; about 90% of my contacts are on 20 meters.

I try to get on the air once every day but due to homework and other school activities, I don't always have time to get on the radio. However, during the summer and on weekends I am very active, especially when there is a contest. I usually operate when I can take advantage of grayline propagation. This is usually around 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM eastern time (1200 and 0100 UTC.) If you hear me on the ham bands, don't hesitate to give me a call.

Here are some more pictures of my station.

This is a close-up view of my HF station. Notice all of the QSL cards I am getting ready to send out (upper left). 

In this picture you can see my entire station with my computer for logging. My station is located in my room.

This is my Hustler multiband vertical. The milk jug at the bottom holds together an RF choke.

This picture was taken from the base of my vertical antenna. The bottom trap is for 15 meters, and the top trap is for 20 meters. The capacity hat above the 20 meter trap is for 40 meters.