> I still have just an HT, but was excited the first time I connected   
    > to a local  repeater! I've since acquired a hand me down HF rig &   
    > home made antenna, but haven't hooked it up yet... Have to get a   
    > power supply and get it setup. :-)   
      
   Yes, Aussies and other longer distant contact are always fun to get.  Russia    
   is a good one to get excited over also.    
       
   Power supplies are always a big thing that doesn't get that much attention,    
   if you can, get a linear power supply instead of a switching one.  The modern    
   switching ones are smaller, lighter, more efficent and can make a lor of RF    
   noice that will show up as "birdies" though the bands.  I'm sure some are    
   better then others..  I have a old Drake PS7 linear power supply, it's huge,    
   33 POUNDS about the size of a breifcase and no RF birdies to interfere.   
      
   When your on the HT bring up you're looking for a power supply once in a    
   while, somebody might have one they'd be willing to part with.  just be sure    
   to test it first and that it can delived the Amps an HF radio needs.  I'd    
   recommend 25amps continious.    
      
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