Kristine,

Congratulations on the new radio.  I've had a 480 for almost a year
now, and I'm still very happy with it.

I've been using a Cobra Ultralite Senior for an antenna, and have had
very good results on 75 and 40.  The bottom line is that if I can
hear it, I can work it.  To me, that's the mark of a good
antenna.  It costs around $80 and is very easy to put up.  If space
is an issue for you, it may not be the best choice since it's 130
feet long.  If you have the space, however, it's a terrific antenna.

Enjoy your new radio.

Steve

On Monday 12/26/05 09:52 Kristine Hickerson wrote:
>Hi All,
>
>Well, I can't stand it!  I just have to brag.
>
>Santa brought me a Kenwood TS480 for Christmas.  I now have a full
>compliment of Kenwood gear.  The THF6a, TMG707a and the 480.  I am so
>excited!!
>
>I've already been in touch with some of the guys in our  local ham club and,
>probably afterthe first of the year, they're going to help me get things up
>and going.
>
>Now I have to get that antenna!  I've been speculating what I would get, now
>I have to make the decision.  Once I get things going, I'll probably have a
>sore throat from talking so much.  Two meters is fun, but  this is going to
>be so cool.  This is the rig I had been looking forware to buying, and now I
>have it.
>
>Hope to have some great qso's with all of you.
>
>73
>Kris
>WB9SLM
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