Hi listers, 
I just want to let everyone know that I finally bit the bullet and have purchased a new HF rig. 

Here is what I ordered from Universal Radio after considering various brands and configuration options 

Thanks to everyone on the list for their helpful recommendations. 



Kenwood TS-480SAT 
160-6 meters 100W 

       
High stability temperature compensated crystal oscillator. Includes an 
alignment tool 
 Requires soldering. 
VGS1 
Vocal confirmation of frequency. Record/playback of received or transmitted signals. 
SP-23 
All metal base speaker for improved fidelity and clarity. 
YF-107C 
500 Hz CW Filter 
YF-107CN 
270 Hz CW Filter  
Samlex SEC-1235M 
13.8 VDC 
30 Amps 
35 Amps 
50 mV P-P 
8.4 x 2.5 x 7.3 
3.4 

I'm looking forward to operating mostly QRP from my apartment. For now I'm considering either the Miracle Whip antenna or one of the MFJ apartment antennas or one of their magnetic loop antennas.

I'm looking forward to getting back on the air with CW. Yes I know I will be really rusty, not having sent code for years. But I know with practice it will come back to me.

I am a California state employee and with the twice per month furloughs and the general poor state of the economy, I was seriously thinking of not purchasing any sort of equipment at all.

After all, a fully loaded Kenwood rig plus accessories is over the price of one month's rentfor me. 

But I figured the Kenwood discount coupon went until March 31, 2009. Also the last rig I owned for HF was a Kenwood TS570D that I bought in the late 1990s.

I figured it was time for an upgrade. 

I'm looking forward to getting back on the air. 

I will probably have questions concerning the rig that I'll jump in and ask. For now HF will be brand new to me again! 

Thanks once again for all the help and encouragement. 

Best 73's, 

Eric 
KU3I