Ron has again proven that "QRP beats the heck out of QRT," and that a 
compromise setup can work very well, even when it forces you to learn 
the skill of patience.

It is too bad Icom no longer sells an equivalent to the IC703 series. 
Nearly everybody I know who has one hangs onto it.

I too am blessed with a very tolerant wife, Kathleen, K5KKD. While she 
will never be the radio junky that I am, that is okay. she has 
achieved her Amateur Extra Class license, and enjoys working 
communications for events such as charity bike rides, walks, etc.

Her other big hobby is needle work, which she can enjoy much better 
when I am on the radio and out of the
light path.


Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs