I got a good deal on a Kenwood TS-450SAT that I could not pass up. Of course now I needed an antenna so the research began. I looked at dipoles, verticals, Mag Loops, you name it. In the true nature of HAM, I bought some speaker wire, some Army Surplus fibreglass tent poles and a used satellite dish tripod. I then picked up 1:1 balun and put together a 20M inverted V dipole.

I borrowed an antenna analyzer from my local ham club, tuned the antenna and I talked to another local HAM who is a mere KM away from me on 20M. Woohoo. Other than that I listened. At least until Field Day in June where I figured I would try my hand for an hour or so and see if I could raise anyone. Success! I had contest QSOs with people in California and Washington State. Next up is the Canada day contest.

I moved my inverted V because I was coming over the speakers in the living room and I was all set for the Contest. I only put an hour or so in as I am not a big fan of contests but it was a chance to talk and test out the new rig. I was able to have contest QSOs with Manitoba and central Ontario.