Just passed my Tech

[Koldyniy]

Question/Help

I just passed my Technician license and will be studying for my general. I’m learning CW as I’m extremely interested in CW.

I’m looking at the X6100 but seen many videos against it. I’m still personally interested in this radio. However I have looked into the G90 also and it is peaking my interest as it is cheaper. My eventual goal is the Icom 705.

So which radio should I get the X6100 or G90?

If you have any other HF radios that someone please let me know any other radios I should look into before buying the x6100.

Also POTA is something I’m interested in also.

 

[928bolo]

Congratulations!

Keep studying and get your General license. You will get more operating privileges.

CW is a great way to work distant are rare stations. You will need to invest a lot of time and practice to learn CW. Just like learning a foreign language. Take a look at CW Academy They have a structured approach that really works.

For your first radio I suggest you get a 100w radio. Low power radios are great for portable operation because they are usually small and light weight. But low power can be frustrating.

Your antenna should be the most important consideration in your operation. Put up the most efficient, resonant, antenna(s) as possible. Most of us are limited by the space and support structures to hang antennas. Just do the best that you can.

I also like to operate POTA. I use an Yaesu FT-710 and several resonant wire dipole and a portable vertical antenna.

Good luck!

 

[Crawdad]

Your antenna should be the most important consideration in your operation.

100%

 

[Onelasttime]

First and formost! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

I would like to ask your age. Do you mind that? I am trying to get a feel for anyone new that is intersted in CW/Code!

 

[Lost Ram]

Congrats!!!!! Its a whole new world when you get into 160-40 meter with your general. Dont be afraid to make wire antennas and fail at it, this is how you learn. I started out making dipoles using coax, I soon learned that 600 ohm ladder line and a tuner was the way to go along with a 1:1 current balun for most builds, some like the 4:1. Before I used the current baluns I would just make ugly balun around 4 or 6 inch pvc or Folgers plastic coffee containers. As far as the radio, you need to get one with the buttons and knobs you like. I always recommend the FT991A, only because its everything in one package and includes an OK tuner. An external LDG200Pro is better unit that tunes more larger variances. Just my two cents, have fun.