Suggestions welcomed.

[KB3LAZ]

Not to change subjects but I see that the K3 now comes with an optional 2m module. I found that to be neat. The K3 is on my list. :) Kit ofc. Not sure if I want the 10 watt or 100 watt...but if its going in the house may as well make it 100 watt to be safe. Only allowed 200w max on most bands as it is.

[W7XF]

Travis....
I'd just say take what you have... you can turn the RF output down to QRP as needed. a Buddipole or maybe an Outbacker would do good for an antenna...in fact, I'd say go with the Outbacker...that way you have your mobile antenna too. And, as Cor mentioned, watch your band plans there...and remember that the wall socket is 220.... NOT 110!!!! AND, find your 1250 Hz tone burst...that's what you'll need for some 2m/70cm repeaters over yonder.
And, don't forget to check the ARRL website for your CEPT information...so you can operate xx/KB3LAZ (xx being whatever the prefix is for where you are).

[KB3LAZ]

Travis....
I'd just say take what you have... you can turn the RF output down to QRP as needed. a Buddipole or maybe an Outbacker would do good for an antenna...in fact, I'd say go with the Outbacker...that way you have your mobile antenna too. And, as Cor mentioned, watch your band plans there...and remember that the wall socket is 220.... NOT 110!!!! AND, find your 1250 Hz tone burst...that's what you'll need for some 2m/70cm repeaters over yonder.
And, don't forget to check the ARRL website for your CEPT information...so you can operate xx/KB3LAZ (xx being whatever the prefix is for where you are).

Yes, 220 :D And no mobile, ever. I dont use mobile here either. Bleh...I dont wanna take more baggage than I have to with me. :P Prolly gonna liquidate the whole shack before moving. Of which there are only a few things left as it is lol.

[W3WN]

Personally, I'd look hard at the Ten Tec Argonaut V. 25 watts, so it's got a little more oomph that a true QRP rig; small profile, easy to operate. And if W3WH ever decides to part with his, I'll be owing him some money...

Yes, it's also a discontinued rig. They're supposed to be coming out with a new QRP rig to replace it later this year.

I hear a lot of good things about the new Ten Tec Eagle. Basically the same physical profile as the Argonaut V, but it's a full 100 W out. And it's available with a built-in tuner if that's important. The Eagle appears to be a new direction for the middle-of-the-road rigs, since the core of the radio (pretty much except for the output) is the heart of that aforementioned new rig as well, or so I understand.

[KB3LAZ]

Personally, I'd look hard at the Ten Tec Argonaut V. 25 watts, so it's got a little more oomph that a true QRP rig; small profile, easy to operate. And if W3WH ever decides to part with his, I'll be owing him some money...

Yes, it's also a discontinued rig. They're supposed to be coming out with a new QRP rig to replace it later this year.

I hear a lot of good things about the new Ten Tec Eagle. Basically the same physical profile as the Argonaut V, but it's a full 100 W out. And it's available with a built-in tuner if that's important. The Eagle appears to be a new direction for the middle-of-the-road rigs, since the core of the radio (pretty much except for the output) is the heart of that aforementioned new rig as well, or so I understand.

:D and this is why I made this post. New ideas. Keep em coming! :D

[NQ6U]

Have you given any consideration to an SDR? The Flex 1500 might fit the bill for you.

[PA5COR]

Here it's 230 volt mains 50 Hz.( 16 amps per group)
1750 for opening the repeaters, but most use CTCSS, or just carrier opened.
You will find that most operators take the 200 watt limit with a laugh, just like the Italians, these grouos we call crocodiles not for nothing here ( too much power, shoddy antenna, big mouth no ears)
Since Spain is the first skip for me, most Spanish stations are always loud here.
Looking forward to have a sked with you LOL.

[W1GUH]

If you wind up with an '817, and, IMHO that'd be a great choice, I highly recommend the "big battery" and "One Fast Chager" from W4RT. Lost more capacity in the battery, & it charges much faster than Yaesu's obsolete dumb charger that's built into the radio. There's an issue with W4RT's packaging of the combo, but it's easy to fix & electrically that combo is super!

For an antenna, you could consider a ham stick or 2 or 3, mounted with something like this...



I've never tried that, but that looks like a very convenient antenna setup. On a car hamsticks get out very well, and I'd think that mounted with one of those vice-grip thingies and worked against either a couterpoise or a ground, you'd have decent results. For example, I worked the Netherlands mobile with an '817 & a hamstick on the car with good, Q5 copy.

You can probably buy hamsticks for the bands you want to cover for less than the cost of a Buddipole. Just sayin...

Oh, and if you're planning on CW...don't forget a CW filter for the '817.

Whatever you get, it's very probable that it's going to be lots and lots of FUN!!! Enjoy!

[KB3LAZ]

If you wind up with an '817, and, IMHO that'd be a great choice, I highly recommend the "big battery" and "One Fast Chager" from W4RT. Lost more capacity in the battery, & it charges much faster than Yaesu's obsolete dumb charger that's built into the radio. There's an issue with W4RT's packaging of the combo, but it's easy to fix & electrically that combo is super!

For an antenna, you could consider a ham stick or 2 or 3, mounted with something like this...



I've never tried that, but that looks like a very convenient antenna setup. On a car hamsticks get out very well, and I'd think that mounted with one of those vice-grip thingies and worked against either a couterpoise or a ground, you'd have decent results. For example, I worked the Netherlands mobile with an '817 & a hamstick on the car with good, Q5 copy.

You can probably buy hamsticks for the bands you want to cover for less than the cost of a Buddipole. Just sayin...

Oh, and if you're planning on CW...don't forget a CW filter for the '817.

Whatever you get, it's very probable that it's going to be lots and lots of FUN!!! Enjoy!

Some of the accs for the 817 are a given. Would prolly get the ssb/cw combo filter. Ofc the big battery and the fast charger are a must. :D

[W7XF]

How about this... MFJ-2990 160-6 43' base antenna....

or if you're upstairs, and have a grounded metal railing for a counterpoise, a Tarheel II or MFj-1664 manual 80-6 screwdriver???

Just some ideas ;)