This is my Kenwood TS-440S/AT that I use for PSK31, and a couple of my computers.
That's an AEA PK-232MBX below my ol' QSL card that I bought years ago, but had never really used much until recently. I'm currently involved in an evaluation project with the MIRO group to evaluate using packet as an supplimental mode for the usual analog FM-voice EmComm system.
[Retired]Here's the Yeasu FT-847 that I use for HF SSB/CW and VHF FM. To the right is a Heathkit SB-200 kilowatt HF amplifier. Beneath the FT-847 is a junked out Collins remote VFO. The VFO had been removed before it was given to me, but it still has an very good speaker, 2 KW forward/reflected power meter, and (for what it's worth) a phone patch. The audio quality and the wattmeter are both excellent, and as you can see, it looks nice sitting next to the SB-200.
The photo shows a Kenwood MC-60A desk microphone with an adapter cable I built to cross over the wiring for the Yeasu. However, I'm currently using a Heil HM-5-5 single-muff headset. Both of these microphones make a big difference and I generally receive very good audio reports from the stations I work. I think the Yeasu has a great audio section, and the Heil headset has excellent audio quality, both for transmit and receive.
In between the transceiver and the amplifier is my Vibroplex paddle. It's a simple paddle, not iambic, because I've never gotten the hang of using an iambic key. I also have a real bug and sometimes use it just to feel "that old time religion".
I inherited the amplifier from Bill, WA7SVC, along with the tower and beam I describe on the antenna page. I installed all the Harbach modifications and it provides excellent performance. I now have a new axiom, a spinoff of, "If you can't hear 'em, you can't work 'em". My version is, "If they can't hear you, they can't work you." This amplifier has made all the difference in the world for me. I'd never had any luck on SSB barefoot. Of course with the tower and beam now, I don't often need to use the amplifier, but it's there when I need a little extra punch.
I've you're interested in seeing the this station wiring, click here.
Also, I recently unpacked my venerable old HW-101 and found a very nice spot for it in the shack.
This also shows some more recent updates to the shack, such as the CDE antenna rotator, the beautiful Kent dual paddle/straight key, and the MFJ986 antenna tuner.
