These are QSL cards that I’ve gotten digitally from people with whom I’ve made radio contact since getting my General Class license. All were made using either my Yaesu FT897D for digital contacts, or with my 1967 Drake TR4 tube type radio for voice SSB contacts. I don’t use any linear amplifiers with either station. The Yaesu puts out a peak power of around 100 watts. The Drake does a little better at around 200-225 watts. But the Drake only does voice contacts on SSB at this point. I hope to add some terminal adapter equipment to it for experimenting with digital modes on the Drake. But for now I’m fine with only using it for voice comms. Antenna in use is a modified Jetstream Fan multiband dipole and/or 6m 3 element yagi. My contacts encompass voice and data covering 95 countries as of 01/01/2020, including Antarctica. And while there are some in the amateur community who look down on some of the digital protocols, I say to each his own. I enjoy talking with people overseas. But I also get a thrill out of pulling that one DX contact out of the noise floor, who happens to be digital on some far away island or place I’ve never been before. It takes all kinds of people to truly make a community, with each having his or her own preferences. So thanks to all of the people represented below for making this a killer hobby!!!
