Last month one of our club members had the final "QRP in the Park" session for this year. He'll resume again in April. I stopped by and learned about how QRP (low power) works and what kind of equipment is used. I also got to try out his new Elecraft K3 transceiver ($1,500 with all the options) coupled to a speaker wire dipole antenna in an inverted v at 25' with a 4:1 LDG balun, and powered by a 7ah SLA battery. I was able to make a few contacts into New York, North Carolina and Florida using just 5w, and I was hooked. I began using my FT-450 as a QRP radio by reducing the output to 5w, and began looking for a dedicated QRP rig on QRZ.com.
Monday this listing showed up, and I was able to finalize negotiations with the seller for $720 shipped (he paid $935) on this brand new Yaesu FT-817ND, tuner and USB interface. (the power supply is not included. I already have two supplies and a 10.5ah SLA battery) Everything is still has full warranties, as he did not file the warranty cards, and is giving me the original sales slips as well. I mailed the money order this morning, and should have the rig by the end of next week. The seller just bought this setup on 11/12/12, but due to poor eyesight, is unable to read the small screen. He already ordered an FT-897D and is happy with it.
Monday this listing showed up, and I was able to finalize negotiations with the seller for $720 shipped (he paid $935) on this brand new Yaesu FT-817ND, tuner and USB interface. (the power supply is not included. I already have two supplies and a 10.5ah SLA battery) Everything is still has full warranties, as he did not file the warranty cards, and is giving me the original sales slips as well. I mailed the money order this morning, and should have the rig by the end of next week. The seller just bought this setup on 11/12/12, but due to poor eyesight, is unable to read the small screen. He already ordered an FT-897D and is happy with it.