[calex59]

Been there, done that. All I can say is that 40 meters isn’t worth a crap until we get some sun spots back!:) How ever, very reliable communication can be had on 2 meters and lower(lower in the sense the wave length is shorter)and there are repeaters across the country so you can talk a long distance on these 2 meter rigs. I have been a ham for a long, long time(remember tubes?).

[mad_as_he$$]

“The Tubes” or “tubes” - unfortunately I remember both.

[Clinging Bitterly]

Tubes. Almost all the Ham gear I've had in 31 years is solid state, but my first HF rig was a Yaesu FT-200 (more commonly branded as the Tempo One) and I still have it.

While dusting off all my gear earlier this year I put the old dog on the air and dang if it don't still work great. I'm going to spruce it up some & sell it. I would like to get hold of a nice Kenwood 530 or 830.