HF Operating & Gear

When I moved, I sold my FlexRadio 6500 and SPE Expert amp. My new house is in a community that prohibits outside antennas. Not to be deterred, I picked-up an IC-7300 and occasionally set a temporary antenna out in my side yard. This was inconvenient, but it was enough to convince me that I had to get back on HF “full time” by any means necessary.

First, I invested in a Ciro Mazzoni Stealth Loop. It looks a bit like a piece of contemporary metal sculpture:

Me and my Stealth Loop — January 2024

Believe it or not, the Stealth Loop is designed to sit directly on the ground. So, I sat it in the woods behind my house where it won’t bother the neighbors or the condo association. And,surprise! It worked to get me on the air.

After that, because I really missed the big panadapter and waterfall display from my FlexRadio, I bought a Flex-6400M (read more about how I came to that decision here).

My station is a whole collection of compromises. The woods where my antenna is located are dense. There are hills and houses to the East and to the North (so, toward Europe and the rest of the world). Because I really don’t want to disturb my neighbors, I stick to using low power: never more than 100w.

Despite the difficulties, I am on HF now — SSB and digital modes!