I was a teenager in the 70's that dabbled in CB radio (I was one of the legally licensed ones!). But I never had the time to learn Morse Code. I got a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology in the 80's then through life's wanderings ended up in Information Technology. My buddy Dave Kelley, AI7R, started bugging me to get my license when they dropped the code requirement for Tech. I procrastinated until they dropped the code for all levels. I studied a bit and showed up at a hamfest, deciding to keep taking tests until I failed. I walked away with my Extra (it was close). And before you older Hams out there say anything I fully realize my ticket doesn’t mean as much as yours. I still would like to learn code someday. I currently run an Icom 7000 with an LDG AT-7000 tuner. I figured it was a good "do everything" first rig. It is also small enough you will hear me sign portable with it while I am camping. Dave turned me on to CCD antennas and I designed and built a custom one out of 24 gauge wire and surface mount capacitors. It is nearly invisible. I live in one of those HOA's that restrict antennas. It is strung between peaks of my roof and a block wall so the average height above ground is only about 15 feet and the average distance between it and my electrical and telephone wiring is a lot less! Good thing CCD antennas are more tolerant of things like that. I have heard stories of people using them laying on the ground under several inches of snow!
If you are interested check out an article I wrote on my dual band CCD antenna design.
Since I am a computer geek I try to keep my logs uploaded to both eQSL.cc and the ARRL Logbook of the World. However if you send me a real card I will send one back.
73's
Charlie