IC-7600

As I near retirement, I wanted to make that final radio purchase. I wanted a very good radio, as I hope to be on the radio a lot once I have time! And I'm hoping to add an antenna or two and I wanted to make sure the radio was up to the task.

Since I have been a ICOM guy from the beginning, I figured why stop now. So, from my 706; then the 7200; and about 5 years ago, the 7410. The nice thing about the ICOM's, if you have operated one, you can operate them all. Nice job ICOM!!!

The rig of course this time was the IC-7600. A very nice rig and ICOM had a special on it. So, with income tax refund in hand, I made a trip up to HRO in Delaware (no sales tax). After a few minutes, I had the rig safely in the trunk and I started home.

When I got home, I unpacked it and wow, what a nice looking rig!!! I didn't have a chance to operate it much, just tuned around the bands. I finally had a chance to use it Saturday, which happened to be the VA QSO Party weekend. Perfect,  a lot of stations and the a good chance to give the radio a little workout.

Hawaii QSL

As I continue my quest to WAS, I knew Hawaii would be a tough. With my attic dipole, Hawaii might be possible, but it would be tough.During the ARRL contest a few weekends ago, I was on 15 and I heard or thought I heard a KH6. The pile up was crazy, but I jumped in. He was about a S-4 on my 7410. After a few minutes, I gave him a call and finally after about 3 or 4 minutes, he acknowledged me!! I was still in shock, but I did my happy dance and a little bit of noise. the puppies and Michele weren't sure what happened!! So I ran up the stairs and told her the good news.

Now the wait was one, did he get my call right and did he really hear me? I uploaded my log to LOTW and all I could do was wait.

I checked LOTW the next day, and bam, there it was, Hawaii conformed. Wow!! And then I thought I really wanted a QSL card, I mailed him off my card and a SASE. And last week I had a envelope from Hawaii! Opened it and there it was, a QSL from Hawaii. So awesome!!

Now, 4 states to go to WAS. Including Alaska; Nevada; Delaware; and West Virginia.