Topband: New to the List an 160M

[JT Croteau]

Hi gang.

I just joined the list a few days ago.  I've always been interested in 
160M but haven't never opperated on the band despite being licenesed for 
12 years.  I am now returning to the air this week after a long 8 year 
off the air period.  I will be upgrading to General, and maybe Extra, on 
Sat. the 27th and will be quite anxious to try out 160M.

I live on a sailboat here in the LA Harbor and will be using an Hi-Q 
5/160 screwdriver mobile antenna mounted to the stern rail of my boat.

http://www.hiqantennas.com/HiQ5160.htm

Does anyone have any idea of how effective I will be with this?  I've 
had a few people tell me that I should do great being on saltwater.  The 
rig is a Yaesu FT-817 so I will only be operating at 5W max.

Any tips, suggestions?

Thanks

73

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  JT Croteau (W6CFO)
  1971 Cal-27 Pop-Top, Hull #64 - Wilmington, CA