[VHFcontesting] Asking for help in getting started on 220

[Todd and Sandy Sprinkmann]

   I am asking for advice on rigs to get started on 220.  I have the tower up, the antennas are being assembled and things are looking good.  I still need a transverter for 220, though, to interface with a Kenwood TS-850 I have.

   The only two places I've done some looking is at the SSB website and the DEMI website.  Seems that DEMI is on a long holiday/moving hiatus.  Too bad as I need this transverter in the next few weeks.  SSB's prices sure are a lot higher.  I'm curious about what I get for the extra $400-500.

   I would appreciate any and all advice from VHF'ers here who have 220.  What's your set-up consist of?  What has worked for you, transverter-wise?  

   Does anyone have transverters for 220 for sale?  It has to be in perfectly good working condition.  I can't have any repair issues; I'm not electronically inclined.  But I do want to get on the air and help increase activity.  As well as hear a lot of DX with stacked beams for 50, 144, 220 and 432 at 100-115'.  :) :)

   Thanks in advance and 73,
   Todd  -- KC9BQA  EN63