John Ferrell wrote:
I didn't mention the issue of antenna tuners it but I was thinking of
including the Yaesu FC-30 tuner in the HF set but I wanted to get some
advice first. I was considering that tuner because it can be directly
controlled by the transceiver and even bolted right to it. If that's a
bad idea I have not bought one yet.

I take it you are not a fan of the diesel fuel and ammonium nitrate
fertilizer solution to stumps. {;)
Stumps....
I try to resist the urge to experiment in that direction. I continue
to look for a mentor that has gray hair, and a complete inventory of
eyes & limbs. I sure miss the days when every hardware store carried
Calcium Carbide.

Can you recommend any fuses or detonators?

A common 1/4 stick fire cracker as the detonator and model rocket engine
nichrome wire igniters wired to energize from a safe distance away. You
have to pack the mixture pretty tight with the fire cracker in the
middle. Wrap the nichrome igniter wire around the firecracker's fuse,
run your wire out a safe distance, connect wires to battery terminal and
key operated switch / covered push button combination, make the needed
safety announcement, when all check points report all clear insert and
operate the keyed switch, begin countdown, press button.
--
Tom Horne

"This alternating current stuff is just a fad. It is much too dangerous
for general use." Thomas Alva Edison

tuners
I like built in tuners but I like having the tuner at the antenna even
better. In days past a big mismatch was just an inconvenience. Today
RF at the operating position means the only equipment that does work
is the radio.

I use only two HF antennas at this time. The 28 foot vertical with the
SGC-237 which works fine 10-160m with no Shack RF and A Cushcraft A3S
40-10 beam with the tuner in the TenTec Jupiter. Both meet my
expectations.

A vertical MAY NOT meet your mission profile for short range
communications. A low dipole (High enough not to present a safety
hazard) may be more useful.

As an earlier poster pointed out, it would be best to select a length
that is NOT a half wave on a desired operating frequency.

Once again, a clever technician can beat any tuner but I find it
difficult to be clever when it is dark, cold, wet and hungry.

John Ferrell W8CCW
"Life is easier if you learn to
plow around the stumps"