After long debate I have finally purchased my first base.

I posted a while back and received many great suggestions on what to
purchase, my sincere thanks to all who gave input.

I have on order, as I type, a brand spankin' new Galaxy DX2547

Decisions were made on reputation, internal construction, legality and
advice. I decided against going the used route because the ones I was
looking at (Cobra 2000, presidents, etc) were all modified and in poor shape
for the right price, ones that were not tampered with were commanding an
enormous price for their age and condition. I wanted it untouched for fear
of the "hack monkey" doing damage that would cost me more time getting on
the air from home and keeping my signal clean.

The Cherokee CBS1000 was an option but after reading of it's unexpected
release of the factory installed smoke and studying the power supply design,
I decided on a more robust unit. And the Galaxy looks damn cool too! Gotta
love the eye candy.

Now antenna's.....

I have started construction on a Dipole to get me up and running quick while
I finish the house. It will reside in the rafter system of a log home on a
big hill. Later I plan to do an outdoor Dipole design that I expect to give
me much greater performance, I will let you know how it goes, so far the
designs dictate that it won't be small but I have to camouflage it somewhat.
The home may also be getting a new roof soon and I was thinking metal for
durability. Can you say ground plane!

Feedline....

What are your average lengths on this group. I'm running 50' as of now but
going to an outdoor config will warrant a longer feedline. What do I need
to be concerned with other than cable quality and lightning suppression.
What are losses like on longer lines, is it THAT noticeable? Unfortunately
I only have 4/12 watts to begin with It's not like pushing 50K up a 400'
stick like when I was in commercial radio! Any thoughts would be
appreciated! I can't wait to hear you on 38LSB.

Chad