Starting from scratch
 

It's been a long time since I've been on HF.. Been a ham since the
late 70's..

As I look at all the gear out there, it seems tough to get this all
put together.. I think I'll be mixing phone and CW. I think I'll be
doing a bit of rag chewing and I'd like to try out contesting..

Here is what I know.. For Antennas, I'll be using dipoles. Can't sell
the XYL on a tower.

Mike - I'd like to have one mike for what will end up being a few
radios (1 or 2 VHF/UHF and 1 or 2 HF rigs). Some sort of Mike Switch
seems in order. With or without a processor? Which brands are the
best?

Logging - The PC in the shack is not fast, but has XP on it.. I also
have a laptop with Linux if that is better.. It seems the loggers are
either general in nature or specific to contesting.. Would also love
to have the rigs feed the logging program, it appears to be available.
Some also appear to be a keyboard CW keyer. Any thoughts on which
programs are the best?

Voice & CW keyers - If the logging program doesn't key, which are the
best voice and CW keyers are out there.. Would like to use them for
the standard things we repeat a million times. Who makes the best
units out there?

Appreciate the feedback..

73's

John Woodstock
K1DWU