I have been an Amateur (Ham) Radio operator since 1992. I have been an extra class operator since May, 1995. I am an accredited volunteer license examiner under the ARRL/VEC.
On very high and ultra high frequency bands (VHF/UHF), I operate 2 meters and 70 centimeter FM simplex. I operate an Alinco DR-605T 2m/70cm twin-band mobile transceiver in the truck. And I also use my Icom IC-746PRO on 2m at home. My mobile antenna is a Diamond NR770HA and the base station antenna is a Diamond X-500H.
I operate high frequency (HF/shortwave) bands on an Icom IC-746PRO general coverage, all-mode transceiver. The HF antenna is a random wire. The entire station is powered by a 2kWh UPS with "dual conversion" mode (e.g. to stabilize a generator without depleting batteries). I also have a 5kW generator to provide electricity in case of an emergency.
A laptop computer running Ubuntu Linux is used for control of the Icom IC-746PRO and for digital modes such as SSTV, PSK31, RTTY, MFSK, and so on. The computer is connected to the Icom IC-746PRO through an interface box that combines a RASCAL kit and a homebrew CI-V interface. I chose a laptop because it will run from 12VDC just like the HF radio. I also use 2.4 GHz wireless Ethernet to eliminate interference to my HF reception. I found that running Ethernet cables so close to the HF radio causes nearly insurmountable radio frequency interference.
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