Rig
The radiorig I use is a 'classic' Icom 706 that I've bought on the Dutch internetsite 2dehands.nl. When I bought it, I wasn't a licensed Radio Amateur at all but I knew that would come soon..., just the same as with that Baofeng stuff that I should take with me to Norway.This Icom radio must have been owned by a trucker or someone like that (I imagine) because it smells like hell (smoking) when it's getting hot. At least the tar doesn't come out but the smell of cigarette smoke comes out easily, but hey... it wasn't very expensive.
I have changed the fan anyhow, because it was too noisy.
I name it the "Icom 706 Classic" (yes, it's the 1995'er..) and it's RF-HF-power is a maximum of 100 Watts.
After a total reset (and deleting all the adjustments, made by the former owner) it worked fine.
I use 25 to 50 Watts HF power in Norway (although I'm allowed to use 1000 Watts on all bands). In the Netherlands I'm allowed to use 25 Watts max. on 40/20/10/2m and 70cm.
After getting a report of my second connection, a lower power seemed to be a good decision. When working from Norway, I was received with a 5:9+ in the south-west part of the Netherlands!
Licenses and rules
Working in Norway gives me more possibilities in power and bands than I have in The Netherlands. Ok, now I hear you thinking: a PD station -as a Novice station in the Netherlands- is allowed to use a maximum of power and bands...?
But hey, I'm working from Norway...!
They don't have Novice licenses in Norway, and using a maximum power of 1000 Watts is allowed here. I don't have the tools, the power, the radios and I will not use them. Working 'Barefooted' (so: not using an extra amplifier) is enough for me to reach many stations in Europe on 20Mtrs, from Norway.
Norgwegian authorities
Some time ago I have asked the authorities in Norway by mail about the 'specs' that I should take care of as a Novice licensed Radio Amateur from the Netherlands, working from Norway.
They (she) answered that I had to behave like the local rules in Norway say, and the local Radio Amateurs do. "We don't have Novice licenses in Norway, so you should behave like a normal licensed Radio Amateur, and only have to use the LA- in front of your call."
It was nice to read that.. and I have saved the message, in case of I'll need it in the future.. ;-)
Bengt his SWL shack
These are the radios that he uses, used or wanted to use:
and some other stuff: MFJ1040 / MFJ784B
SWL station Bengt Magnusson - Sweden