Andrew, Congratulations on your successful 4 years of being 'hammy' !! Congrats on your calendar and especially your satellite accomplishments. That bike looks really sharp - I'm sure you are already working on plans for your car... Over the years you will probably spend more on your car than on radios - although you have a good collection started already.

I always use the criteria "Can a 15 year old afford it?" :-)

I still use that criteria sometimes, but just as importantly you might also ask "Can I afford to NOT do it?" ... I know money is powerful, but the educational benefits towards your understanding of technology will usually repay with interest at some point in the future.

Building a downconverter kit, or 'adjusting' an old CalAmp MMDS converter will provide experience that can last a lifetime - and not break the bank. Keep up the good work, listen towards the horizon - maybe we can catch a mutual window on a satellite someday. Please feel free to visit my links below, hopefully you will find some useful/helpful info there.

73 for now /;^)