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This is the nerve-centre, the Station Operations Console for ZL2iFB and ZM4G (well OK, my desk):
The rig at centre stage is an Elecraft K3. It sounds lovely on the Bose hi-fidelity computer
loudspeakers or lightweight foldable Sennheiser PX 100 32-ohm hi-fi headphones
(“communications” speakers and headphones with limited audio range went out with the ark - I let
the rig’s sophisticated  DSP shape the audio exactly to my liking). I use a curvy wireless keyboard
and mouse on the PC to reduce the desktop clutter
(relatively speaking). The Amp Supply Co LK550 linear
to the right loafs along at our license limit of 500W when
I need it. A fabulous old Yaesu peak-reading power
meter sits on top of the rotator control box. A modified
Bencher paddle with silver plated curved paddles plugs
into the Morse Machine next to the monitor. The AC
voltmeter to the left of the monitor lets me keep an eye
on the mains. There’s a big pile of QSL cards waiting to
go to the bureau - I send literally hundreds at a time,
several times a year.
Most of my stuff comes “pre-loved” from eBay or NZ’s equivalent, TradeMe, or is built from a kit.
The upside is that I can afford some decent stuff. The downside (or rather the fun part) is waiting
patiently for it to appear on the market, and maintaining it. To me, it’s all part of amateur radio.
Just out of shot are my soldering iron and tools, the control box for the remote antenna switch
and other “stuff”. There’s a pair of PRS walkie-talkies somewhere nearby - useful to keep in touch
with Deborah when I’m up the tower hoisting aerials or out in the paddock laying radials. At last,
I’ve found a use for microphones and ~70cms!
The kit’s all very nice but by far my most valued possession is a sense of hearing finely honed to
about 400-700Hz. I'd trade the rest of my station to keep that.
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