November 2018 Poipu, Hawaii "Frequent Flyer" DXpedition

Description of chasing exciting AM-DX at Poipu Resort (a beachside condo complex) on Kauai Island with a TSA-friendly 5 inch FSL and a 7.5 inch loopstick C.Crane Skywave Ultralight radio from November 2-8, 2016. Shown is the tiny, lightweight FSL antenna which can easily be packed in hand carry luggage, providing inductive coupling gain similar to that of a 4' air core box loop. Lots of DXing excitement in the center of the Pacific!

[@danielwyllyans]

Great DXing congrats and 73 😊📻📻📻

[@DXerGary]

Thanks Daniel, Wish that you could be here!

[@4nradio782]

Hi Gary, that was a GREAT overview of your DX location and the "frequent flyer" FSL! I may have to seriously look into those Costco travel deals. 73, Guy (currently DXing "a few miles" away from you on the Oregon coast :^)

[@DXerGary]

Hi Guy, Thanks for your comments-- and the Costco Travel package to this island (for two) was really phenomenal! Six days at a gorgeous 2-BR condo right near the beach, roundtrip (nonstop) airfare on Alaska Airlines, full-sized new rental car, and practical immunity from the propagation effects of solar tantrums-- all for $2,350. In April the same package is only $2,150-- a DXer's dream come true! :-) Gary

[@dxnerd86]

A case of the 'early bird' getting the DX.

[@DXerGary]

Yes, with his constant crowing that wild rooster was actually very close to getting a "Frequent Flyer" FSL antenna by Air Mail.

[@jafinch78]

Awesome info and looks like fun. I think you answered my question... though I will refine for more detail to glean from your subject matter expertise. Not much online regarding these antennas.
How did you connect the external loopstick antenna and if directly soldered to where the original antenna was connected on the PCB... would there be any concern with soldering an external antenna connector to the exterior of the case and maybe a switch so can change from internal to external?
I was also wondering about using other high magnetic permeability materials and issues with those materials being used. Have you considered using other materials instead of ferrite like high purity iron, Mu-Metal, metglass, etc?

[@jafinch78]

I'm working on my Dad's old Playback PBS TSJ that I can't find any info regarding... though other than guessing the buck converter adding additional noise... I think is an interesting radio with many bands to listen into with. A FSL, larger loopstick and even mag loop would definitely be an improvement for the AM on down bands.
Here is a video of the condition not working to document wiring and condition: ua-cam.com/video/rQNGdx5gjHs/v-deo.html
Here is the condition after cleaning, desoldering and soldering in newer capacitors (though not performance enhancing components yet, i.e. lower noise, ESR, etc.): ua-cam.com/video/Qdc4FjOUsN4/v-deo.html
FM condition is about 4 minutes in: ua-cam.com/video/Qdc4FjOUsN4/v-deo.html
AM condition is about 6 minutes in: ua-cam.com/video/Qdc4FjOUsN4/v-deo.html

[@DXerGary]

Hello Jafinch78, The modified C.Crane Skywave SSB Ultralight is a variation of the 7.5 inch loopstick transplant article posted at www.mediafire.com/file/du3sr5cd9thqvau/7.5inch-LS-PL380.doc/file
It uses the same loopstick as called for in the PL-380 article, but unfortunately the CC Skywave model is far more crammed, resulting in a pretty nerve-wracking transplant operation.

[@jafinch78]

Hi @@DXerGary! Excellent article. Thank you sir!

[@LeeLocke]

Hi Gary, I enjoyed reading your experiences whilst Dxing. I have just joined the MWC. Can I ask you, would you sell me one of the frequent flyers that you construct? Or maybe something similar?
Thank you, 73 Lee.