qrper.com/2024/05/soggy-pota-pairing-the-elecraft-kx2-and-ax1-amidst-flaky-propagation/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.
I started watching as something ham radio to put on in the background with good vibes. In the past year these videos have inspired me to learn cw and going from not having a clue what was being sent to picking up about 80% of the qso has been really exciting. Thanks for all you do to grow the hobby
Thank you so much for the kind words, Blake. It's an honor do to what I get to do and most of all, it's wonderful to be in such a wonderful community of folks like you.
Amazing how well that AX1 does! 99% of my POTA QSO's are DX, not many local CW operators, so unfortunately I do not think the AX1 will work for me. Closest contacts are often more than 8000km. Thanks, enjoyed the video Thomas! 73.
Yes, that is a limitation of the AX1. You can certainly work DX with the AX1--and I have many times--but it's not a DX antenna. The AX1 is not the best choice if you live in a remote area, although it's a great asset if you like to travel by air.
That AX1 is really something. Building things is fun so I think I'm gonna have to come up with something like it. I often only get to pota with family around and such a rapid setup would be great for fast getting on/off the air quick. Had a soggy one myself yesterday. Family hike in the rain, and then set up in the back of the car with the hatch open to operate. A bit tight with cooler and chairs the we didn't want to get wet but it worked.
Impressive activation. While it's true that a K4SWL activation brings out its own hunters, it still was remarkable considering the weather and short antenna..
Mr. Thomas if you don’t mind me asking…. How do you deal with the ticks in parks? I made my 1st CW contact P2P this past Friday and had to call it due to all the ticks that were on me!! Was not in the grass or near trees but on a gravel parking lot…. Have no idea how that all happened?!? As a side note first park I’ve been to without seeing or hearing any birds! So strange, Sasquatch? Evil spirits? Don’t know lol. I’ve been asking some other POTA people what they use or do and would sure value any input you have!!! Cheers!!
DEET? I don’t like wearing those bug sprays, but I live in Chicago, and my dogs brought ticks into the house this spring, so I’m being more careful as of late.
Wear long socks. Tuck your pants into your socks. Use lots of bug spray, Don't brush by any grasses, especially tall grasses, as ticks ride on the tippy top and jump on you, As soon as you get home, change all your clothes, and inspect your skin and hair. It's a big nuisance but can be done :)
If you don't mind a chemical, permethrin on clothing is supposed to be exceptionally effective. I'd probably just have a dedicated pair of pants to have it sprayed on. Should survive several washes.
Great question. I'm a big fan of permethrin. You'll often see me wearing the same clothes in my summer activations because those are the ones that have been treated. It seems to work a charm. I re-treat my clothes once a year and that seems to work. You know, I think I'll make a post about this soon. 'Tis the season and all!
qrper.com/2024/05/soggy-pota-pairing-the-elecraft-kx2-and-ax1-amidst-flaky-propagation/?swcfpc=1
Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.
It is touching to hear you taking care of family. All that is done prior to radio, but you still make the effort to radio, POTA!
I started watching as something ham radio to put on in the background with good vibes. In the past year these videos have inspired me to learn cw and going from not having a clue what was being sent to picking up about 80% of the qso has been really exciting. Thanks for all you do to grow the hobby
I do the same. Also with k2ejt. Sometimes I play along and try to decode before it's UP on screen or said out loud.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Blake. It's an honor do to what I get to do and most of all, it's wonderful to be in such a wonderful community of folks like you.
Yeah Thomas' videos are really better than any of the CW programs I've used. The speed is right where I'm trying to learn too.
God bless and speedy recovery for your father!
Amazing how well that AX1 does! 99% of my POTA QSO's are DX, not many local CW operators, so unfortunately I do not think the AX1 will work for me. Closest contacts are often more than 8000km. Thanks, enjoyed the video Thomas! 73.
Yes, that is a limitation of the AX1. You can certainly work DX with the AX1--and I have many times--but it's not a DX antenna. The AX1 is not the best choice if you live in a remote area, although it's a great asset if you like to travel by air.
That AX1 is really something.
Building things is fun so I think I'm gonna have to come up with something like it.
I often only get to pota with family around and such a rapid setup would be great for fast getting on/off the air quick.
Had a soggy one myself yesterday. Family hike in the rain, and then set up in the back of the car with the hatch open to operate.
A bit tight with cooler and chairs the we didn't want to get wet but it worked.
I've done more than one hatchback activations with my family in the car, too! :)
May the fourth be with you.
You are a good son, Thomas.
So relaxing watching this video, heard about your channel from QRP School N4CCB, subscribed!
Thank you. Cliff is such a great fellow and has one of the best channels out there.
That Z Seat pad is a game changer in the winter months. That small amount of insulation actually makes a huge difference. Great video!
Impressive activation. While it's true that a K4SWL activation brings out its own hunters, it still was remarkable considering the weather and short antenna..
Rainy Days are nice also!
Yes they are!
Yet another one I missed you on Tom. but we're still hunting! thanks for sharing de Ellis WA1RKS
Next time, my friend!
Would hate for you to have to change your callsign to K4AIP, K4 Ants In Pants Good seeing your videos, need to make more time for POTA myself.
😂
Mr. Thomas if you don’t mind me asking…. How do you deal with the ticks in parks? I made my 1st CW contact P2P this past Friday and had to call it due to all the ticks that were on me!! Was not in the grass or near trees but on a gravel parking lot…. Have no idea how that all happened?!? As a side note first park I’ve been to without seeing or hearing any birds! So strange, Sasquatch? Evil spirits? Don’t know lol. I’ve been asking some other POTA people what they use or do and would sure value any input you have!!! Cheers!!
DEET? I don’t like wearing those bug sprays, but I live in Chicago, and my dogs brought ticks into the house this spring, so I’m being more careful as of late.
Wear long socks.
Tuck your pants into your socks.
Use lots of bug spray,
Don't brush by any grasses, especially tall grasses, as ticks ride on the tippy top and jump on you,
As soon as you get home, change all your clothes, and inspect your skin and hair.
It's a big nuisance but can be done :)
If you don't mind a chemical, permethrin on clothing is supposed to be exceptionally effective.
I'd probably just have a dedicated pair of pants to have it sprayed on. Should survive several washes.
Great question. I'm a big fan of permethrin. You'll often see me wearing the same clothes in my summer activations because those are the ones that have been treated. It seems to work a charm. I re-treat my clothes once a year and that seems to work. You know, I think I'll make a post about this soon. 'Tis the season and all!
@@ThomasK4SWL thanks Mr Thomas!!! That would be great to learn about this stuff!
Thanks again 🙌💫
Which antenna is this? Can it be used with the IC-705?
This is the Elecraft AX1 antenna. I link to everything in the field report on QRPer.com. There should be a direct link in the video description.