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And the heat goes on ……
30 June 2012 | by but definitely not quite as bad as yesterday. The high for today was only around 94F – about 5 degrees cooler than yesterday.
Looks like we might get some thunderstorms tonight – I’ve got some chicken, potatoes and corn-on-th-cob on the grill. Hope it waits until AFTER dinner is cooked!
Tonight’s plan is to start working on the K3. I’m really torn between using the KX3 and having some operating fun and the build of the new radio. Another determining factor is that I am beginning to pack away the KX3 in preparation for vacation soon. I need to finalize the logistics of my new Lowepro “portable ops” pack. I’ll try and shoot some photos or perhaps a video once I get the final configuration down.
Radio, key, battery and accessories aren’t the problem. The problem is figuring out which antennas to bring along. This year the Buddistick and the magmount will ride along in the Jeep. But for hiking purposes, I think I will end up taking only the EFHW wires that I have pre-cut. They take the least amount of space and are quick to set up – AND, they are proven, I have gotten decent results with them before, including some European DX last year.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP – When you care to send the very least!
3 Responses to “And the heat goes on ……”
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I’m giving an EFHW a try on my next hike. How many wires do you have cut, and what lengths?
Goody,
I have found that this works well for me on 40 and 20 Meters….
67 foot antenna wire and 34 foot counterpoise. Basically the old NJQRP “Halfer”. I use one of those BNC/Banana Plug connectors. It worked well on the PFR3A and the K1. I expect it to work just as well on the KX3.
I also carry a 58 foot wire that I use with the same counterpoise that seems to work well on the other bands. I don’t think that length is resonant anywhere in particular and the K1 was able to match it.
Nothing super fancy, but workable. With the 67 foot wire, I was able to work ON4UN from Lake George last year. That was a thrill to work such a notable as John. And we carried on a decent QSO too – not one of those “wham, bam” ones.
I used to carry a NorCal Doublet; but it takes more time and effort to set up. When you want some “quick and dirty” operating, the end fed wires seem to be best.
73 de Larry W2LJ
Thanks the info. I’ll try out those lengths. I’m currently using a dipole fed with a short piece of zip line, but I’m trying to go even more simple and lightweight.