A quality CW paddle/key is pricy. No one can argue against the axiom “you get what you pay for”. With some keys costing more than $600 USD the portable operator who is looking to be fiscally responsible needs some good alternatives. There are a number of hams who have started homebrew businesses utilizing 3D printingContinue reading “Xeigu VK-6 Paddle Review”
Tag Archives: POTA
Thank You for Your Support
“This above all: to thine own self be true,And it must follow, as the night follows day,That when you are not yourself, you cannot be true to any man.” ~ William Shakespeare This is not exactly a common introduction of a blog post about amateur radio. Perhaps that is because this post is more than justContinue reading “Thank You for Your Support”
The Wonder of it All
I was a 5-year-old boy when I watched my father, WA2NAU (now W2BIL), talk to another ham radio operator in Scotland. My dad’s “shack” was in the back bedroom of our two-story home in North Arlington, NJ. I was mesmerized by the warm glow that came from the tubes in his Viking-Johson transmitter. I didn’tContinue reading “The Wonder of it All”
The Parks on the Air Book
A few months ago I was approached by Rick Parent (W0ZAP) about writing an essay for a planned book on POTA by the ARRL. While I am not a fan of false humility, I had to question what value I could bring to such a publication. It didn’t take long for me to hear fromContinue reading “The Parks on the Air Book”
Activation Rove to Hamvention
I will be driving to Hamvention starting on Wednesday, May 18th. The plan is to activate at least 15 parks on my way up. I will be using APRS to track my progress. My tentative activation schedule is: Wednesday, May 18th Flat Creek State Fishing Lake 2340 Highway 41 South Perry, GA 31069 Ocmulgee Mound HistoricContinue reading “Activation Rove to Hamvention”
QSOs for Ukraine
This is not going to be a long-winded post, so I will get right to the point. Amateur radio operators are known to be generous with their time and resources. In times of national emergency “hams” are a vital link in establishing emergency communications. Hams can be found providing communication support for events like charityContinue reading “QSOs for Ukraine”
Scavenger Antenna
Using the supplies I had on hand, I constructed a 35.5′ random wire antenna to use as a vertical and/or sloper with my Jackite mast on POTA activations. Because the length of wire is non-resonant, it should work with my Chameleon Hybrid Mini 5:1 transformer, LDG 4:1 unun, or a 9:1 unun that a friendContinue reading “Scavenger Antenna”
Taking the Alex Loop Premier into the Field
I have been intrigued by magnetic loops for a while, so it was with measured excitement that I have been able to take the Alex Loop Premier into the field for some POTA activations. Today’s activation from Lake Wales, FL netted 50 QSOs 17, 20, and 30 meters on both CW and SSB. Received signalContinue reading “Taking the Alex Loop Premier into the Field”
Review of the Chameleon Tactical Delta Loop Antenna
Portable operators are always looking for effective multi-band antennas. Chameleon Antenna out of Sparks, NV has brought to market a portable-sized delta loop antenna that sets up in minutes and operates on all HF bands plus 6 meters. The heart of the TDL is the Hybrid Mini and/or the Hybrid Micro transformer. The Hybrid seriesContinue reading “Review of the Chameleon Tactical Delta Loop Antenna”
Activating Canaveral National Seashore, K-0660
Located mere miles from the Kennedy Space Flight Center is the Canaveral National Seashore. Both the Kennedy Space Flight Center (KSFC) and the Canaveral National Seashore (CNSS) are on Merritt Island, Florida. CNSS is located on a narrow stretch of land just north of KSFC. There are 13 parking areas that provide pedestrian access toContinue reading “Activating Canaveral National Seashore, K-0660”
K4NYM Radio 