A Quick QRP SSB POTA activation using the Elecraft KX2's internal microphone!

[@GoblueJohn]

Appreciate all your videos, Thomas. Top notch. You set such a wonderful example of such passionate appreciation for this wonderful hobby.

[@AA0Z]

13:10 And just like that the signal was gone! Great to get you in the log on ssb!

[@OregonOrcadian]

Thanks, Thomas. You do such great work. Nice to see how the other half (SSB world) lives. Hi hi. Luv, luv, luv ur cw stuff. You are an inspiration to me. I hope you quickly get over that cold that I suspect you have.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Very kind of you...thank you so much!

[@GoAmateurRadio]

Thanks for demonstrating SSB on the KX2. I’m sold on the radio!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's one of the best field radios on the market!

[@GoAmateurRadio]

@@ThomasK4SWL what do you think of the sound quality using DNR on the X 6100 versus the sound quality of the KX 2?

[@GoAmateurRadio]

Sorry to ask that question. After posting that I found your blog on the 6100. It’s not at the same level as the kx2 and suffers from intermod, you said.

[@djdaverichards]

Dagnabbit Thomas, you're making me want a KX2! Great videos!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

There would be no buyer's remorse, Dave. I promise you that. The wait time on new ones is substantial. They can be found used, though! They're snapped up quickly, though. Your kitty deserves a KX2. Do it for him.

[@djdaverichards]

@@ThomasK4SWL - You know, it's funny you say that. Others might think me crazy but under her breath, I swear I can hear her repeating, "My human needs a KX2. My human needs a KX2". Our animal pals know best. I might need to pay heed.

[@KU9L]

SSB needs about 20 watts to sound like 5 watt CW often times. In 1981 I stayed with CW for a while after upgrading to General. My parents encouraged me to get into Ham Radio to help with a brain injury I had at age 5 that caused me to have a severe stuttering problem growing up. Beware of 3 year olds practicing their golf swings, lol. Anyway, once I did about a hundred mini pileups on 10M SSB I was able to access a part of my brain similar to singing that allowed me to reroute my neutrons sufficiently to learn the art of relaxing to speak without the speech blocks I had before. No one understood my stuttering problem or even connected it to the accident when I was five years old. Teachers weren't trained to deal with you and small schools did not have the resources to figure it out either. Ham Radio opens up channels and arenas that aren't possible in other circumstances for learning & growing & taking a shy introverted kid into learning geography, CW (my parents would not let me play a band instrument in school where CW & music used the same part of your brain), & the original social media before computers, lol. Cheers & 72, Dave - KU9L

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, Dave, thank you for sharing this. That is a wonderful story. Thank you. K4SWL

[@darenwunderle9670]

I love this video! Thomas, do you find that the orientation of your antenna (say an EFHW inverted V setup north to south) transmits stronger signals east to west? I’m curious to hear your experience in this. thanks for all you do. I find that when I get discouraged with QRP, all I have to do is watch a video of yours and It makes me want to get right back out there!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for the kind words! So I've never noticed a drastic change in my signal footprint based on the orientation of the antenna. I'm sure it has impact, but I suppose there's still enough signal off the sides that I still work most of the regions I would in the opposite orientation.

[@walshgeo]

Thomas thanks for your videos. Just wondering what type of coax do you use? I am looking at buying RG 316 or 174 and wondering what is the best wire to use. I set up portable in the back yard and my porch is about 50-75 ft from my antenna. Thanks in advance. 73 George KB3WAQ.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm a fan of RG-316 because it's so durable and low-loss for such a tiny diameter cable. I also use RG-174, but it has more of a "memory" when bent compared with RG-316.

[@RSwrightMD]

Self-spotting and the POTA chase help Thomas frequently have a pile up. Try QRP operation without spotting or being a POTA and one can go for an hour with few contacts.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

When you're a park, summit, island, or grid/county activator? You are the DX. That must add at least 50dB to your signal. :) When you're doing casual contacts or hunting, it's not the same level of activity. As an activator, since people are listening for you and the exchanges are short, it's productive even at very low power.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

When you're a park, summit, island, or grid/county activator? You are the DX. That must add at least 50dB to your signal. :) When you're doing casual contacts or hunting, it's not the same level of activity. As an activator, since people are listening for you and the exchanges are short, it's productive even at very low power.

[@Derrick6162]

Enjoyed, Thanks for sharing...73 de K5ISS

[@marcinmichigan2772]

I like the shadow on the note pad from kx2.... @17:00

[@UnderTheBigOak]

Would you possibly have done better with a tuned 20 meter wire? Still a fun POTA video, thanks for posting it! I remain vigilant to catch you on the air soon. 73! K5CLC

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm not sure. The 20M is a harmonic of 40M, but I've no idea how that might affect efficiency.

[@deepsea313]

What watch are you using for utc time? I'm assuming it has at least 2 time zones. Looks like a Casio or Timex sports watch.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I use a Garmin Instinct watch. I have it set to local time (in 24 hour format) and simply add hours in my head for UTC.

[@thogevoll]

Perhaps you could use your iPhone as a hotspot for your tablet.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I have done this before. In fact, I don't really need internet connectivity for my logs. I often use my Surface Go with N3FJP ACLog.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I have done this before. In fact, I don't really need internet connectivity for my logs. I often use my Surface Go with N3FJP ACLog.

[@davidtrotter7488]

Great video Thomas, thanks for sharing, much appreciated. I LOVE that radio, I am starting to save my money for this one. Take Care and thank you. de David 2E0WDT.

[@daniellbrinneman]

What is the elevation at that location?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Roughly 1100' ASL or so.

[@av8torish]

Nice video Hope we can connect on pota one day 73 Ron W2RON ps my order is in as of 15 minutes ago….😀

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm sure we will!