EFHW MIGHT be an Acceptable POTA Antenna Now - 5/8/23 @ K-4451

I decided to give the end fed half wave (EFHW) another chance. A couple videos back I shared how I don’t like using wire antennas in the field because I am not great at throwing a throw weight. I got several useful tips from folks in the comments and decided to give it another try. I must say this time went a lot smoother!
QRP CW Parks on the Air (POTA) activation at Tuskegee National Forest (K-4451) on 5/8/23.
Thanks again joining me for another activation! 72 de W4ARB dit dit
Gear:
Radio - Lab599 Discovery TX-500
CW Key - N3ZN ZN-SS
Antenna - Par Endfedz EFT 10/20/40 “Trail Friendly”
Chapters:
Intro & Setup - 0:00:00
On the Air - 0:04:02
Outro & QSO Map - 0:47:20

[@spencerhochstetler]

Woo-hoo! First caller! Very clean signals coming in down there. I noticed that 40 meters was very nice this morning - I don't usually operate much in the mornings, but I might have to develop a new habit as the evenings have been pretty spotty the past few weeks. I've been using a Jackite pole and a few straps to secure it to a fence post or even just lean the pole in a tree until recently. Recently, I've been experimenting with throw bags to get the wire up there, too. There is a POTA park with a SOTA summit 20 minutes away from me that I frequently mountain bike and my goal is to wear that park out while getting some riding in and I'm wanting the smallest kit possible to fit in an MTB pack. I'm getting close to having a setup fully tested and hope to be out there soon. In any case, glad to have heard you out there this morning and nice to be in the log...

[@w4arb]

heck yeah. you jumped in there real quick this morning! right after sunrise is my favorite time to be on the air. both for band conditions, and seems like the morning time CW ops are more courteous. or maybe there’s just less? who knows. either way it’s a great time to be on the air! i also have a SOTAbeams mast i need to try out. i haven’t given it a go yet but seems like it will be pretty convenient. anywho, let me know when you activate! i’d love to get you in the log as a hunter too. 72 dit dit

[@DXJungle]

Thank you Aaron. Great video. 🤝

[@w4arb]

thank you! 73 my friend

[@KMondy]

Such clear audio. Well done!

[@w4arb]

thank you! 73!

[@n4jaw]

You are very proficient with that key. By the way, I'd have you on my pitcher's mound any day.⚾😀

[@w4arb]

hey thanks Jim! i just got a good straight key and now i’m going to figure that out next. 73 my friend!

[@surgingcircuits6955]

Thx

[@rabbit6914]

Nice throw. Maybe put the rope in front of you for fewer snags and less drag, but it worked super. Great activation.

[@w4arb]

ah yes that’s a good point! thank you and 73!

[@W4EMB]

Also, I have a circular silicone pad, used for opening jars. Very thin and sticks solid to table top and key..

[@w4arb]

now that’s a great idea…i’m going to try that!

[@KD9ZHF]

I really like key. I've turned into a morse key shopaholic. Is it hard to shift back and forth from iambic to the sideswiper?

[@w4arb]

Collecting keys is a lot of fun haha. At least they’re cheaper than radios!! I don’t find it particularly difficult to swap between cootie and paddles but I use paddles way more often these days.

[@KD9ZHF]

@@w4arb Not always - the prices of some begalis is more than I paid for my Elecraft K1! (And I did get a deal).

[@w4arb]

That’s a fair point! That’s why I only own one Begali. 😅

[@ae4xo]

acceptable? Thats all I use every time. 31 feet. 8 ounces. over 100 activations now

[@w4arb]

it’s sort of a joke because of a couple videos ago where i talked about how i don’t like using EFHW for POTA because i am no good at throw lines. hah. they’re great antennas! the “swing between the legs” method i tried this time worked great, much easier. 73!

[@ae4xo]

@@w4arb i just got my throw line this week. I needed for when we go to the GA coast in a couple weeks. SO I need to practice before I go