Activating Kerr Scott State Game Land with the Elecraft KX2, 5 watts, and a not-so-resonant wire

Click here to read full details about this activation, including equipment links, at QRPer.com:
qrper.com/2021/02/pota-field-...
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL

[@w2aew]

Cool story about how this park got you started on CW - great!

[@akeem11h]

It's great having someone doing longer videos in the hobby. Thanks keep it going.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, sir!

[@Bill-HRT]

I’m traveling in SC. Got outta the hotel, and went out to a city park, and made two contacts on cw 5 watts; one was Pota cw. Your videos definitely teach and encourage me. Keep up the excellent work!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent, Bill! I've done that same thing so many times. Especially when I used to travel and stay in hotels for work, it cleared my mind to take a radio outside the hotel and hop on the air! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@daniellbrinneman]

I like your videos more when you pepper your personal stories throughout and thanks for putting the location on each video.

[@gravestonemyth]

This is great stuff. I love how the place is so meaningful due to compelling you to go CW. There’s something magical about attaining CW proficiency. It’s hard until then, but suddenly all that practice starts to sink in. Instant character recognition skills are honed. Letter patterns become word patterns, Then, all the sudden, you can copy 18-20 WPM in your head. POTA is truly helpful for chasers, since the exchange can be studied and memorized. I find working POTA essential to my progress due to the added confidence I’ve gained. Your videos let me keep playing radio when the radio is unavailable. I suppose one could listen to videos of SSB, AM, and FM rag chews. But there’s a special satisfaction in copying code over your shoulder, catching the letters before you every now and then. It’s also fun to see a veteran POTA op’s workflow. Everything about it is elegantly simple and efficient. The most complicated part is the camera that allows you to share the fun with us. Long live 5 watts & a wire!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so much, Steve. I completely agree with you about CW. In fact, at the QTH, I tune to CW rag chews while I'm working on other things just to allow my brain to work on it a bit. My rag chew speed is still pretty slow. Thank you again for the kind comment, Steve. This is why I do these videos. They're not always easy to set up and do take away a wee bit of air time, but it's also a privilege to take people along with me and share my passion for QRP. 73, Thomas K4SWL

[@romanstetson9321]

i know Im asking randomly but does anybody know a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@booneluke8145]

@Roman Stetson Instablaster :)

[@romanstetson9321]

@Boone Luke thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@romanstetson9321]

@Boone Luke It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my ass !

[@DewayneW4FDT]

theres been several of you guys that have got me into POTA.. been activating a few weeks now and working on my kilo from one specific park. Thank you to all of you content creators that focus on POTA. I do not have the patience for qrp.. but mad respect for you guys who do. lol.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant job hopping into POTA on fire! That's brilliant that you're already working on a Kilo after having only activated for a few weeks. Keep up the good work and thank you for the kind comments! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@DewayneW4FDT]

@@ThomasK4SWL update: Got the kilo at park 2187.. thanks for all the videos!

[@w8natshenanigans705]

As someone boning up on their CW, I love watching these activations. I get to practice trying to hear at speeds faster than I'm comfortable with, and see examples of how it's ok to skip the missed letter so you can ask for a repeat. When I don't have enough time for a long-form video in one session, I'll pause and come back later. These videos are definitely appreciated!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so very much!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

FB Tom, originally found you because of the LD-11 and your portable work. This recording is a great training tool for me. Copying the calls as they come in is great practice. Kicking the play back speed up adds a challenge and pushes the limits. My first experience with a POTA pileup as a newbie CW op was an overwhelming and discouraging experience. This is great training and experience. Thanks for your videos and the format. I chase a lot with 5watts and that has been going well. 72s

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You'll, no doubt, be comfortable with doing CW activations soon. Good on you for not letting that experience derail you! The key is remembering you're in charge of the pile-up and you set the stage. Lately, I realize I've been sending too quickly--more quickly that I can interpret! I'll QRS and the stations will too. 95% of POTA and SOTA ops are patient and love the fact that there's another CW activator out there so are happy to work with you. So glad your QRP chasing is going well, too! Cheers & 72 Thomas K4SWL

[@michaellukasik1323]

Thank you so much for your videos, I have been hamming for 40 Yrs and at 73 I am back into CW after 25 years. Please keep doing your videos with all the mistake included , it is refreshing to see. I now look for your activations and copy the CW along with you. I have had a 40 minute QSO this week so things are looking good right now. ( Sending need more work HI HI) I picked up a used FT-817 and I will go portable this summer, thank again for all your hard work

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant, Michael! You'll love the FT-817--it's a fantastic little workhorse of a rig. And if you can do a 40 minute QSO? You're ready for Prime Time! :) All the best and thank you for the kind comments. Cheers & 73, Thomas

[@ftk2432]

Your videos have def got me interested in trying POTA as soon as my portable rig gets delivered

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant! Let us know when you're on the air!

[@JonFlyTV]

Thanks for the great video. I used it as code practice on my commute this morning. You and others have inspired me, I did my first POTA activation yesterday... too much fun and down the rabbit hole I go. Look forward to your next video. 73 de K7CO Jon

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That is awesome! Brilliant job, Jon! 73, Thomas K4SWL

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

Very helpful, useful. Good luck!!

[@RobHarbaugh]

Hah - this was fun to watch. My neighbor sent me over to your channel when I was deciding between the KX2 and KX3 last week. Then I decided to check my log to see if I'd worked you at a park before.. and hey - the one time was in this video. Glad I could help your activation! 73, Rob NA8Q

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Wow! Brilliant, Rob! Thanks for putting me in your logs! :) What a great bit of serendipity there! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@awksedgreep]

I have the inReach mini and it's just good safety as you mentioned, especially if you're off grid often.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I just ordered one from REI yesterday! I agree--I think it'll also help above and beyond POTA/SOTA.

[@matiasmicenmacher1564]

Great videos Thomas! Keep doing and Tnx :)

[@w9alk744]

I've seen you on the POTA spotting network a few time and have not been able to hear you in Wisconsin, yet. Hope to get in the log soon. 73 de W9ALK

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I hope to work you soon, too! Wisconsin is a tricky one from NC. I think I work more WI stations on 30 meters from western NC. I hope to put you in the logs soon! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@ntc490]

Great video. I really enjoy the longer format and full CW operating. One thing that initially threw me with your sending is when you put "UR" (RST) together without much space. Maybe others don't skip a beat, but spacing that out a bit might help a noob like me. Other than that, you're super easy to copy. Keep up the great work.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'll keep this in mind as I send in the future. Honestly, I hadn't thought about that spacing. So much of CW is muscle memory, but I'd rather space UR, because it's not generally together like BK. Thanks for the kind comment! Cheers, Thomas

[@Paul-VA4ADM]

huge fan of yours videos!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, Pavel!

[@jackhaefner9237]

Love it, Thomas. I see you're the same as me: you write down a call, then find your hand is in the way and you can't read what you just wrote down..... 73, Jack, NG2E #1 Fan, buddy

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank goodness I'm not the only one, Jack! :) Thanks for the kind comment, OM! Cheers & 73, Thomas

[@mikes6844]

Why is it I can read the CW coming over on your vid but struggle reading when it comes over my own KX3 😩 I think it’s down to how relaxed you are, it matters to me when I miss characters but when I’ve been out with others they don’t seem to be that bothered. Note to self relax - it doesn’t matter that much. Thanks for the vid 👍🏻. Been looking at the IC705 but then the KX3 would have to be surgically removed and I don’t like hospitals.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Mike, I experience the same thing. It's much easier for me to copy when 1.) I'm not making a video and 2.) when I listen to someone else working stations. :) And I get it with the KX3. Mine would have to be surgically removed as well. I love it and it's still my favorite portable CW rig.

[@Kevin-w8ni]

I need the CW practice, so it’s nice to see you work/decode. I like the videos. 👍😁 de KE8ONI

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so much, Kevin!

[@qrptedmac]

Just tried listening for you at zebulon vance. No luck. A guy was sending on 7063 but I Knew that wasn’t you. And 14.040 a ft8 person was at 14.039.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, and propagation was less than desirable today. Even 40 meters wasn't all that great. Next time!

[@terry.stafford]

I’m really enjoying these. Do you not send your state when you’re activating? I’m trying to get used to the exchange.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's very rare that I send the state, but you will hear some POTA activators do that. It's important to send the state, though, if you are activating a multi-state entity (like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, etc.).

[@dennispeake1877]

Thomas, just looking at your video and enjoying the content. I have noticed you are always looking at your watch to place on your pad your UTC time. Take watch off and place it on the right hand side of the board, where the rubber band is. It'll save a lot of stress .....3 or 4 people want to talk with you on CW. Cheers mate 73 CUAGN sk ..

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Good suggestion, Dennis. Unfortunately, my watch doesn't want to lay flat, so I keep it on my wrist. In truth, though, I need to keep my phone out or look at my tablet since I have it at most activations. Thanks again!

[@kedmark]

Most excellent keep’m coming and 73 de Karl KE3KWE

[@qrptedmac]

I watch these multiple times. By the way, what brand of tripod is that? I do run a decoder on my phone since I got my license a yr ago. I don’t use it as much anymore but it does help having another set of ears sometimes even tho it’s not perfect.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So the little tripod I use is one I picked up on Amazon. Technically, it's a "selfie-stick" but I use it as a tripod. This one: amzn.to/2ZeIKvP So glad you enjoy the videos.

[@qrptedmac]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thx for the info. I’ve been looking for a tripod. But most are too big. That looked about right.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@qrptedmac it's certainly sturdy enough for a phone or action camera, but I wouldn't trust a larger pricier camera on it. I like it because it's lightweight and folds down small.

[@BikingHikingRadio]

Watched this video throughout my work day and I almost feel like I'm doing the activation and sometimes even tell you what the callsign was being sent but you never hear me haha. Great video to watch. Did you do another activation after this one at K-2739? I logged you on 30 and 40 CW on 2/9 around 18:19 UTC. Thanks as always for recording your videos! 73 de KN3A.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! I'm sure there are a number of times you're thinking, "C'mon, Thomas! That's an H not an S! :) Yes, I did another activation Tuesday where I worked you twice (es TNX fer TT!). I did make a video and will post it (hopefully!) Sunday or Monday. Cheers, Thomas

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@@ThomasK4SWL Okay! What I find funny is K3MRK is a close friend of mine and you mentioned in this video he is a "regular". I don't know how he has time to chase all the parks and still make a living, and I tell him that all the time. He is in every POTA video I ever watch whether yours or others like K8MRD. I know I had a hard time hearing you on 40 meters and didn't know you had called me until the second time you answered me. But you were strong on 30. 73 Scott

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@BikingHikingRadio That's funny and I bet some other regulars you see are VE3LDT, N3XLS, and K8RAT! It's funny because of the way propagations footprints work, I know some activators that have never heard from some of the top hunters. You're at a disadvantage if you live a little too close to them. :)

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@@ThomasK4SWL I agree...I can never work KB3WAV - she is just too close to my QTH. I work the ones you mentioned and I enjoy talking to N4HID as well. He's got that really awesome .wav file announcing his call.

[@qrptedmac]

That’s the camera I was thinking of getting. So what camera did you get?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I ended up buying a Pixel 3 phone just to use for the camera! I read that it has an exceptional camera and will make my uploads a little easier since the video compression is more in-line with my available bandwidth. It won't have a cell phone service, but it will connect via WiFi. Should have great battery life too.

[@ronvaliant9337]

You are very good at CW compared to me . What method did you use to learn it?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

A long and complicated method. :) First learned enough to pass my 5WPM test in 1997 for the Novice exam. Then in 2008, built up my speed by rag chewing with a friend once per day. Then for POTA, I describe how I got up speed in this article: swling.com/blog/2020/07/upping-my-cw-pile-up-game-with-morse-runner/

[@joeblow8593]

I'm curious. How many words were you able to copy when you first started using CW on POTA? And in case others might be asking.; What method did you use to learn CW? What did you do to increase your speed? Any tips or suggestions for increasing your WPM. Thanks

[@ThomasK4SWL]

To this day, I can comfortably copy maybe 16 WPM. When I started, that might have been closer to 13 WPM--but I really started practicing CW at 5WPM. This article pretty much explains how I got my self ready for CW activating: swling.com/blog/2020/07/upping-my-cw-pile-up-game-with-morse-runner/ And this one describes that first activation: swling.com/blog/2020/07/parks-on-the-air-finally-biting-the-cw-bullet/ Honestly? It's all about letting the code seep into your brain. It's like a language, so your brain will work on it even if you're not conscious of it. Leave a radio on in your house with a CW rag chew at a comfortable speed and try to follow along. At least let your brain sort out a few short words like "it" "and" and so on. It all adds up.

[@ktmman1503]

Hey Tom, another great video mate.. about time we got to see your mug (face), any chance of doing a video on how you learned Morse Code? I am struggling I must say, but I think it because of my age.. or I'm just a dummy. Thanks again Craig vk3ncr

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! Yeah, I should have warned everyone before I showed my mug on camera! That's a good idea for a video. I've probably spoken about how I learned CW, but a video makes sense. Cheers! Thomas K4SWL

[@ksb2112]

I can relate to those temporary brain-blankouts when it comes to copying MC. :-) Very well done!

[@yakovrokhlin316]

Nice video! I have also activated this park and had 32 cw contacts! Please do more videos, they are fun. 73 KN4RBN

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks! Will do! :) 73, Thomas K4SWL

[@stephenwalters9891]

Have you tried the Xiegu X5105 5 Watt HF & 6 M Amateur QRP Transceiver (The small the one with internal batteries and internal ATU

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No I have not. I would consider giving it a spin, though! I may reach out and see if I can get one this year on loan.

[@stephenwalters9891]

@@ThomasK4SWL I was seriously thinking of getting one, but there are no service manuals, official or otherwise. If it fails, it would probably be unservicable.

[@AlGritzmacher]

I think K2EKM wanted to know what your park number was. Probably stumbled on you before the spot even came up. Thanks for the QSO today at K--8099. de AE2T

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I bet you're right, Al! And, yes, great putting you and K-8099 in the logs. :) I was running 5 watts with the IC-705 on this end. Cheers & 73, Thomas K4SWL

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I have the same setup with my parachord, and it's even yellow. I have 100 feet and it gets so tangled up. Is there a secret to keeping it untangled? Do you keep your chord in your fold up box? It's been too cold to go out here in Oklahoma and we have a polar vortex coming soon with a possible snow storm on Sunday. 73! de KI5JCO

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Good question, Joseph! So it probably looks like paracord, but isn't. It's an arborist throw line which is make of a different poly material. It's slick and not prone to tangling. In fact, I've easily used it 40-50 times and it has never once tangled in a tree or in the folding box. It glides through tree branches like nothing else I've ever used. Here's an article I wrote about it: qrper.com/2020/09/a-field-antennas-best-friend-the-amazing-arborist-throw-line/ I highly recommend it! I love paracord and always carry some mainly to tie off the ends of antennas when needed. Once you use a throw line, you'll never use anything else. You are getting some interesting WX in Oklahoma! Yeah, not the *best* time to play radio outdoors. :) A better time to plot and plan future activations. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

@@ThomasK4SWL ah, my bad. Yes I bought the same thing that came with a red bean bag that weighs about 3/4 of a pound. I guess I will manually untangle it and attach it to the bottom of the box and loop it in there. Yes, definitely have things planned. I found a nice Osprey 25 liter pack and everything is ready to go lol. Even a Bioenno solar panel and controller. I need to make a video of my kit and put it up on youtube. who knows I may even create another channel just for field radio.

[@qrptedmac]

My kx3 pack order keeps getting pushed back and back. Now Elecraft site says week of 2/15. But, we’ll see. Not that I can do what I’m planning in the snow and ice. But, I’m impatient.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yeah, I know they're behind at the moment. They've been struggling to get new K4s out the door, too.

[@qrptedmac]

@@ThomasK4SWL Yeah the k4’s look nice but that price is a bit out there. My ic 7610 is gonna have to do.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Nice one Thomas, some good DX. My ears pricked up when I heard GW, I'm sure I heard GW4OKT. As you say so strong then gone. Great video once again.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I know! I hate it that the signal faded SO quickly.

[@Nicktgrief]

How about fingerless gloves?they work for me when shooting & photography.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I do use fingerless gloves sometimes in the winter. It's a funny thing, though: there's just no getting around cold fingers when doing CW unless there are long periods between contacts allowing you to warm your hands. By the end of winter, I get used to operating with cold fingers--then the seasons change and the following winter I go through the same thing again. :)

[@Nicktgrief]

@@ThomasK4SWL just another thought ... how about these touch keyers and a pair of the gloves that you use on touch screen phones? maybe that would be an option?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@Nicktgrief not a bad idea!

[@barrykery1175]

I see I made the end of the first page. Hi Hi de KU3X

[@ThomasK4SWL]

There's an award for that, I'm sure! :) de K4SWL

[@johnnorth9355]

I keep watching these videos all the way through which makes no sense as a newbie with only a Baofeng UV5R and absolutely no morse code ability. I suspect I may be brainwashing myself for future purchase !

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That's what it's all about! :) Brainwashing in a good way. That Baofeng will serve you well in the field, too. There are some urban and mountain top parks that you could almost activate only using an HT in simplex. Glad you enjoy the videos and I hope you do consider some field radio fun!