20 Meters, QRP, & Canine Companions: A Relaxing POTA Afternoon at Table Rock

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2024/08/finding-joy-in-the-journey-a-missed-sota-hike-leads-to-a-relaxing-pota-activation/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@KO4VNX]

Finally got to finish watching this one. These are therapeutic to watch!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you. :)

[@KS4YX]

Awesome video. I really enjoy your outings.

[@QRP-CREW]

I must say Thomas...you are good at getting that wire antenna that high in a tree!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you. Many times, it's just dumb luck, though! :)

[@KO4VNX]

Finegeling that antenna is like fly-fishing, it is an art!

[@AJ6KZ-jl1sc]

Wow, sorry to hear about the end of Penntek radios. 😕 It makes me glad I got a TR-35 (with the awesome encoder upgrade). Also, I have that same shirt!

[@KG6UQA]

Thanks Thomas, I enjpy all your videos... working on learning CW, hope It will begin to click in my head soon.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It will: just give it time and be patiently persistent on your CW journey. It takes time, but you'll eventually be making those CW contacts and enjoying each one!

[@qrplife]

Forgot to pack the logbook in my last activation, I was compelled to log directly on my phone. It was challenging to say the least, I had to ask for plenty of repeats!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm with you. Truth is, logging on my phone only (which I've only done a couple of times) I find it difficult to keep up with partial calls. Plus: typing on an iphone simply isn't fun for me. :)

[@thequarantinecatholic]

oh that radio, I wish they still produced those radios~~~

[@CaseyStanton]

I am really enjoying these videos. They’re so calm and lovely. CW sounded so … weird? … before I dove into your videos. Trying to break through a voice pileup is thwarted by what seems to be much more gentlemanly conversations on CW. The barrier to entry with CW is so high that it seems only those who really want to play are playing. You’ve got me studying CW! KC3YHP

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for the kind words! You're right: I think it's the simplicity of CW that makes conversations and exchanges so different compared to voice modes. Not that one is better than another--I like both. In fact, the joy of SSB is hearing the voice on the other end. That said, I do find CW is somehow less "noisy" and even with pileups a bit more calming.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh, and good luck on your CW journey. You've got this!

[@skepticalmechanic]

Thanks Tom!

[@SilentGloves]

I've recently discovered your channel, and I have to say, you've made me want to learn CW more than any other individual. I've tried a few times in the past, but pretty quickly lost interest... well not exactly lost interest, more like got annoyed by the reality that in order to be good at things that require practice, one must accept being awful for a while. I really dislike the practice phase of... well, anything that requires it. I love learning, hate practicing. That said, one of my favorite activities is driving around, exploring local parks, so the idea of POTA and QRP are attractive to me, perhaps enough that I'll stick with it.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, stick with it. You can 100% be a proficient CW operator. As you say, though, it is a proper skill and takes time, patience, and persistence. You can do it, though! :)

[@QRPCW]

Interesante equipo 👍🏻 Parece muy divertido de usar con un toque vintage 🙌 73

[@TridentMissileTech]

Shucks. Never got a chance to get one. Love the unique look. Got the tr35 and tr45. Didn’t get the skinny.

[@SP-nt4sr]

Great video as usual Thomas. Do you know when the 45 or 45 skinny will be available to purchase again?

[@JonathanKayne]

It's unlikely they will ever be available for purchase again because the owner/maker has retired

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yeah, unless WA3RNC has a major change of heart, he has no plans to produce these radios again.

[@BobBroeking]

Nice video 👍

[@norbertomontalvo]

I rememnber hurricane hugo I was in forth grade. Hurricane season is horrible, I get so anxious specially around September, not treated PTSD. 73 de Kp4GR

[@hillbilly4christ638]

Great radio! Unfortunately, they are no longer available. I like the all in one approach and this radio does that. The Hendricks pfr-3b is another good contender, but no longer available. This seems to be a repeating pattern with designers. Why not have something that is really simple and reliable and sticks around for a while?

[@PhilG0BVD]

Thomas saw that you were spotted on Saturday 24th 40m cluster sadly unable to hear you. 73 Phil

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for trying. I did attempt to run some of the higher bands in case there was an opening into Europe/UK.

[@ExtremeSquared]

New form of audio interference: Dog tail.

[@billcosgrave6232]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@KC2BKM]

A friend has both the fatty and skinny and there are even better looking in person. I was still pre CW and not sure I was going learn it so I waited and missed out.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

On rare occasions, I have seen some hit the used market.