POTA by Lantern Light: CW and SSB with my Elecraft KX3 & a simple Tufetln random wire antenna

[@Relayer1974]

Friday off work, new Thomas just dropped. What a perfect way to start the day.

[@harrybolognese1408]

Really enjoyed the antenna deployment footage.

[@BrianFields]

Thank you SO much for showing how you deploy the antenna. Simple as it is, I've still wondered how to do it, what to use, etc. Currently getting the rust off my CW (originally a code-Novice) and studying for my General/Extra to get back to using HF.

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

I'm in the same boat with my CW, but I plug away every day and try to make 1 contact in slow code per day. Good comet. Thanks.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Great job on working through your exams! Yes, when I can (time allowing) I'll be doing more antenna deployment videos. When I'm in a rush, it can take a bit more time to set up. Break a leg on your exams!

[@JonathanKayne]

According to your blog post this is December 4th. I actually recorded my POTA activation on the same day and coincidentally I started editing that video last night! It takes a while because I subtitle them.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I truly wish I had the time to do subtitles on mine. :) Hats off to you, OM!

[@ChrisRomp]

It was great to see the antenna deployment at least one time.

[@allenshirley1077]

Lantern added a nice touch Thomas! Day before yesterday did three activations and all on the same CW frequency! N4NN

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Very cool!

[@davidtrotter7488]

What a wonderful video, thank you.

[@JonathanKayne]

Something to mention about those throw lines: if you plan on traveling with it, be sure to pack it somewhere easy to access. That buckshot makes the detectors at the airport go nuts so TSA is gonna want to inspect it. I took it with me on my flight from Denver to Asheville on Thanksgiving and Christmas and it always got their attention. As for rope, if you want to go super compact, I have found great success with a spool of 100 pound test nylon fishing line. It's basically super thin Paracord and the spool is the same size as the throw weight. For antenna deployment I found it more than adequate. (though I haven't stress tested it because there are rarely any trees tall enough to use in the Denver area so I use my crappie pole)

[@DM7XK]

Agree! I‘m using 100ft of yellow WF4F fly line. Goes smooth over the branches due to it‘s coating, does not tangle.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent tips! I might even attach my throw weight to the outside of my pack when going through TSA points!

[@tubbysailor]

Thomas, when I watch you YT videos I seem to learn something most of the time. The reality of your activations are we get to see all the warts and beauty of your process.

[@makskk6spm275]

Just bought same lantern. Thank you, Tom.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's a good one. One of the few that casts a warm light that's bright enough to illuminate a camp area, too.

[@makskk6spm275]

@@ThomasK4SWL Yesterday I played with radio on 40m and realized that this lantern is making a pretty strong noise on that band if located too close to the radio. I did not check other bands, but it may affect them as well.

[@nrfchannel8580]

Nice place qso by the lamp something wonderful

[@W7LDT]

Nice recall of those pesky menu goodies on the KX3

[@vimmander4308]

Been watching these for a few days now. There's just something musical about it, especially the RST followed by KN). I've got older Kenwood and ICOM rigs; solid, but no internal keyer, so I'm in the market for that.

[@billcosgrave6232]

I have always wanted to operate my radio in the field at night. Unfortunately, the parks and forest preserves by my house all close after sundown. However, since I have been having great luck withe the Chelegance antenna, I think I will setup my KX2 and MC-750 in my driveway this weekend and try some 40 meter at night. Good video and 73 from KD9SOK.

[@davistroy]

Thomas, what an awesome video! If that is the elecraft mic, don’t you need the “bias” setting in the menu for that mic? You seemed to be making contacts great in any case. You are a fantastic example to everyone, including me, to get out and operate.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You know, Troy, I need to review my mic settings. I use it so infrequently. And thank you, sir, for that kind comment. Not sure I deserve it, but I'll take it with gratitude!

[@ferdinandfrozenstein]

Hey Thomas, it looks amazingly cosy! The lantern with the orangish-yellowish Elecraft screen and the notepad... I like that very much! I also work at night outdoors, we have a weekly evening 50/144/430/1296 MHz contest nearby, most of the year it is dark even when I mount the antenna... Also did some HF activations at later evening time, but there weren't surprisingly too many hunters. No idea why... Maybe they aren't that used to it... But anyway, it's charming in some way...

[@N2AKJ]

I'm gonna try to get an activation today my car went in the shop and haven't been on the key for like three days and ofcourse this has to happen when I was just starting to begin headcoping my luck

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You've got this! Hope it went well!

[@pederkittelson6128]

It is possible to take down quite a lot of that static noise. Use a combination of noise reduction , AGC, and ATT.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Unfortunately, in this case, it was QRM from a local source. In the past, DSP hasn't even had a positive impact. It's broadband.

[@JayN4GO]

Nice rig es activation om.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

TU OM!

[@photoguy73]

Enjoyed your KX3 POTA video. Question: I need a single lever paddle even if it has two handles. I never learned iambic. Yours look like an iambic paddle. Do you have any suggestions? 72, N7SR

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Check out the single lever offerings at CW Morse: cwmorse.us/collections/single-paddles?ref=pHGSYqNC Also, you might consider building a pressure sensitive key like I mention in this field report: qrper.com/2023/01/new-years-day-pota-new-vk3il-pressure-paddle-new-ft-817-818-narrow-filter-and-new-tpa-817-pack-frame/

[@photoguy73]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks so much Thomas. I appreciate it.

[@w4mps1964]

Hard to beat a slingshot, fishing wire, sinker of appropriate weight. Light, easy, accurate and much simpler to get wire in a high tree than trying to whip around an arborist weight. IMHO. Try it sometime. Once you get proficient with a slingshot, it’s usually one shot and you’re done.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I use slingshots for my permanent antennas (at the QTH) to maximize height. In the field, though, the arborist throw line is just so dang fast and simple--I can literally get an antenna fully deployed in one minute if I'm in a hurry. I used fishing line for years, but I prefer arborist line because it won't snap in the field and I can pack it so small. It's the speedier solution when you're only on the air 30-60 minutes.

[@alanb76]

Slingshots are often against park rules or even outright illegal in many areas. The arborist system is very effective and much safer than any hard projectile. The public image of ham radio is better off with arborist gear. Have fun and be safe.

[@ywhistlee]

This is low-key an unintentional ASMR video masterpiece

[@GREGGRCO]

I think everyone watching went, " 9 !" and you heard us ! hihi

[@chrisranes7964]

Thanks Thomas for another great video! Have you ever tried that speaker with your TR-35?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hmmm...I can't remember! I'm sure it would work though. Might give it a go in the future if I can remember.

[@loyannmunyan1174]

Do you just put the antenna wire in the binding plug and throw it over a branch then add counter poise and use the atu to tune so there anything you put on the end of the wire? Or just leave it normal

[@ThomasK4SWL]

With my speaker wire antenna, I just launch my line, hoist the radiator, then plug it into the BNC binding post adapter (red terminal). Next, I deploy the counterpoise on the ground and plug it into the black terminal. Hook the binding post adapter to the radio's BNC connector, and you're in business!

[@Nicktgrief]

If you want do do your throw line a bit cheaper you can always use a Golf Ball and screw an eye into it. I live near a golf course with footpaths across it and am always coming across the odd lost ball . And if you want to really lash out , on Ebay you can pick up telescopic fishing rod kits (rod, reel and line) for a about £15 ($20) that makes launching the golf ball easier 😎

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Very good tip. Only advice I might throw in (speaking from experience) is to keep the area a bit clear in case it ricochets. :) Ha ha! They work brilliantly, though!

[@Carterofmars]

Do you think a wrist rocket might work to shoot a line over a limb?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

For sure. I just find that sling shots are a bit of overkill for park and summit activations. They're brilliant for permanent installations where you need that height.

[@Nostrildomus]

C00L

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Great video, Thomas! I just picked up a kx3 package…and ordered the px3 panadapter. 73 de K4FMH

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Well this was another one I missed you on Tom, but you can't fault me for trying. I keep checking POTA Page multiple times a day looking for you no luck since your last SSB that I worked you on Thanks for the activation from "The Dark Side" ha ha. 73 hope to CUDTL Om de Ellis WA1RKS

[@W7LDT]

I use the HamAlerts app that will tell me every time Thomas (and others) are on the air. It works great. I have it on iPhone but I think it works on Android as well. I hear people talking to him but I never hear K4SWL. :(