Super Low Power POTA, Rough Propagation, and Testing my new Begali Adventure Paddle!

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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL
Chapters
Intro: 0:00:00
Antenna Deployment: 0:07:55
The plan for the activation: 0:15:35
A NEW KEY!!!: 0:17:48
Activation: 0:25:35
QRT & Summary: 1:44:55

[@w2aew]

With that beautiful paddle, I wouldn't even want to use the keyer memory! And at 100mW, maybe you should sign with "71" instead of "72" ;-)

[@davidryeburn6446]

I watched and listened to the KZbin video before reading your comment. I agree. How about 73 if P > 5 W (QRO), 72 for 5 W ≥ P > 500 mW (QRP), 71 for 500 mW ≥ P > 50 mW (QRPp)? I don't know if we should push this pattern below 50 mW. But during the video, I calculated that 100 mW is 17 dB below 5 W, or in other words just under 3 S units at 6 dB per S unit. So if 5 W were S9 then 100 mW would be S6 which is a strong enough signal under most conditions. And 100 µW would be S1. Think how long your batteries would last! David VE7EZM and AF7BZ

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! I like that! "71s!" Also, you're right. The paddle is gorgeous and I love using it.

[@lahockeyboy]

hi Thomas.... this is Thomas, in Southern California. Im a currently studying for my Tech license, and I've really been enjoying your videos. I hope to explore the world of QRP once I'm licensed. 73!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent, Thomas! Keep up the good work with your studies. I think you'll enjoy the worls of QRP and portable operating. At first, there's a bit of a learning curve in the world of radio--understanding how to choose a radio, antenna, etc. But you'll catch on and we're here to help anytime. Also, see if you have a local amateur radio club. Some clubs are simply amazing resources! GL on your test! You've got this! Best, Thomas

[@briansalsbery9968]

Pausing for the couple to pass before throwing reminded me of High School Physics lab on centripetal acceleration. We were in the courtyard spinning a rubber stopper on a string when the string broke. The stopper perfectly aimed itself at the sole random passerby’s head. He apologized for “messing up our experiment” and we laughed about it for weeks. 😂😂😂😂

[@ThomasK4SWL]

WOW! :)

[@Swamp-Fox]

Congrats on the Bengali paddles!

[@theAF5D]

Really.. very low power? That KX2 is really awesome. I can still hear you OK in North Texas. Nice to hear myself there and put a smile on your face. Keep it coming, Tom!! Bayu - AF5D 😊

[@ka4ezy]

Excellent video! Keep promoting QRP! We are supposed to use the minimum power necessary for reliable communications anyway. You are just proving how low that level can be.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you. Honestly, that is one of the reasons I do QRP. I feel like it's in the true spirit of amateur radio.

[@o2bnov0307]

It was great to see you work the 100 mw contacts. Thank you for continuing to make these YT videos. de David AE4LH

[@jojojeep1]

I’m at the age where my short term memory sucks, what a great thing to learn it would keep my mind sharp

[@jojojeep1]

I think that’s so awesome. Such a compact little thing.

[@edwardmclean9051]

Another great one Tom. Don't know if this is "against the rules" or at least improper etiquette, but... the contact UTC 19:17 was AC3IE. Video time stamp is 1:10:30. He got stepped on when giving his call. Keep on keepin on. Might send a care package your way in a bit. I designed a case for the QCX-mini / QMX that doubles as a leg strap holder with an attached K6ARK paddle. Activated K-8023 with it and worked a treat! 73 - AC1NO

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh wow! Very cool! Sounds like a great QCX/QMX accessory. Yes, sometimes in the middle of an activation I have so many things going on (logging in two places and minding my camera) that I forget if I started head copying a call. It can be challenging in the moment on site. I'll often watch my videos and think, "Why didn't I work them?" :)

[@djdaverichards]

That's fantastic Thomas. If you can do a 100mW activation under those propagation conditions, it raises the possibility of what could be done when the bands are actually in good shape. I'm thinking an activation on one of the higher bands with 10mW? If it can be done (and I'm sure it can), then the next few years would be the time to do it! 73/72 de AA7EE

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I would certainly love to try 10mw at some point. Maybe on a summit and see if DX would be at all possible. I love playing with super low power. It's all so fun. :) Good to hear from you, OM!

[@djdaverichards]

@@ThomasK4SWL - BTW, if your ears were burning on Sunday morning, it's because Alan W6AKB and I were talking about you at Pacificon. All good things, I promise! (Actually, we were just talking about how great your POTA activation videos are!)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@djdaverichards So kind of you to relay that, Dave! Typically, when my ears are burning, I fear it's because I've become a curse word in someone's household due to a large radio purchase. :) This is much, much nicer!

[@PaulGuy1954]

I had that key on my K3 5 years ago, it is probably the finest set of iambic paddles I have ever used. Just amazing.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

They are brilliant!

[@rabbit6914]

Perhaps what this activation shows is that a good antenna, along with patience, allows very low power. Very impressed with your recent throw-bag heights and accuracy.

[@JonathanKayne]

Just got back from my week long POTA/SOTA vacation and heavily used your videos for activation locations. At the end of the week I managed to somewhat master the throwline technique you use. I will admit that the bunny hop makes it MUCH easier to aim the throwline, with the caveat that you might jump onto the line and prematurely end the perfect throw.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hi, Jonathan! Happy the videos helped you out with POTA locations. We've so many good options around here. And, yes, the bunny hop helps me with accuracy for some reason--even if it's one of the least graceful things I could do on KZbin! :)

[@lasantiagoa]

Finally, the first reviewer addresses the windows tablet productivity aspect of this device. Would love to take this outdoors as a field computer.

[@dorvinion]

57:45 This was extremely helpful to see. When hunting I've wondered how I might respond when the activator thinks he has my call right, but I think he has it wrong. Its happened a couple times to me already.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Ok now I know why I cud not hr you that well on this one Tom, but not too shabby for 100 milliwatts! kudos! will keep and ear out for you hope to get in the log soon. 72 es gud dx de Ellis WA1RKS

[@apburner]

I love QRP. I have never used anything but 5w SSB. I am now learning CW and don't want to go any higher than 5w with it either and probably lower.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

5W CW is super effective. You'll love it. And, yes, you can easily lower that down to 1 watt and still knock out contacts.

[@braunwm]

Last winter I was listening and copying CW from a station that was broadcasting CQ. I set my output power to 0% and began responding back to him for practice. After about 2 or 3 repeats of my call sign he came back "KK??". So apparently 0% isn't always 0%. ;-)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! You're right. I think often 0% really isn't. A little energy may still be escaping and "RF gotta go somewhere!" :)

[@RSwrightMD]

You have great CW technique which makes using a Begali all the much more delightful

[@n1rbd]

I remember me repeating my call and miskeying....EM-Barrsin (Ray Stevens saying Embarrassing in "Shriner's Convention")

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Last week, i struggled sending my own call while hunting a friend on POTA! :)

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

Miss working you my friend! 😀 Hopefully soon.👍 73 de N1XV

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Soon I am sure!

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

It occurs to me that, for situations where you can't throw toward the operating position, you could carry a second line, and having thrown away from the operating position, pull the end of the other line back from where the weight lands. I'm not sure how much rewinding that would save. It probably depends on how much excess length the shorter of the two lines has.

[@KD5OMCHamRadio-nw5zl]

Hi Thomas. Really enjoy your videos, thanks for providing all this information. I'd like to start activating POTA with QRP. I notice you didnt log any signal reports on this activation....not sure I recall seeing them on other videos you've done. I see that POTA does not require it which i wasn't aware of until watching this video and checking. I'm guessing it takes some of the load off juggling all the paper/key etc. Just wondering if you could touch on the pros and cons of logging/omiting sig reports. Do you wish you had this data later?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You're right in that I find it just takes a wee bit more off the load in the field when I don't record signal reports. I've been thinking about an abbreviated way of doing them (using only a single number int he log). To answer your question, though, I would like to share a link to an article I wrote earlier about this very topic: qrper.com/2024/04/pota-sota-why-i-dont-log-signal-reports/ Thanks!

[@TridentMissileTech]

Use hair ties on all my cords.

[@dorvinion]

Finally gotten over my 'key fright' and started hunting some CW POTA in the last week. Wish I'd have gotten on the air sooner. Of course I'm making occasional mistakes like sending RST of H5N or HHN on occasion, or flubbing the greeting - so far nobody has reached through the radio to yell at me for making a mistake. The most annoying thing so far is listening to the activator make a couple QSOs and I'm ready to send, but right as he's sending his 72/73 I'm hit with QSB.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

QSB is a real pain on the activating side of things, too. It leads to repeating signal reports multiple times. Worth the effort for sure, but it can be a bit annoying when everything goes quiet. Good on you for getting over the ley fright! The more on-the-air time you spend with CW, the better you'll get at it!

[@TridentMissileTech]

You should try an activation using a pixie

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I might do just that some day!

[@loyannmunyan1174]

Do they make this paddle left handed as well?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You simply adjust the screw that holds it to the mount for left-handed operation, so yes. :)

[@daaufdammahom3417]

Cw decoder

[@TridentMissileTech]

Evert time you convince I GO TO THE BENGALI link and get turned off. 1) the amounts are in pounds. Don’t know how to convert lbs to dollars. Guess I can google it. 2) I am Leary of excessive custom charges. Do you know if there are custom charges. Sometimes they sneak them in, sometimes they don’t. I guess they don’t if they have a distributor in America.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Huh...when I've purchased from Begali, the prices have been in Euro. You can use this converter to sort out the amount in USD from any currecy: www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=USD I've never actually purchased a Begali key from Italy. I've gotten them from their booth at Hamvention. They wuld likely know if there are any duties, etc. Reach out to Bruna. She'll help you. :)