QRP Magic at Cape Lookout: Saltwater Counterpoise in Action!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2024/12/cape-lookout-activation-a-family-adventure-and-saltwater-experiment/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@haletd]

Thomas, this video brought back some great memories! When I was with the 2nd Marine Air Wing Band, we played at a ceremony at Cape Lookout on June 14, 2003, for the transfer of the lighthouse from the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service.

[@Windmill97]

Very relaxing to watch the waves crash and hear Thomas’s Morse. Give me a nice pipe tobacco and the package would be complete. The stress melts away. Thanks, T.

[@mcmichaeltube]

Great outing. Thanks for sharing.

[@don3394]

Was anyone else waiting for a big Cod fish to bite the end of the counterpoise? 🤣 Thank you, Thomas for a fantastic video of your POTA activation! 👍

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Now that would have perfectly capped-off the activation! :)

[@jbinsc]

Wow that looked like a lot of fun….thanks for the video. My KH1 is still at Elecraft. Hopefully it will be back soon….ready to go.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Here's to your KH1's speedy return!

[@makerofthingsunique]

In a world of chaos I have found your videos. Always chilled and great inspiration in my journey to learn cw

[@ThomasK4SWL]

This makes me happy. Thank you!

[@xanderlewis]

I completely agree. K4SWL, TU!

[@glennrodgers649]

Wonderful video and looks like the way to enjoy the beach. Doubt a counterpoise in freshwater lake would be much help… but I may try it anyway as practice for our next sojourn to Amelia Island next year. See you at Hamvention, and don’t forget we have a new park this year very close to Xenia (Great Council State Park, US-11673)!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks for the tip about the new park! We'll for sure activate it! See you then!

[@billcosgrave6232]

That was a cool activation!

[@Utahforrest]

Now that’s some epic KH1 content. I had no idea throwing the counterpoise in water was a thing! 73 de KI7QCF

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I've always wanted to do this and the KH1 makes it SO easy. Some of the time, my feet were in the water, too. :) I'd never played radio while wading. :)

[@adamalthus]

Wonderful video and activation. Jealous :-) One of our favorite places in the US. Beaufort is beautiful and the entire OBX is spectacular. Was there last month.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It is a beautiful spot and I plan to go back and spend even more time there. Plus, there are so many other parks to hit! :)

[@aa5unmarty905]

Great working you! Pedestrian mobile in the salt! You were very loud into Texas! 73 de AA5UN

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

It's always afternoon somewhere.

[@jessrichter4424]

When was this activation? It’s pretty chilly down in NC today and you’re not wearing a coat.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It was last Tuesday. It was pretty temperate there on the island. It felt down right warm to us who live in the the mountains. :)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

This is pure awesomeness! 73 my friend! Walt K4OGO

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Thomas, it has been a while! The salt water may have been the boost we needed. GL OM! Maybe a hook and bait on the counterpoise to add a little excitement.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's been too long. Very happy to get you in the logs there, Dick! You sounded great at sea level!

[@jaylijoi2060]

I'd like to see results using the KH1 without the counterpoise. (Body acting as ground) I can't be the only one wondering? How much of a difference does it make?

[@scottchapman4025]

Thanks for all the great videos (as well as your input on HRWB podcast!). Your mention of saltwater here reminded me of another channel that might interest you... this fellow is sailing solo AND makes POTA contacts in some amazing places across the South Pacific. If interested: www.youtube.com/@sailingmakai2127/videos --Scott, K4KDR

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for the comment and tip, Scott! I'll check him out!

[@anthonykomarek]

Such a treat to sit down with my morning coffee and find another K4SWL video. I’ve been watching your videos almost every night as I am just about to the point where I might try a CW POTA activation of my own so I practice copying as I listen to your videos. Thank you!

[@colegno7467]

Couldn’t agree more! Thank you for these, Thomas.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Woo hoo! You've got this, Anthony! I hope to work you on the air next year!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

My pleasure! Thank you!

[@billyelmore6890]

Completely unrelated to your video: I have the same KEEN shoes. 10+ years old and worn out but still wearable and the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. KG4SZS

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So I go through a pair of these every 2-3 years but under heavy use (with a heavy guy!). I love them.