POTA, Coffee, and QRP: Is any field kit more portable and versatile that Elecraft's KX2/AX1 combo?

qrper.com/2023/10/coffee-qrp-...
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL
Chapters
Intro: 0:00:00
Brewing Coffee with New Stove: 0:01:00
Field Kits and the Kit Gallery: 0:05:50
The Elecraft KX2 AX1 combo: 0:08:34
Coffee Break: 0:19:55
POTA Activation: 0:26:20
QRT & Summary: 1:24:59

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2023/10/coffee-qrp-question-is-any-field-kit-more-portable-and-versatile-that-elecrafts-kx2-ax1-combo/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@CharlesTersteeg]

since the cat is out of the bag, kh1 seems like the best with coffee.

[@KN7U]

I watch plenty of highly-produced videos, providers trying to get to some magical sub-30 or sub-20 minute video length and I have to say, I prefer your "warts and all" format. After turning in my NTS CW roles when son #2 took over my shack some 30 years ago, the POTA bug has bitten and I'm busy putting together a QRP CW field kit (QMX, TP-III, EFHW, ...) determined to get back on the air! Appreciate the pour-over content. Everything is better with coffee. Hope to catch you on the air soon. Mike, KN7U

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for the kind words, Mike! I hope to catch you on the air as well. Hopefully, soon!

[@randalltom9750]

Is this some kind of challenge? If so, I won't argue with your choice of the KX2. I would however suggest another antenna. The AX1 is expedient, but I have yet to get much out of mine here in Idaho. I'd opt for a PackTenna Random Wire with the KX2. But, I know you've logged a good deal of contacts with the AX1... so there ya go! As far as the coffee, a thermos Medagalia D'Oro, instant espresso, and some heavy cream... Thomas, you make it look easy... Great video...

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You know, I recently paired the KX2 and PackTenna EFRW. It's a brilliant combo I've used a LOAD in the past. :) Great suggestion.

[@larrytaylor7753]

I heard you loud and clear. Looking forward to a review of the new Elecraft KH1. I bet they’ll send you one.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I've been in the test group and, hopefully, my production KH1 will arrive or ship this week.

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

I'm a fan of the AeroPress. I use mine daily. I'm a fan of of a quick 20 meter vertical antenna, but I like mine full sized. Thanks for the videos and the website.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I LOVE the AeroPress!

[@qrplife]

Nice to see coffee activation back in the mix. ☕️

[@USMCDAD47]

Tom, thanks for another great and groovy video. I picked up a KX-2 and AX-1 antenna used, a few months ago. I am active in POTA more than anything else. I had not used the AX-1 antenna more than maybe one time (made a contact sitting on the back patio this summer). After watching this I grabbed my Lowe pack and headed to the hills of a state park about an hour from here. The leaves are almost peak so my wife even jumped in the buggy and came with me. I went to the highest overlook in the park and setup the KX2 and the AX1 at a picnic table, got spotted on the POTA page, and started calling CQ. I had 11 in the log book in about 35 minutes on 20m. I even worked Alaska, England, and Arizona...from south central Indiana...running 8w. The breeze had picked up and it was getting chilly so I had to QRT and pack it in. I am so glad I saw this video, it put a bug in my ear to try out the AX-1. I normally setup a Eagle One vertical on my SUV trailer hitch. This was WAY easier. 72 de KB9BVN - I hope this solar cycle lasts 4 or 5 more years. It's been great fun!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I love this! Yes indeed! That AX1 is a viable antenna and I, too, have worked some AMAZING DX with it. Once, under a metal roof shelter in a valley, I worked a P2P with a station in the UK with 5 watts.

[@fredc3543]

Fascinating.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

This was another one I cud not hear you on But never fear we still hunt faithfully. 73 de Ellis WA1RKS

[@0.G.]

No skipping coffee time 😊 coffee and radio go hand in hand 😎 love the Begali keys!👌🏼great video again Thomas

[@bodstrup]

Very interesting that such a short antenna works OK, but man you get easily distracted by that coffee boiler. At least I could skip the coffee section using your bookmarks (I am a Tea drinker 😀)

[@reidlanham2011]

Ha, when you set up the 13 ft radial, and didn't put the 40m extension on, then tried to tune on 7.061 I actually was talking to the screen!! I knew you'd catch it though, and that also confirmed my question about which counterpoise to use with which bands! Thanks, 73 K8JLW

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha ha!

[@JKFlipFlop.]

The credibility of your recommendations is unmatched. I have the same radio, antenna, and mechanical pencil; all based on your reviews. Would love hear your opinion of QRP-adjacent orienteering gear (compass, spikes, map clutch, etc..). Would gladly follow an affiliate link.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so much--very kind of you to say. I will try to list all of my gear links in the field reports. I, too, like seeing this on websites and channels I follow. Again, thanks for the kind words.

[@oliverstewart5899]

Wow, you and I have similar tastes! I've been a big Snow Peak fan for years and am now a happy owner of a KX2 and AX1, thanks to your videos. I even noticed we've got the same pencil! 😂 I have a feeling a Begali may be in my future, but I'm holding myself back until I can competently make CW QSOs. I normally use a hand grinder and my AeroPress for situations like this, though. Thinking I should give the pourover method a shot. Hope to catch you on the air!. 73 KF0LRV

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I love my Aeropress, too! I have two of them. :) Haven't splurged for the ultra portable one yet. Say, tell me about your hand grinder! I'm in the market and could use some recommendations.

[@oliverstewart5899]

@@ThomasK4SWL I think my original reply may have been deleted. Maybe Amazon links weren’t the best idea. Anyway to recap: I’ve had the Porlex mini grinder for about a decade and it’s holding up well. Looks like there are fancier options out there these days, but it works well for a compact, portable grinder, and I like it better than the plastic Hario I had before it. I also use a cheap AWS Scale from Amazon to weigh the beans before grinding, and the Porlex just about perfectly fits the 18g I use. It all fits nicely in a Red Oxx Nomad shave kit bag.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@oliverstewart5899 Thank you so much for the recommendation! I will check it out. Yes, I believe you're right--KZbin must have auto-removed the post with a link. I didn't know they did that, but then again I can't remember the last Amazin link I found in a KZbin comment! :) Thanks again!

[@JonathanKayne]

Something tells me that the mew KH1 is gonna take the first place metal for your smallest field kit. I am trying to think up a way for being able to operate the KH1 on a tabletop using that whip antenna. Maybe some sort of tripod mount?

[@drewbuller7680]

Perhaps some sort of right angle adapter? Do we know what the connection is on the whip?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I think Wayne is working on this, in fact.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That would be very cool! I'm sure you'll design something!

[@Heavylight100]

If you could only buy one key for the KX2. Would it be the Begali Traveler Light or the adventure? And why?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The Adventure pairs and mounts so beutifully on the KX2, it's what I would choose.

[@boots_n_coots]

BEAR spray? [rolls up windows, locks doors] 😳

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha ha!

[@pickinpastor9347]

that antenna is really pricey for what you get

[@Frank_K4FMH]

1st like. Make a note of it…😂

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Noted! Frank approves! Ha ha!

[@davidryeburn6446]

Freudian slip at 10:56? Mentioning your favourite equipment, you say "My Elecraft KX1, ..." Well, I guess with transceivers (unlike with women) it's OK to be polyamorous. David VE7EZM and AF7BZ

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! Definitely a slip!

[@larrytaylor7753]

Too bad the AX1 is such a compromised antenna. It barely works. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@bernhardfluche7435]

For me, it works surprisingly good. I often use the same equipment during my excursions in the Baltic Sea region and I am always fascinated by its capabilities. No problems all over Europe and also overseas contacts😊

[@ThomasK4SWL]

HA HA HA!!!!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Challenge accepted. I will do a POTA with the AX1 here in MT when it warms up a bit.🫣

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It would be brilliant to do a P2P or S2S AX1/AX1, Dick!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

@ThomasK4SWL High Temps this week will be from the 20s to sub zero. So, I made an adapter to go from the AX1 tripod mount to the mag mount on the pickup so I can work out of the cab. Initial test I logged POTA in FL, OH, and OR with the KX3. The large ground plain is working great.