QRP POTA at Carolina Beach State Park: Testing a new KX2 Paddle Mount and Seeking Shade!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2024/07/carolina-beach-state-park-a-qrp-oasis-amidst-the-summer-heat-and-activities/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@chuck_N4SHO]

My mother grew up in Wilmington along the Cape Fear River in 'Sunset Park' back in the 1920's & 30's. (Passed in 2017 at 94) Know that area well since grandparents had a house on Wrightsville Beach when I grew up. Vaca'd every summer for 3 weeks near Mercer's pier. Now I know where to POTA when I go back. Now have to re-learn CW and get an Elecraft. Thank You Thomas!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The Wilmington area is an amazing spot on this planet. I hope you get a chance to go back soon!

[@w2aew]

Always fun to hear my call coming out of your radio!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Always fun logging you my friend!

[@mysteryham4065]

I learn something new on your activations. This time, it found out 30 meters was “clutch” for the activation… good activity… in my (albeit) few yrs on hf, I have never been on 30 or 17. Cheers!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you! Both 30 and 17 meters are excellent bands! 30M is one of my overall favorites, actually because it has characteristics of both 20 and 40M.

[@williamcarter_CPA_CGMA]

Wonderful activation! Nice addition to have the tablecloth too! I found.a nice case for the KX2 with removable hard dividers. Posted pics and links on my QRZ Page. Nice key stand, and keeps it from moving around. I am a fan of the Random Wire, seems to be a great choice for band hopping. Been playing with Reliance Antennas and N9SAB Pota Antennas. 72 Bill KG4FXG

[@JonathanKayne]

17:15 wow Dan is loud! Also, i guess i got a future accessory to purchase for my KX2. My TP-III is my favorite paddle for portable operation!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, Dan was very loud! :)

[@Windmill97]

I was getting a feel for the rhythm of the QSOs and feeling more confident with my copying.......until that last QRP P2P. Man, I still have to practice before going to a park.....

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You've got this! :) When you're out there activating, remember that you actually have control of the speed, etc. Just send "QRS" when things get crazy. :)

[@davel831]

Hi Thomas looking great as ever, this has made me return to the hobby so just collecting my KX3 next week and going back on the bands 73 Dave M0GGK

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Wonderful, Dave! It would be fantastic to put you in the logs sometime soon! :) That KX3 will be a brilliant field companion! Best & 72/73 Thomas (K4SWL / M0CYI)

[@jcvee15]

Great video, Thomas. Thanks for sharing. I noticed you didn’t log any RST info. Is it common for POTA activators to not log that info? Just curious. Thanks, and 73.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Great question! I actually wrote a post about this topic earlier this year: qrper.com/2024/04/pota-sota-why-i-dont-log-signal-reports/ 72/73!

[@jcvee15]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks for the reply and for the link to your post. Your post was a great read, as well as the comments that followed. Thanks again and 73!

[@mrjikey]

It was great fun getting together with Ed (W4EMB) while traveling for work, and totally unexpected. I’ll eventually have a work trip to NC again, and I’ll be sure and reach out when I do! If you ever make it to the NW, let me know also ;) Michael - N7CCD

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, please do! It would be brilliant meeting up for an activation!

[@PhilG0BVD]

Your wife is very understanding, my wife would have asked could I put on my headphones lol :-) great activation. 73 Phil G0BVD

[@ThomasK4SWL]

She is so used to the sound of Morse at this point, she can tune out what she doesn't want to hear. :) Ha ha!

[@willb8024]

Well decided to learn CW after watch some of your videos so far it's going pretty good but have issues with certain letter like "A" I keep thinking it's an "E". But other than that I seem to be picking it up pretty quickly hopefully I'm saying the same once I actually get to words

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Just keep listening and copying. Your brain will soon sort it all out! Great job on the CW journey! Hope to work you sometime soon.

[@pablod6872]

My wife has the patience of a saint (she married me...), but I think after about 30 minutes of watching me tap on paddles she would've given me the Death Stare 😊.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

😂

[@hawkinscsa]

Nice place, your wife should have showed her painting.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You know, I need to ask her. As I recall, it was a beautiful one, too. She's quite talented.