Serious QRP DX: My First POTA Activation with the Index Labs QRP Plus!

qrper.com/2024/04/my-first-po...
Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.
***GEAR***
Note: All Amazon, CW Morse, ABR, Chelegance, eBay, and Radioddity links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com at no cost to you.
-- Index Labs QRP Plus (wd8rif.com/qrpplus.htm)
-- ABR Industries 25’ RG-316 cable assembly with three in-line ferrites (Use Coupon Code ABR10QRPER for 10% Discount! three) abrind.com/shop/qrp-pota-port... -- Note: This is not the same cable I used in this video, but it's the one I would recommend. I forgot my RG-316 cable, so used this 40' RG-174. Note that the QRP Plus has an SO-239 connector on the back.
-- MM0OPX QRP EFHW (Contact Colin for Availability www.qrz.com/db/MM0OPX)
-- CW Morse Outdoor Double Paddle With Steel Base (cwmorse.us/products/outdoor-d...)
-- Bioenno 3 Ah LiFePo Battery Model BLF-1203AB (www.bioennopower.com/products...)
-- Key cable: Cable Matters 2-Pack Gold-Plated Retractable Aux Cable - 2.5 Feet (amzn.to/3OUUNri)
-- GraphGear 0.9mm 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil (amzn.to/3Ntf1pV)
‎-- Rite In The Rain Top Spiral Notebook (amzn.to/42O5fa4)
-- Camera: DJI OSMO 4 action camera (amzn.to/3Tf89TH) with Sensyne Phone Tripod (amzn.to/3Zbuz7A)
-- Leatherman Signal Multitool--my EDC multitool (amzn.to/4aRs7sW)
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Thanks for watching!
72,
Thomas
K4SWL
Chapters:
Intro: 0:00:00
Index Labs QRP Plus: 0:02:20
Antenna and Deployment: 0:03:00
Rado Setup: 0:14:40
Story Behind the QRP Plus: 0:16:11
Activation 40 Meters: 0:31:05
Activation 15 Meters: 1:13:31
Activation 10 Meters: 1:24:19
QRT & Summary: 1:40:28
Pack Up and Thank you: 1:45:14

[@Lee-M0VKR]

Hi Thomas, very cool to get you in the log, I’ve been waiting ages for this video to come out. Just goes to show with patience, good conditions and a fair wind you can make it pretty much anywhere. I’ve only been learning CW for a little over a year, and was originally inspired by your channel to learn CW so really chuffed to get you. Keep up the good work, 73, Lee M0VKR. Dit dit.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It was brilliant working you, Lee. Thanks for patiently hunting me. Also, thank you for the kind comments, OM. Now we need to work on a park-to-park! Best, Thomas

[@w2aew]

Nice to hear my Panera parking lot portable signal from Aberdeen MD on that rig - the audio on that rig is really nice!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm pretty sure fresh bread ads a few dB to your signal! Great to work you, OM.

[@mg8168]

Great nostalgic video! The QRP+ was my first factory built rig and I thought I was in heaven when I could finally afford it in 1996. But it never lived up to my expectations. Suffered with a barn door front end and not the greatest selectivity. There were times when my HW-8 seem to perform better. I have to admit , however, it really looked cool !!! It ended up on my top shelf until I sold it to help fund a K2 in 1999. Once I got my K2 up and running, I knew I was in heaven! Thenks for showcasing a fun chapter in my ham radio life. 73, Mike, n0mpm

[@propagating-radio]

Another K4SWL video! Always makes my day better! Thanks Thomas!

[@N5PJ]

I used to drool over this, and Ten-Tec Scout 555

[@hamshackinabag]

It was nice to finally hear you in NM! Great to have you in the log! 73 De KG5WPZ!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The feeling is mutual! Thank you for the contact!

[@N4AAJ]

Thanks for sharing this experience with us, Thomas! I've always been curious about the Index Labs Qrp rigs. Neat! Love it. It's always an honor to make it into your logbook as well. No chirp on my end. I was at home. 10m has always been my favorite band :) Great video and activation! 73 es CUL OM

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks so much, OM. This radio is a load of fun to operate and, I'll admit, I'm a bit nostalgic about it. Great to work you!

[@boots_n_coots]

If the biblical Goliath ever shows up at one of your activations, you, young David, will knock him cold with your deadly throw weight 😅

[@ThomasK4SWL]

😆 Ha ha!

[@W4EMB]

DE W4EMB.. how funny that this was in the works when I aquired one too.. Thanks Thomas...

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ed, I'm thinking "great minds QRP alike!" 😜 I look forward to hearing about your QRP Plus adventures, OM!

[@N1JI-CW]

Thanks for another great video! I remember the ads for the QRP Plus when I was a new Novice, but I've never seen one in action. I believe there was a firmware upgrade that changed the keyer speed increment from 5WPM to 1WPM - Yours must still have the old firmware.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That must be it! Maybe someday I can sort out upgrading the firmware.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

GM Tom and once again I am embarrassed to say I missed you on this one also. I don't know why but it seems lately (last 6 mo's or so) I just keep passing you like two ships in the night and if I do catch you in time I can't hear you!. !! But we'll keep on Hunting and trying thanks for an enjoyable video as always. 72! de Ellis WA1RKS

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Please keep hunting, OM. :) We'll make contact before you know it!

[@billcosgrave6232]

👍

[@stephenplatt5048]

Question: Is "72" the POTA "73"? Never heard that before.... 73, KC4JGC.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Great question! Here's my answer: qrper.com/2022/07/why-i-send-72-instead-of-73/

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

I wonder if the keyer is in ultimatic mode?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Good question.

[@W4TRI]

Too bad it's not made new anymore.

[@RudixSA]

Great video as always, thanks! Wow, that little radio brings back memories! I got licensed in 1995 and I remember all the excitement when the QRP+ came out! Would love to get my hands on one today. Nice working some DX, that is what I end up working most of the time as local activity is very low. The excitement of "hooking" a nice "fish" stays with you a long time. Really hope to work you someday Thomas, you rekindled the POTA fire for me, thanks for that! 73, Rudi de ZS6DX/ZS2M/ZS1BT/V51VE

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It would be brilliant to put you in the logs, OM!

[@RudixSA]

@@ThomasK4SWLI will look out for your spots and try to work you. I work stations in the USA an a daily basis running QRP so it can be done.