Wait....WHAT key? CW POTA at K-2032

[@AA0Z]

You are a brave man with that key on a POTA!!!! Great video....

[@EvanK2EJT]

I figured it'd be fun to shake things up a little bit. Now I just need to do a cootie activation!

[@dugbohamradio]

An awesome idea with the bug! Looking forward to seeing the bug on a summit! You’re giving me ideas for SOTA too.

[@EvanK2EJT]

If I take the bug to a summit, it'll have to be a drive up. There's no way I'm carrying that thing up a mountain LOL!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Super cool activation with the bug! I just got a 1957 Vibroplex Champion. I have it cleaned up and adjusted & am beginning to practice. There is definitely a learning curve, but it is fun! Looking forward to your next bug activation! 73, Patrick KF4LMZ

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, bugs definitely have a learning curve, but once you figure them out they're a blast to send on! I have a Champion as well, and it's an amazing key.

[@KU9L]

Thanks for sharing Evan! Hey, a bad activation day is better for me than a good day of work, especially since that day is my birthday, lol. Cheers, Davey --KU9L

[@K4FR_Radio]

I'm also with you on the lab599 vs kx2. I own both and prefer the Lab599 RX to any of my other portable rigs (Even to my kx3). Very cool idea with taking the Vibroplex to the field. Great video and thanks for sharing. 73 de N4AAJ

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks! Yeah, while the KX2 is a little more convenient since it's a shack in a box, I just don't think it hears quite as well or sounds quite as good as the TX-500. Thanks for watching!

[@ve2zdx]

I’m with you about the KX2 hearing! Bugs and side swipers bug my mind heheh You’ve got some good tech to deal with the cold =] When I go to the park I normally freeze close to death and then leave. Someday if I meet a great opening for DX in the winter I’ll probably QRT in this world hahah 73!

[@ve2zdx]

Now not kidding, at the RAC contest it was relatively warm but windy and I stood outside for about 3 hours. At the time I didn’t realize, but I was having a hard time to send (because hands were freezing), bad mood, copying poorly and when someone came to talk to me I had a hard time speaking , my face felt frozen. I have to start using something like you do for the cold =]

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@ve2zdx Yeah, it's tough working outside when it's cold. Fortunately it's been a warm winter so far, so it hasn't been much of an issue. It looks like that's going to change this weekend into next week though. Lots of snow and MUCH colder temps are expected. We'll see

[@betterbprepared]

It was great seeing the activation with the bug. Not using to seeing you take a tuner to the field. I just watched a video with Thomas Witherspoon the same day you released this and he was using the ZM-2 ATU as well. I was looking at getting the Elecraft T1 ATU to complete my field kit, but now I am thinking the ZM-2 ATU may be high value for low cost vs the T1. Would you go with the cheaper option if it works well?

[@EvanK2EJT]

The Elecraft tuner is awesome. It's also damn near impossible to get. The ZM-2 works well, is inexpensive, and doesn't need batteries.

[@betterbprepared]

@@EvanK2EJT yea, you may have talked me into the ZM-2. I need to see if it will fit in my go box. I know the Elecraft will, but it's darn near 3X the price. Thanks for the videos. They really are very helpful!

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@betterbprepared If you're looking for a small auto tuner that won't break the bank, check out the ATU-10. Works great, it's very small, inexpensive, and the battery lasts forever: www.amazon.com/dp/B09PTC6DJ8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details