The QRPer Board

Since you're running from your car, maybe try an antenna mount right on the car. It will beat any ground plane you can lay out under the tripod by a lot!

I tried using solar and bicycle power for a while. I found unless you're going to be out doing lots of radio for few days, it wasn't worth it. It's a lot easier to use low power and carry an extra set of "AA" batteries. And I don't carry them if I'm out for only 1 or 2 days.

I remember one time being set up so my EFHW antenna was behind me. I had made 4 or 5 contacts before I noticed it was on the ground! Never tried intentionally though.

housekey.jpg Here's one I built with my grandson. He looked at my straight key one day, and said, "Why do they call it a key? It don't look like a key to me". So we took one of his play keys, a plastic box he got with candy in it, a couple of small bolts and built this. We were gonna add ...

Thanks for the update, Paul!

I know mine work down to 50°. Below that, I don't work!

The link you provided requires membership, so not able to check it out.

I couldn't find anything I liked, so I experimented and built my own. This is
about the 5th version. No adjustments needed because I built to my specs.
It's made from copper foiling tape, an old g(ift card and an old earphone wire and plug.

Opinions are what make the forum relevant! I learned the code from the ARRL tapes back in the 80s. No matter what method you use, it all comes down to time and effort you put into it. When I tried as a kid, I wasn't serious about it and never did get far.

Check my antenna setup over in the field reports section:

https://qrper.net/viewtopic.php?t=150

Here's another one you might like:

https://breadboardradio.com/40-woodpecker.html

Sidetone, a bit of tuning on the receiver and a real front panel!