Search found 18 matches

by w2tef
Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:18 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: QRP coming out of 25 sun spot cycle
Replies: 6
Views: 54660

Re: QRP coming out of 25 sun spot cycle

I'm a fairly new operator as well (this time around). I'll note that amateur radio has an extensive legacy (decades!) of QRP operators/enthusiasts. QRP activity will not fade away with the changing sun cycle. It was QRP builders/operators that first interested me in radio 27 years ago. I'll also not...
by w2tef
Sat Aug 09, 2025 12:17 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: My first QRP POTA Activation was a Failure!
Replies: 3
Views: 75095

Re: My first QRP POTA Activation was a Failure!

Brian, Great job getting out there! Another NJ POTA buddy and I have an agreement that there's no such thing as a failed activation. If you went out to a park and set up, that was a successful activation! The only question is whether it was a mini- (less than 10 QSO's) or full (10 or more QSO's) act...
by w2tef
Sat Jul 12, 2025 2:12 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Throw Lines and trees
Replies: 5
Views: 303451

Re: Throw Lines and trees

Brian, I'll echo Brian's comments: I look for a branch of the height I want without a lot of obstructions between it and me. And I definitely avoid evergreens: they're too thick and things get stuck. I prefer trees that are tall enough and old enough to have shed most of their lower branches. I foll...
by w2tef
Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:49 am
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: M10 thread pitch
Replies: 5
Views: 280084

Re: M10 thread pitch

Later in that thread there may be a link to the adapters you're looking for!
by w2tef
Wed Mar 12, 2025 10:47 am
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: M10 thread pitch
Replies: 5
Views: 280084

Re: M10 thread pitch

This thread suggests M10-1.5 is common among the Asian-sourced telescoping whips.
by w2tef
Sat Feb 22, 2025 9:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Long winded introduction from KB0WLF
Replies: 4
Views: 244274

Re: Long winded introduction from KB0WLF

Welcome Chris! Moto's are great for POTA! Saves a lot of wear and tear on the family car, and lots of fun, too!
MotoPOTA202406.resized.JPG
MotoPOTA202406.resized.JPG (229.77 KiB) Viewed 243847 times
by w2tef
Sat Dec 28, 2024 3:27 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: What do I need/what is available
Replies: 9
Views: 228436

Re: What do I need/what is available

Robert, Welcome to CW! I use that SP4 paddle some (mostly at home). If you're going to learn to send with a paddle, you may appreciate having a keyer to generate a sidetone. I have built a few that use the K3NG software . Alternatively you can buy one from CW Morse or a kit from 4SQRP . I'm told the...
by w2tef
Mon Nov 11, 2024 11:59 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: LOTW confirmations of POTA activations
Replies: 1
Views: 87482

Re: LOTW confirmations of POTA activations

Paul, Newly re-licensed this month last year, this is a question I've wondered about. In 2024 I've made 150 POTA activations so far (and a few "mini-" activations: less than ten QSO's). Adding a LOTW location for each park seemed tedious. So I've defaulted to creating special "POTA&qu...
by w2tef
Wed Sep 04, 2024 5:11 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: QMX Field Kit
Replies: 2
Views: 105246

Re: QMX Field Kit

Lovely photos, Sam! My kit is very similar. I use a resonant EFHW for 20/40 to avoid carrying a tuner. My first POTA activation was in April this year. Now, at 100 activations and nearly 1600 QSO's, nearly all on the QMX, I'm still perfectly delighted by it. As you say, size, price, features, energy...
by w2tef
Mon Jul 29, 2024 6:57 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?
Replies: 10
Views: 241652

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

What I have observed among others with masts like that is they used a small strip of plastic. Drill a hole sized to position it where you want it to rest on the mast. Drill another hole to secure your wire. Slide the plastic strip over the top of the pole when you go to deploy it. I suppose you coul...