Packable POTA Field Kits

[Brian - K3ES]

I have 3 QRP radios that support my POTA habit, a TX-500, a TR-35, and a KX2. I built a field kit around each rig, so they are ready to go for an activation whenever time and weather permit. I find it difficult to choose between rigs, because they each have their own appeal. I have noticed myself gravitating toward the KX2 of late, simply because its kit is the lightest and most compact of the three. Here is an overview of my KX2 go-kit for POTA in the Pennsylvania woods. I will try to do the same for the other kits as time permits.

Bag: US M7 light weight Gas Mask pouch. WWII vintage, canvas construction, and nigh on indestructible.
Radio: Elecraft KX2 with internal tuner.
Power: Internal Li-Ion battery, external power cable, and Bioenno 3 Ah LiFePO4 battery.
Key: N0SA SP-X paddles with magnetic return.
Earphones: eBay's cheapest stereo earbuds.
Antennas: Packtenna 9:1 with 71 ft random wire, and Tufteln 9:1 with 35 ft random wire and 17 ft counterpoise.
Extensions: Two 3 ft 3.5 mm stereo female to male extension cords suitable for key or earbuds.
Feedline: Two 15 ft lengths of RG-316 with BNC connectors.
Throw Line: Small Weaver Pouch with 80 ft of Marlow Excel line and 8 oz throw bag.
Cordage: 3 short lengths of 2mm nylon cord and a plastic tent stake for antenna support.
Logging: Rite in the Rain 4 x 6 inch notebook and Pentel 0.9 mm pencil with twist-up eraser.
Clipboard: Homebrew 7-1/2 x 12 inch Lexan board with spring clip.
Case: Harbor Freight Apache 550 Weatherproof Clear Case.

[M0RGM]

Interesting report Brian, I manage to get my KX2 and all the bits I need in the ES60 case, but I recognise everyone's needs are different.

I'd be interested in your TR-35 setup as a new TR-35 owner.

Richard M0RGM

[Brian - K3ES]

Interesting report Brian, I manage to get my KX2 and all the bits I need in the ES60 case, but I recognise everyone's needs are different.

I'd be interested in your TR-35 setup as a new TR-35 owner.

Richard M0RGM

Richard,

I will work on documenting the TR-35 kit next.

73 de Brian - K3ES

[Brian - K3ES]

TR-35 GO-KIT for POTA in the Pennsylvania woods.

Bag: Generic tactical daypack – very cheap ($15) and non-branded, but was in my inventory, and has proven sturdy in use.
Radio: Penntek TR-35
Power: Power cable and Bioenno 3 Ah LiFePO4 battery.
Key: CW Morse Outdoor Paddles
Earphones: Sony stereo ear-buds in a case with built-in winder. Re-purposed for this go-kit.
Antenna: Homebrew 9:1 40m EFHW (20m is resonant as a harmonic), with links for 30m and 17m.
Extensions: Two 3 ft 3.5 mm stereo female to male extension cords suitable for key or earbuds.
Feedline: Two 15 ft lengths of RG-316 with BNC connectors.
Throw Line: Small Weaver Pouch with 80 ft of Marlow Excel line and 14 oz throw bag.
Cordage: multiple short lengths of 550 paracord and a plastic tent stake for antenna support.
Logging: Rite in the Rain 4 x 6 inch notebook and Pentel 0.9 mm pencil with twist-up eraser. Spare generic 0.9 mm pencil with eraser.
Clipboard: Standard letter-sized clip board.
Case: Harbor Freight Right Keeper NO-66 plastic storage tray.
Misc: USB powerpack and cord for charging cell phone, 30 gal garbage bag for seating and rain protection, 1 gal zip seal bag for water proofing, wire ties.

[M0RGM]

Brian,

Many thanks for sharing. Some significant similarities with my own kit (less hat and chair)!

Richard M0RGM

[Brian - K3ES]

Brian,

Many thanks for sharing. Some significant similarities with my own kit (less hat and chair)!

Richard M0RGM

Lol, I figured the hat and chair would be useful to show size comparison of the 3 kits. The TX-500 kit is a bit larger and more complicated, but it will come next.