CW on 40m and 20m - Activation of Werakata National Park (VKFF-0528)

CW at 19 WPM using Yaesu FT-891 operating at 30W, BaMaKey TP-II iambic key and end-fed half wave antenna. World Wide Flora and Fauna (WWFF) activation of Werakata National Park (VKFF-0528) located west of Newcastle, Australia.
Activation on Saturday 26 August 2023 operating on 40m (7.032 MHz) and 20m (14.065 MHz). Total of 18 CW contacts including two park-to-parks.
Music: My Path - Next Route
Audio Library Plus: • My Path - Next Route |...
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:49 CW on 40m
18:43 CW on 20m

[@AmateurRadioSouthAfrica]

Oh I wish we had that many parks here! Would have loved to have done activations like this 👌👌. Great video!

[@vk2ter]

Thank you for the feedback Janre. This national park is located about 90 minutes drive from home. I am having to drive further and further to find new parks to operate from, 73

[@andrewwilliss6500]

Great to get you in the log yet again James!

[@vk2ter]

Thanks again Andy for the CW and SSB contacts. I cropped a bit of the exchange as my key was slipping on the metal table messing up my code. The wind was also creating havoc with my note pad, 73

[@miketaylor6700]

I almost asked what the 44 was because I had never seen it. I guess we don’t shake hands here in the states. Haha
Then I realized you were activating a WWFF site.
Great video!!! New Sub!
73
Mike
KK7MMN

[@vk2ter]

Thanks Mike for the feedback. Yes “44” is often used in the sign off with WWFF activations. Glad you enjoyed the video, 73

[@o2bnov0307]

I had my first VK CW QSO today!! There's hope for us connecting on the air!! de David AE4LH

[@vk2ter]

That is great news David, I hope to catch you on the air sometime soon. I hope band conditions continue to improve with Solar Cycle 25 with more openings for DX contacts, 73

[@Eidetiken]

I'm learning CW and appreciate your CW videos. How do you like the BaMaKey TP-II? I'm leaning towards getting the TP-II over the TP-III.

[@miketaylor6700]

I don’t know which one to get either! The II is larger and the III fits in the palm of your hand.

[@vk2ter]

The TP-II is a really nice key, it is my main key when operating portable. The reason I chose it over the TP-III is the magnetic base (purchased separately), which provides a stable base when operating on a table or it can be removed when not needed. However, I notice a lot more people using the TP-III than TP-II on TH-cam, so it seems more people prefer the smaller key. Thanks for watching and your feedback, 73

[@Eidetiken]

@@vk2ter Thanks for the reply. The TP-II seems to be almost the same size as a CW Morse single or dual paddle. When you count in the protruding screws of the CW Morse key, the TP-II is actually a bit thinner, top to bottom. The protruding screws on my CW Morse can mess up my sending from time to time. I like the size of the CW Morse but I like that the TP-II doesn’t have any extruding thumb screws, and the TP-II is magnetic. Have you had any problems with the TP-II? Just wished the TP-II had a separate cord that I could change out if needed. Thanks in advance.

[@vk2ter]

@@EidetikenI find the TP-II to be a very reliable key and very smooth to send with. I rarely have to adjust the contact spacing once it is set to my preference. The magnetic base makes the key very stable. The key did initially slip a little on the metal table in this video, but it was fine after I sat it on the note pad. I agree a detachable cable would be handy, 73