Reminds me of my first QSO with the KM4ACK. Neither end was higher than 8’ off the ground and I got a 59 from Spain on 20M. Pretty amazing antenna for sure!
I've only done QRP activations the last 6 weeks or so with one exception. It doesn't take much to get out. Get a good antenna and call CQ. That the secret.
I just started watching your videos. Man am I impressed with that end fed antenna. You have met my best friend/brother from another mother n4pkr Brandon. I’m Nathan wx4jnk. East central Georgia. I will be purchasing that antenna, and hopefully get some of these parks over here on the air. Keep on doing what you do! 73!
Right on James. Just went hiking with Brandon on Monday. Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel. Not sure when the antennas will be available next but be sure to grab one quick. They don't stay in stock for long. 73
That’s been the only way Ive been running POTA is QRP 10W with either the KM4ACK EFHW or the PackTenna Mini 9:1 Unun random wire. I have gotten that same Spain contact as well as France the other day. It is all about the antenna. These are all posted on my TH-cam channel as well. Great job Mike and hopefully catch you on Support Your Parks this weekend. Ham-Solo K0FYR
Used my KM4ACK EFHW antenna last weekend for the first time during an activation (POTA Activation At The Beach video). Threw it up new the end of the video. 40m,15m (DE to NM) and 20m. All at 50W. Had a mobile tower to use to string it up.
I'm going to try and activate K-0493 Saturday (Wichita Mountain Wildlife refuge, Oklahoma).… K5luo. Great video and dx contacts, and 10 watts at that!!
Hey Mike great activation at the Bog. I was wondering what HT you have on your backpack ? I don't see it listed on your expansive equipment list. Thank you
Great stuff all the way round man. Welcome to Texas. QUESTION: What is your mast make/model? All the ones I have seen are heavy, or international. I am just about setup to start POTA. This is probably the last thing on the list.
Almost there. You don't have to have a carbon mast, I just use it because of how small it collapses down when I'm hiking. I use a bigger one when I'm not hiking miles and miles through the woods.
It’s amazing! QRP is so much more challenging. It forces you to really know your antennas and make sure you are operating with the utmost efficiency. Hope you’re feeling good and things are going well for you down there man. 73, WX1D
Fort Boggy is not the smallest TX SP (that would be Old Tunnel SP). The park is a little larger than you mentioned with two hiking trails, primitive camping and a number of cabins. I'm sorry you found our tranquil park "not fun".
Yeah he's just making them on the side of his regular job. I know he gets real busy at times. Just keep checking back. It'll be worth it once you get one.
@@hamradiotube No doubt. It seems like a fantastic antenna and I can see you have had alot of success with it. I've binged watched all your pota videos where you activated with that antenna. Can't wait to get one of my own
Thats a great question. I should do a video on that now that I've had a couple months with the bag. Not much though. An external battery, some coax, an antenna and some other misc. stuff. It's pretty basic. Just the stuff I need to get on the air.
Mike, I have a stupid question (newbie here). What's the length of the counterpoise wire you are using? I have the same antenna and put it up the other day for the first time. The noise floor was ridiculous (S7). I switched it out for an OCFD (MFJ-2010) and the floor went away and made my first contacts on HF (40M). Regarding the EFHW I did not use a counterpoise but did use the sloper config with the non-transformer end in air about 40m, similar to what you are doing in this video. rf like it's 1999
Simple answer, I'm not using a counterpoise. The coax is about 20' of RG-316. Thats interesting you are having noise with that and not the OCFD. I have the MFJ-2012 (OCFD) above my house and the noise is so bad I don't even get on the air at home.
What pole are you using Mike? Sotabeam? Great vids. My 10w struggles across the pond. Only made a few so far.... slow work but getting on the air. All the best
Yep, Sotabeams carbon 6 mast. Those 2 Spain stations are always loud and clear. They must be running huge antennas and some power. I've gotten them a few times. So long as you're on the air that's all that matters.
Hey Mike WOW!!! Fantastic activation I bet you had a blast. And congratulations on the DX contacts. Just real curious on POTA activations does the DX count also? And talk about being at the right place at the right time just hearing the signals off your radio was fantastic. That park may be small but it sure did look nice. Anyway great video and what a way to end an evening. Till the next time 73 WD5ENH Steve
Thanks Steve, yes this activation was a blast. Yes DX Counts. Any contact counts so long as its not a repeater (other than satellites). POTA is actually quite world wide now. I just got a park to park with an England station about a week ago!
Hey Mike.. Nice activation QRP.. I assume that’s the bag made specifically for the ic705.. How does it work and would you get it again?... or would you do something different.. I’m about to pull the trigger on a ic705.. also, are you using an external speaker? Thx Kevin in Iowa ~ k0klb. UPDATE.. I just heard the end of your video and you said you did a video on the bag, so I’ll go look for it.. thx
Hi Kevin, Yes this is the bag Icom makes for the 705. I absolutely love it. I go hiking with it almost every day. 100% I recommend it and would def suggest picking one up. Not using an external speaker. Just the front facing speaker on the 705. It's nice and loud. Wish it were a little louder but that's just me.
Hey Mike, you look good and you look like your losing weight. I need to hike some of those trails... thats low SWR stuff right there! See you on the airways Ki5TNY
Well done Mike, love your work😎
Thank you very much!
Reminds me of my first QSO with the KM4ACK. Neither end was higher than 8’ off the ground and I got a 59 from Spain on 20M. Pretty amazing antenna for sure!
It's pretty awesome what you can do with a good antenna.
57 Spain and then AK with10 watts! I'm afraid to go out with less than 100 watts. Your the man!
I've only done QRP activations the last 6 weeks or so with one exception. It doesn't take much to get out. Get a good antenna and call CQ. That the secret.
Great Activation! "Bob's your Uncle'
Thank you kindly
2 Spain, 2 Puerto Rico, and a Santa Claus!!!! All with 10 watts! That was insane!
Yeah that was a fantastic activation. I forgot to tell Santa what I wanted for Christmas though lol!
I just started watching your videos. Man am I impressed with that end fed antenna. You have met my best friend/brother from another mother n4pkr Brandon. I’m Nathan wx4jnk. East central Georgia. I will be purchasing that antenna, and hopefully get some of these parks over here on the air. Keep on doing what you do! 73!
Right on James. Just went hiking with Brandon on Monday. Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel. Not sure when the antennas will be available next but be sure to grab one quick. They don't stay in stock for long. 73
Awesome Mike ☺
Thank you
Keep your heart rate up and keep hiking, brother. Get the rf out and let it all hang out! Thanks for sharing!
That's what I'm working on. Hiking and ham radio is a great combo. Thanks for watching. 73
10W with a good antenna is like running 100W with crappy antenna. Nice job!
Absolutely. Antenna antenna antenna. Thanks for watching.
Nice DX on the activation
Thanks bud!
Awesome video Mike. Sure like the IC-705 the more I use it. Take care brother.....73 Fred
I've only used a different radio twice in the last 6-7 weeks. I'm loving this setup so much!
Nice job Mike...
Thanks brother!
Freakin' awesome dude! Good job on weight loss too!
Hey, thanks!
Nice 👍 job!
Thanks!
Looking good my friend and job on the POTA shows. 73 NM5SP
Thanks Alan!
That’s been the only way Ive been running POTA is QRP 10W with either the KM4ACK EFHW or the PackTenna Mini 9:1 Unun random wire. I have gotten that same Spain contact as well as France the other day. It is all about the antenna. These are all posted on my TH-cam channel as well. Great job Mike and hopefully catch you on Support Your Parks this weekend. Ham-Solo K0FYR
And now you have Texas SOTA in the books as well haha!
@@hamradiotube Yeah Top Of The World! Ham-Solo K0FYR
Used my KM4ACK EFHW antenna last weekend for the first time during an activation (POTA Activation At The Beach video). Threw it up new the end of the video. 40m,15m (DE to NM) and 20m. All at 50W. Had a mobile tower to use to string it up.
Heck yeah thats awesome!! It's a great antenna.
I'm going to try and activate K-0493 Saturday (Wichita Mountain Wildlife refuge, Oklahoma).… K5luo. Great video and dx contacts, and 10 watts at that!!
Hope you had fun and made lots of contacts. Thank for watching!
I have that antenna and it's a performer even at 20w!! Thanks for your efforts.
Glad you like it!
It's time to explore Davy Crockett National Forest.
I need to hit a lot of parks here.
Awesome vid…50 in 30!
🍌Big Bananas brother.🍌
But we've got the biggest Bananas of them all.
Greetings from the Cayman Islands, de ZF1PB
Greetings to you good sir.
Nicely done Mike! 50 contacts! Great commentary on the rig, antenna and operator. 73 KM4SON
Hey thanks so much. I appreciate the kind words. 73
Well done Mike great to see you enjoying the parks and getting some weight off in the process.
You and me both! Thanks for watching.
Even with the amp, I start activations below 25 Watts to save battery. I think your first visit to the N8SL activation at Island Lake was at 10 Watts.
I haven't needed to use 100 watts in months. QRP is killing it lately! I think I remember that visit. Wasn't that right when FT8 came out?
Hey Mike great activation at the Bog. I was wondering what HT you have on your backpack ? I don't see it listed on your expansive equipment list. Thank you
Thanks Jim. It's a Yaesu VX7R. It's old and not manufactured anymore. My dad gave it to me. It's an awesome HT.
Hey Mike Great Video as always . . . 73 de WI6NG POTA ON QRP ;-)
Thanks for watching!
Great stuff all the way round man. Welcome to Texas. QUESTION: What is your mast make/model? All the ones I have seen are heavy, or international. I am just about setup to start POTA. This is probably the last thing on the list.
Awesome activation Mike. Keep going for more. 73.
Thanks, will do!
Great job Mike! 73, George K2WO
thank you
I have half of the setup there forgoing portable. Need to get the carbon mast and the antenna.
Almost there. You don't have to have a carbon mast, I just use it because of how small it collapses down when I'm hiking. I use a bigger one when I'm not hiking miles and miles through the woods.
Great video Mike. Nice DX contact right off the bat. I can tell you are making positive changes with your exercise. Keep it up.
Hey thanks for noticing. Its nice seeing the numbers on the scale go down I'll tell you what. Its also really nice getting a DX Contact for your #1!
Nice activation man. 705 all the way! I barely use the 7300 these days.
I've used this radio more than any of my other radios lately. I absolutely love it.
It’s amazing! QRP is so much more challenging. It forces you to really know your antennas and make sure you are operating with the utmost efficiency. Hope you’re feeling good and things are going well for you down there man. 73, WX1D
I am waiting for his EFHW's to get back in stock myself...
A lot of people are. I'll be worth the wait I promise.
Fort Boggy is not the smallest TX SP (that would be Old Tunnel SP). The park is a little larger than you mentioned with two hiking trails, primitive camping and a number of cabins. I'm sorry you found our tranquil park "not fun".
Did it look like I wasn't having fun?
Cheers Mike, nice to get the EA contact, I only work potable from Bahrain n the propagation is really picking up, all the best n gd DX 😀
They've been getting in the log quite a bit lately. Propagation is getting way better lately. It's pretty awesome.
Good job Mike and love your videos. Just really wish Jason could keep this antenna in stock, everytime I go to order one he is always sold out lol
Yeah he's just making them on the side of his regular job. I know he gets real busy at times. Just keep checking back. It'll be worth it once you get one.
@@hamradiotube No doubt. It seems like a fantastic antenna and I can see you have had alot of success with it. I've binged watched all your pota videos where you activated with that antenna. Can't wait to get one of my own
Mike, what's your set up look like inside the bag? How have you attached the external battery? What size battery? 73
Thats a great question. I should do a video on that now that I've had a couple months with the bag. Not much though. An external battery, some coax, an antenna and some other misc. stuff. It's pretty basic. Just the stuff I need to get on the air.
Hey Mike, you hv followers as far as Spain. Like ur videos. EA8DIO
Heck yeah that's awesome!! Thanks for watching.
Whats Your Fav Radio and Ant Combo and Seperate?
I heard you 7 over 9 in the North Pole.
Thats a 10-4 rubber duck.
Mike, I have a stupid question (newbie here). What's the length of the counterpoise wire you are using? I have the same antenna and put it up the other day for the first time. The noise floor was ridiculous (S7). I switched it out for an OCFD (MFJ-2010) and the floor went away and made my first contacts on HF (40M). Regarding the EFHW I did not use a counterpoise but did use the sloper config with the non-transformer end in air about 40m, similar to what you are doing in this video.
rf like it's 1999
Simple answer, I'm not using a counterpoise. The coax is about 20' of RG-316. Thats interesting you are having noise with that and not the OCFD. I have the MFJ-2012 (OCFD) above my house and the noise is so bad I don't even get on the air at home.
not in reference to this video..but thanks for the contact on 20 today 10/17/21 while i was mobile ;-)
Hey my pleasure! Glad to get you in the log. Especially on the support your parks weekend.
What pole are you using Mike? Sotabeam? Great vids. My 10w struggles across the pond. Only made a few so far.... slow work but getting on the air. All the best
Yep, Sotabeams carbon 6 mast. Those 2 Spain stations are always loud and clear. They must be running huge antennas and some power. I've gotten them a few times. So long as you're on the air that's all that matters.
Hey Mike WOW!!! Fantastic activation I bet you had a blast. And congratulations on the DX contacts. Just real curious on POTA activations does the DX count also? And talk about being at the right place at the right time just hearing the signals off your radio was fantastic. That park may be small but it sure did look nice. Anyway great video and what a way to end an evening. Till the next time
73
WD5ENH
Steve
Thanks Steve, yes this activation was a blast. Yes DX Counts. Any contact counts so long as its not a repeater (other than satellites). POTA is actually quite world wide now. I just got a park to park with an England station about a week ago!
That was a crazy activation!! Don't forget 12m, there have been some decent openings the last 2 weeks.
Thats why I just put a 12 meter element on my DX Commander.
@@hamradiotube Excellent Smithers!
What's the frequency. Not showing up in Pota site
this wasn't live
Hey Mike.. Nice activation QRP.. I assume that’s the bag made specifically for the ic705.. How does it work and would you get it again?... or would you do something different.. I’m about to pull the trigger on a ic705.. also, are you using an external speaker? Thx Kevin in Iowa ~ k0klb. UPDATE.. I just heard the end of your video and you said you did a video on the bag, so I’ll go look for it.. thx
Hi Kevin, Yes this is the bag Icom makes for the 705. I absolutely love it. I go hiking with it almost every day. 100% I recommend it and would def suggest picking one up. Not using an external speaker. Just the front facing speaker on the 705. It's nice and loud. Wish it were a little louder but that's just me.
Hey Mike, you look good and you look like your losing weight. I need to hike some of those trails... thats low SWR stuff right there! See you on the airways Ki5TNY
I'm trying to shave off the pounds. The trails are working. Low SWR is the only way to go.
bUT yOu nEED 100w aND A tUnEr !!!!1
Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!!! Some people would lead you to believe so, yes.
10w to Spain is not too shabby! Hope to work you one day 73 DE 2E0HIA
It was pretty awesome. I worked England a couple weeks ago with 10 watts, so it is possible.
🍺👍. KV5P
Cheers!