KE4YRX here. I've had my General class license since 2015 I think and my Technician class since the last 90s, but I've never owned any radios or made any contacts on HF....only 2m. Now that I have an adventure motorcycle I've recently thought that it would be a great way to do some low power, very mobile, in the field type operations, and I have to say that this video was very exciting for me. I've found my local club is having a meeting this Friday about, of all things, POTA. Timing is everything, and I truly believe this is my time to FINALLY use that General license.....LOL Thanks for taking the time to do this video.........it's been very inspiring for me!
During our QSO I knew I recognized your call but couldn't place it till I put the call in the log. When I first got into radio in 2015, some of your videos on telescopic poles and the FT-817 were some of the first videos I watched, and something you said in one of your videos has always stuck with me. "Buy experiences, not things". I imagined my signal to be stronger than that, but with 15w and using a fence as an antenna, I'm happy you could hear me at all. It was a great day to operate portable - thanks for sharing my video!
Hi Tracy, I enjoy watching your outdoors on the air videos, I've owned an ft-817 for some years now and used it mainly at home and in the car, it's only the last couple of years that I've picked up the bug to ditch the car and get out there and play outside radio and I'm loving it and will never give it up, I'm very lucky where I live and am blessed with a lot of good local parks and open spaces to operate from and have picked up some good tips and tricks from you and other TH-cam videos and I've nearly there with my portable kit I'll nail it this season I now have added a 705 to the collection and am very happy with it I don't need all the Carlos fandango functions on the radio and have disabled as many of them as possible to save power consumption I use external batteries to power the radio mainly a 12 volt LIFePO4 6 amp battery that rests just over 13 Volt's very light battery with a high cycle life also have the 20 amp LIFePO4 battery for when I'm going to stay away from home for a longer time, re the 705 the only drawback I can find with it is that it's difficult to read the screen in bright outside light. Keep up the great work Tracy hope we hook up one day on the air portable to portable QRP let's keep our fingers crossed that the build up to cycle 21 enables good DX cheers Adam G7CRQ.
I really like your POTA videos, Terry. They are even better when I am in them. K0PIG. And that does look like a pretty park. Say thanks to your wife 😁. Nice job, as usual.
Nice contacts Tracy! The IC-703 and N9SAB antenna did a fine job. BTW, I just added an IC-703 Plus to my QRP radio collection, but I held on to my FT-817nd as well. I am very partial to both of these rigs. The campground was beautiful. Although you only spent one night it looked to be a successful and enjoyable event. Until next time take care and stay well my friend!
What a great video! I have been following you for a good while. I must tell you that you are model for all of us to emulate. Please keep it up. 73 from New Orleans, KG5OBD
I always enjoy your videos. And I really like the IC-703. It is more robust than a KX2 and still has a really good receiver, even compared to newer SDR rigs. 73, Stephan, DF6PA
I have both the 703 and the KX2 and would agree, the 703's receive is underrated. It's quite good. The KX2 might have more features and be smaller, but the 703 is a radio that I feel doesn't get enough praise. It's just a phenomenal little radio.
Great video as always Tracy. I also activated Arrowhead PP in October. I have a trailer and was hooked up to the hydro so I operated 100W CW with an EFHW strung up in the trees. Your QRP/SSB op was very impressive! John VA3KOT, Owen Sound.
Good day, Tracy, I'm still running that Par EndFedZ that I got off of you a few years back. Always packed away with my overseas adventures. Great video's, Take care, VE3YC
Thanks for the inspiration. I am thinking of activating a few local parks for pota next spring. Every time I watch a video of yours I want to do it more. I finally have everything I need to go portable and hope to get out and try the setup at my hunt camp soon. See you on the air Andy VA3XAP.
Nice video, thanks for sharing. I have a 703 bought it about 3-4 years ago and have only used it a couple of times. Your vid makes me want to give it a chance. I have several pack antennas and have been looking at POTA as well as SOTA. I live just north of ADK park. I'll listen for your call. Phil WG2W
Hi Tracy another great video, I have been following you for some time now and enjoy all your adventures. Great calm personality and can do attitude. Keep up with your adventures I'm sure we all get much enjoyment and learn something along the way. 73 from Tasmania, Australia vk7ham Rodney.
Always enjoy your videos, Tracy. I did actually buy that IC-705 I was contemplating in my last e-mail to you. I need to find the right antenna to use in the field now. I made a couple contacts with my MP1C Super Antenna, but it's fairly narrow banded and I have to constantly adjust it with an analyzer.
Hi Kevin, thank you for your comment. Congrats on the new 705. You probably know that I would recommend a full-sized halfwave wire antenna for the lowest band you want to operate on 😀
Another great video Tracy! I can't wait until next spring to start doing my own activations! I hope to hear you on the air someday, especially now that I just passed my General examination. 73 K37BUA
Good video. Sorry about your neck ache. I often had that until I started using a hammock camping inflatable pillow. It’s infinitely adjustable and works even better for sleep comfort with an asymmetric hammock. Just a thought. 73. KG5MEP
Thanks for the nice video. I actually prefer the IC-703 over the FT-897. I find the receiver on the first gen IC-703 much more sensitive than the FT-897.
Nice video. Thanks for sharing. It looked like you had a fun time. I use to camp and take a radio along, it was always fun. I mostly use my KX2 for portable operating, but I still have my IC703+. It's just too good of a radio to part with. I'm guessing what you meant by having the antenna too high was because it bent the top of your mast? You can never get an antenna too high. Hi Hi My 28 foot telescopic mast is designed to hang a flag on it. I purchased it because of its strength. It's much stronger than those cheap MFJ masts. Mine collapses to 24 inches. Keep up these nice videos. I always enjoy watching them. Barry, KU3X/QRP
Hi Barry, always nice to hear from you! You are correct, I meant that by placing the feedpoint too high on the mast, it was bending the pole and I lost some height as a result. On the positive side, moving the feedpoint up or down 2 or 3 feet will not make much of a difference, if any. Sounds like a good pole you have.
I just have a hard time with 5 and 10w rigs... id take one if someone gave me one sure, but I like rigs that have more juice behind em. Great video though
Thank you! Once I thought the same as you. Sometimes you need to try something to become a believer. In this case, that does not mean turning a 100 watt rig down to 5, because it's too darn easy to turn it back up if at first you don't get through.
It’s a challenge working qrp. Band conditions now aren’t helping. I have worked 35 states with a 2 watt HW8 before I had to move. Most any radio is better than that but it is minimalistic. I used dipoles usually fed with RG 8 at home and RG 58 in the field. No short verticals for me when you need all the help you can get.
You've got a really really great XYL Tracy. Hope to catch you on the air ! 73 Chris ha7wx / ve2??? in the next future... have been at Algonquin PP but not Arrowhead PP good to know.
Thank you, Christophe! Arrowhead is just down the road from Algonquin. You could camp at Arrowhead and do day trips into Algonquin as many do when Algonquin sells out of campsites. And from what I've seen, the sites at Arrowhead are larger and more private.
Hi Gordon, thank you for watching and leaving a comment. As many have told me, each of those rigs have their place. For the ultimate in portability, the 817 wins out. Where size and weight are not as much of a constraint, the 703 is a great choice due top is larger screen, knobs and tuner. I'd have no problem using either, though it's getting tougher for me to see the 817's tiny screen.
What a wonderful trip you had and such an understanding wife. I too am very fortunate to have such a great spouse. I just love camping and when I have my radio with me it's even better. Wow, look at all the nice comments. You are liked by so many and it's easy to see why. Good luck and keep up the videos. John N6NRO
KE4YRX here. I've had my General class license since 2015 I think and my Technician class since the last 90s, but I've never owned any radios or made any contacts on HF....only 2m. Now that I have an adventure motorcycle I've recently thought that it would be a great way to do some low power, very mobile, in the field type operations, and I have to say that this video was very exciting for me. I've found my local club is having a meeting this Friday about, of all things, POTA. Timing is everything, and I truly believe this is my time to FINALLY use that General license.....LOL Thanks for taking the time to do this video.........it's been very inspiring for me!
During our QSO I knew I recognized your call but couldn't place it till I put the call in the log. When I first got into radio in 2015, some of your videos on telescopic poles and the FT-817 were some of the first videos I watched, and something you said in one of your videos has always stuck with me. "Buy experiences, not things". I imagined my signal to be stronger than that, but with 15w and using a fence as an antenna, I'm happy you could hear me at all. It was a great day to operate portable - thanks for sharing my video!
Hi Carson, thank you for leaving a comment! Great to see you back on TH-cam. Hope you continue to push the envelope on HF portable.
Hi Tracy, I enjoy watching your outdoors on the air videos, I've owned an ft-817 for some years now and used it mainly at home and in the car, it's only the last couple of years that I've picked up the bug to ditch the car and get out there and play outside radio and I'm loving it and will never give it up, I'm very lucky where I live and am blessed with a lot of good local parks and open spaces to operate from and have picked up some good tips and tricks from you and other TH-cam videos and I've nearly there with my portable kit I'll nail it this season I now have added a 705 to the collection and am very happy with it I don't need all the Carlos fandango functions on the radio and have disabled as many of them as possible to save power consumption I use external batteries to power the radio mainly a 12 volt LIFePO4 6 amp battery that rests just over 13 Volt's very light battery with a high cycle life also have the 20 amp LIFePO4 battery for when I'm going to stay away from home for a longer time, re the 705 the only drawback I can find with it is that it's difficult to read the screen in bright outside light. Keep up the great work Tracy hope we hook up one day on the air portable to portable QRP let's keep our fingers crossed that the build up to cycle 21 enables good DX cheers Adam G7CRQ.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Adam! I'm looking forward to that contact with you. 73 from VE3TWM.
I really like your POTA videos, Terry. They are even better when I am in them. K0PIG. And that does look like a pretty park. Say thanks to your wife 😁. Nice job, as usual.
LOL Mark, thank you for the contact and for leaving a comment! Looking forward to working you again.
Nice contacts Tracy! The IC-703 and N9SAB antenna did a fine job. BTW, I just added an IC-703 Plus to my QRP radio collection, but I held on to my FT-817nd as well. I am very partial to both of these rigs. The campground was beautiful. Although you only spent one night it looked to be a successful and enjoyable event. Until next time take care and stay well my friend!
Thank you very much for your comment! One day I'll own another 817 to go alongside my 703😀
I've noticed in the last few months. That's there's a lot more QRMing to the P.O.T.A. activator's. Tracy thanks for anouther great video.
Thank you for your comment, Steve. Nice to hear from you again.
Many thanks for that. I have had a 703 for many years and would not get rid of it at any price. Greeting from the Uk.
Thank you for your comment! I see what you mean about the 703, it's a beauty. 73 from Canada 🇨🇦
What a great video! I have been following you for a good while. I must tell you that you are model for all of us to emulate. Please keep it up. 73 from New Orleans, KG5OBD
Thank you very much for the kind words! 73 from VE3TWM.
Happy New Year Tracy and keep them coming all those videos of the beautiful countryside.
73, good DX
Gust ON6KE
Happy New Year to you, too Gust! 73 from VE3TWM.
I always enjoy your videos. And I really like the IC-703. It is more robust than a KX2 and still has a really good receiver, even compared to newer SDR rigs. 73, Stephan, DF6PA
I have both the 703 and the KX2 and would agree, the 703's receive is underrated. It's quite good. The KX2 might have more features and be smaller, but the 703 is a radio that I feel doesn't get enough praise. It's just a phenomenal little radio.
Nice to hear from you, Stephan! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the 703 vs. the KX3. 73 from VE3TWM.
Another perfect video Tracy. All that beautiful nature and plenty a space to have a good time.
73, take care.
Gust ON6KE
Thank you, Gust! 73 my friend from VE3TWM.
Nice to get pleasant weather in November. Glad you took advantage of it. 👍👍👍
Thank you, David!
Tracy, the weather was amazing. Glad you had fun and posted your POTA video. Sadly I bought paint at Home Hardware and stood on a ladder. Denis VA3ONO
Thank you for your comment, Denis! I respect the discipline you had 😀
Great video as always Tracy. I also activated Arrowhead PP in October. I have a trailer and was hooked up to the hydro so I operated 100W CW with an EFHW strung up in the trees. Your QRP/SSB op was very impressive! John VA3KOT, Owen Sound.
Hi John, I'm sorry I missed your activation! Sounds like you had a good outing yourself. 73 from VE3TWM.
Good day, Tracy, I'm still running that Par EndFedZ that I got off of you a few years back. Always packed away with my overseas adventures. Great video's, Take care, VE3YC
So glad to hear that! It's a great antenna. 73 from VE3TWM.
Thanks for the inspiration. I am thinking of activating a few local parks for pota next spring. Every time I watch a video of yours I want to do it more. I finally have everything I need to go portable and hope to get out and try the setup at my hunt camp soon. See you on the air Andy VA3XAP.
You're welcome, and thank you for your comment! Nothing to stop you now 👍
Nice video, thanks for sharing. I have a 703 bought it about 3-4 years ago and have only used it a couple of times. Your vid makes me want to give it a chance. I have several pack antennas and have been looking at POTA as well as SOTA. I live just north of ADK park. I'll listen for your call. Phil WG2W
Give it a chance, Phil! Get a full sized halfwave up high and in the clear and be prepared to be amazed.
Hi Tracy another great video, I have been following you for some time now and enjoy all your adventures. Great calm personality and can do attitude. Keep up with your adventures I'm sure we all get much enjoyment and learn something along the way.
73 from Tasmania, Australia vk7ham Rodney.
Hi Rodney, thank you very much! Take care, my friend. 73 from VE3TWM.
Enjoyed the video.....looks like fun.
Thank you for your comment! It was 😀
Always a pleasure viewing your videos. You have a smooth voice and calm attitude. Keep them coming. 73 WoYVY
Thank you very much, Lew! 73 from VE3TWM.
Another good one Tracy.
Thank you, Terry!
Always enjoy your videos, Tracy. I did actually buy that IC-705 I was contemplating in my last e-mail to you. I need to find the right antenna to use in the field now. I made a couple contacts with my MP1C Super Antenna, but it's fairly narrow banded and I have to constantly adjust it with an analyzer.
Hi Kevin, thank you for your comment. Congrats on the new 705. You probably know that I would recommend a full-sized halfwave wire antenna for the lowest band you want to operate on 😀
Terry
Great job with QRP. Neat video.
Thank you, Paul!
keep on doing great stuff - great trips and great videos.
Thank you! I'm already planning trips for this year and will post the resultant videos 😀
That Delaware Park K1743 is not far from me. White Clay Creek State Park, near Newark, Delaware. Nice video....
Thank you!
Sounds like a lot of fun, Tracy.....73
Always nice to hear from you! 73 from VE3TWM.
Another great video Tracy! I can't wait until next spring to start doing my own activations! I hope to hear you on the air someday, especially now that I just passed my General examination.
73 K37BUA
Congratulations on getting your General, Jason! I'm looking forward to that contact with you. 73 from VE3TWM.
hey tracy LOng time no see you nice to seeyou good luck 73 from kb2uew terrific job
Hi Alvaro, thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.
Looks like you had a great outing my friend!
I sure did, Chris! Take care my friend.
Good video. Sorry about your neck ache. I often had that until I started using a hammock camping inflatable pillow. It’s infinitely adjustable and works even better for sleep comfort with an asymmetric hammock. Just a thought. 73. KG5MEP
Thank you very much for the tip, I appreciate it! 73 from VE3TWM.
Thanks for the nice video. I actually prefer the IC-703 over the FT-897. I find the receiver on the first gen IC-703 much more sensitive than the FT-897.
Interesting, I've never compared the two. Looks like another project on my list😀
Sometimes it’s good to have a pile up.
Hope you enjoyed the outing and had good weather.
73
wd4dda
I sure did, Preston. Thank you for your comment! 73 from VE3TWM.
Still love my IC-703. Does such a great job. Had an 817 and it was never as good. Might be convinced to try a 705 one day, but not quite yet.
Thank you for leaving a comment! The 703 is a terrific rig, but I also really enjoyed the 817. Each has its place.
Great video. Looks like you had fun. When I hear VE3 stations I wonder if it will be you...
Thank you 😀
Very nice Tracy like the Area HS0ZBS
Thank you!
ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO TRACY, THANKS! AMAZING CONSIDERING QRP.
Thank you for your comment, Norman! People who don't work QRP just don't understand how effective it can be 😀
Real nice setup.
Thank you!
Nice video. Thanks for sharing. It looked like you had a fun time. I use to camp and take a radio along, it was always fun.
I mostly use my KX2 for portable operating, but I still have my IC703+. It's just too good of a radio to part with.
I'm guessing what you meant by having the antenna too high was because it bent the top of your mast? You can never get an antenna too high. Hi Hi My 28 foot telescopic mast is designed to hang a flag on it. I purchased it because of its strength. It's much stronger than those cheap MFJ masts. Mine collapses to 24 inches.
Keep up these nice videos. I always enjoy watching them.
Barry, KU3X/QRP
Hi Barry, always nice to hear from you!
You are correct, I meant that by placing the feedpoint too high on the mast, it was bending the pole and I lost some height as a result. On the positive side, moving the feedpoint up or down 2 or 3 feet will not make much of a difference, if any. Sounds like a good pole you have.
How do you like the IC-703. Its working for you. Thank you for the video.
I like it a lot! Thank you for leaving a comment 😀
I just have a hard time with 5 and 10w rigs... id take one if someone gave me one sure, but I like rigs that have more juice behind em. Great video though
Thank you!
Once I thought the same as you. Sometimes you need to try something to become a believer. In this case, that does not mean turning a 100 watt rig down to 5, because it's too darn easy to turn it back up if at first you don't get through.
It’s a challenge working qrp. Band conditions now aren’t helping. I have worked 35 states with a 2 watt HW8 before I had to move. Most any radio is better than that but it is minimalistic. I used dipoles usually fed with RG 8 at home and RG 58 in the field. No short verticals for me when you need all the help you can get.
Hi, enjoy your videos, I have an IC703 gathering dust, encouraged to get out with it! 73 Phil G7JJZ...
Thank you! It's begging to be taken out 😀 73 from VE3TWM.
You've got a really really great XYL Tracy. Hope to catch you on the air ! 73 Chris ha7wx / ve2??? in the next future... have been at Algonquin PP but not Arrowhead PP good to know.
Thank you, Christophe! Arrowhead is just down the road from Algonquin. You could camp at Arrowhead and do day trips into Algonquin as many do when Algonquin sells out of campsites. And from what I've seen, the sites at Arrowhead are larger and more private.
Great video Tracy really enjoyed it. Now that you have had the 703 for awhile would you go back to a ft 817/818? Keep up the good videos.
Hi Gordon, thank you for watching and leaving a comment. As many have told me, each of those rigs have their place. For the ultimate in portability, the 817 wins out. Where size and weight are not as much of a constraint, the 703 is a great choice due top is larger screen, knobs and tuner. I'd have no problem using either, though it's getting tougher for me to see the 817's tiny screen.
Icom 703+
Last true qrp radio. very good receiver, I will never sell
Thank you for sharing your testimonial!
Another great activation!! 73
Thank you, Tim! 73 my friend.
Great video, thanks for sharing :)
Thank you for your comment!
Great video man. Very inspiring.
Thank you very much!
I enjoyed watching, thanks for the video :)
Thank you!
Nice video, thanks.
Thank you for your comment!
What a wonderful trip you had and such an understanding wife. I too am very fortunate to have such a great spouse. I just love camping and when I have my radio with me it's even better. Wow, look at all the nice comments. You are liked by so many and it's easy to see why. Good luck and keep up the videos. John N6NRO
Thank you very much for the kind words, John. 73 from VE3TWM.
Tks you 73
Another good video, Thanx de WB9NYI
Thank you very much!
I have an ic-703 new in box if anyone is interested
Wife tells you to go camping 😂🤔
😂 things that make you go "hmmmmm"
yout qso partner made video too. fucking cool.
edith: shit you linked it
kewl videos u make.
Thank you!
Does you wife have a sister, HiHi. 73's
😂 73 from VE3TWM.
Nice video and nice wife :)
Thank you!