QRP CW Cootie POTA Activation of park K-1024, Silver Springs State Park in IL.

Click CC for subtitles. This is a partial video of a quick after-work activation. I intended to use a picnic shelter, but there were wasps everywhere, so I went back to the car. The rig is my KX2, and the antenna was my lamp-cord 88' doublet using a 31' Jackite pole. It was pretty windy so I hoped it would hold up. Hunters in this video: N4DPM, WZ9B, W1BLU, N8KOM, KB9BVN, AB1II, and a SKCC contact with VE3KZ to wrap it up. And, about that wind...

[@shawnp6653]

nice lookiing cootie :) thanks for sharing!

[@learnhamradio]

It works fantastic. One set of harbor freight feeler gauges will make a lot of keys.

[@shawnp6653]

@@learnhamradio Beats my hacksaw variant put together with minimal tools and abilities - it's like frankenstein! Regardless, enjoying your videos. 73 de ki5gx

[@KC2BKM]

“ ICan’t drive 55!” Or send at 55WPM! Wouldn’t have as catchy a tune :)

[@Cemental]

Thanks for the P2P! 73 Jay AB1II

[@learnhamradio]

My pleasure, Jay!

[@n4jaw]

Steve, I've enjoyed your videos. I've had the pleasure of working you a few times on POTA activations. What type of screws are you using on your DIY Cootie key?

[@learnhamradio]

Thank you, Jim. The screws are from Home Depot. Just search "8-32 knurled brass" and you'll get a ton of choices. Not all stores carry them, but they'll happily ship to your local store or straight to your door.

[@n4jaw]

@@learnhamradio Thanks Steve, found them at Lowe's just across the street from my QTH. 73 Happy Holidays!