QRP Packtenna & Elecraft KX2 | Long Wire in BIG CHICAGO
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
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Using the Packtenna and the Elecraft KX2 to do QRP ham radio CW work in Chicago park next to the Museum of Science and Industry.
In amateur radio, QRP operation refers to transmitting at reduced power while attempting to maximize one's effective range. The term QRP derives from the standard Q code used in radio communications, where "QRP" and "QRP?" are used to request, "Reduce power", and ask "Should I reduce power?"
QRP KX2 “stealth” transceiver can go wherever your imagination takes you. Thanks to state-of-the-art construction techniques, it’s only 5.8 x 2.8 x 1.5” and weighs just 13 ounces-making it the smallest full-featured HF radio on the planet.
Yet it puts out up to 10 watts, covers 9 bands, and shares many features with the KX3. It also works with the KXPA100 amplifier.
To maximize your freedom to roam, you can outfit your KX2 with an internal 2.6 amp-hour Li-ion battery. Current drain is as little as 135 mA, yielding up to 8 hours of typical operation on a single battery charge. There’s also an internal automatic antenna tuner module (KXAT2), which can tune a random wire, dipole, or whip on multiple bands.
A rear tilt-foot angles the KX2 for use on any surface, from desktop to park bench to rock. The KX2 also makes a great moble rig, and can even be used hand-held. It includes a built-in mic for HT-style operation.
The KX2’s powerful 32-bit DSP offers features dual watch, stereo audio, user-programmable filter bandwidths, noise blanking, noise reduction, and auto-notch. RTTY and PSK data modes are built in-no PC needed-as well as a memory keyer and digital voice recorder for transmit.
There are two padded carrying cases for the KX2, including the CS40 and larger CS60. Both include belt straps and an interior compartment.
80-10 meter ham bands; general coverage receive from 3-32.0MHz (also covers 0.5 to 3 MHz with reduced sensitivity)
All modes: SSB, CW, and Data (four sub-modes)
Ultra-compact size: 2.8”H x 5.8”W x 1.5”D; 13 oz (less options); low-profile knobs and feet for minimum height
Rear tilt foot provides 3-point mount for rugged terrain
Custom high-contrast LCD with alphanumeric text display
Current drain as low as 135 mA in receive mode
High-performance 32-bit floating-point DSP
Built-in PSK/TTY decode/encode allows data mode operation without a PC; transmit in data modes using CW keyer paddle
Synthesizer has 1-Hz tuning resolution
Integrated numeric keypad for direct frequency entry
Nice video and nice job with your CW. I found your IC-7300 video by chance and then checked out your TH-cam channel and found this video. It's great to see someone excited about CW and your earlier video trying out some SSB contesting. Keep up the nice work on CW, it sounds like you are hooked. :) Anyway, have fun and thanks again for posting the video. I hope to work you in a CW contest soon. I'll remember your call now... 73 de Max NG7M
Max George thanks for your comment I try to make 3 or more videos a week and keep it fresh
i guess it's kind of randomly asking but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?
@Declan Clyde I would suggest FlixZone. You can find it by googling :)
@Anthony Garrett Yea, I've been using FlixZone for months myself =)
@Anthony Garrett Thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D Appreciate it !
radio is wayyy more fun than school or any other kind if educational crap.
I've got that same pole and I just ordered that throw line box today, thanks to your vids.
great intro,73 from brasil
THANKS! Lots of work!
To disguize the antenna wire weave some 1.5 mm fishing gut through the antenna wire
Great idea friend!
I go portable quite a bit, and I have found almost never will anybody answer a CQ on 20 meters phone, however I have had good success on 40 meters. Also, if you mention you're running QRP, a lot of guys will just tune on by. There is a definite prejudice against QRP, you know, the "life is too short for QRP" crowd. I have had people answer my CQ just to tell me "today is not a good day for QRP" then talk to to me for 15 min. They can hear me just fine! I run only QRP for 30 years now.
Playing radio outdoors is more fun than being inside a museum. Thanks for sharing and demonstrating how to get the Packtenna up in the tree. However, I was hoping that you would activate the bean with the KX2
John Leonardelli ahhh the giant bean. I think they'd arrest you if you tried to connect to it
I don't think it's the Packtenna, probably just band conditions. with all the walking you should try pedestrian mobile! :) Good work, 73 Scott N1SER
Another fun vid!
Since you know CW, it makes sense that it's your preference (it would be mine if I could get the hang of it). However, if you want to get a SSB contact, you might need to chase someone already on a frequency, rather than call CQ. I've rarely (but not never) had my CQ calls answered with my FT-817 (unless spotted, such as for SOTA). Of course, getting in is almost impossible if bigger stations just talk over you. SSB can definitely be frustrating, hence my inspiration to try and learn CW.
Regarding antenna, I think that the Packtenna is a really great antenna, but it's not a resonant dipole (nor does it try to pretend to be). You could build a dipole, or buy one. I love this one that I bought: www.sotabeams.co.uk/two-band-portable-dipole-antenna-system/ -- I use it in combination with my 7m "squid pole". I also have an EFHW setup, but haven't had a chance to test it much yet.
Exactly what I am discovering. I don't know if it's QRP or because no one wants to answer a new CQ person. I would prefer to do it 50 50. half CW half SSB. But CW seems to be where I am heard and responded to.
I love sotabeams. I wish their shipping wasn't so high though. I am going to build some dipoles eventually and test them. Will use my tree setup and do an inverted Vee dipole.
Yeah, I figure the shipping cost isn't bad considering how far it has to travel. And the exchange rate is pretty favorable right now. They have really good antenna wire!
You need the sine I use in parks It reads Amatur Radio operator eccentric but hamless ; )
CD S do you really or are you kidding
Not kidding at all . I have had park rangers come to check me out more than a time or two.
So like like to give folks a heads up The more you try to hide the more folks want to know what you are up to.
I think you like that new Radio.😀 I know I would too. keep the videos rolling 73's
Nice views of the City on a beautuiful day. I would argue that the area you were in was the Real City. The Loop is all make believe.
Ha! Yeah I lived there for a while, at "One Superior Place" downtown.
@@hamradiocq Nice.
I try to get out of Indianapolis every weekend due to the big city noise level.
I head down to the National Forest 1 hour south of me, the difference is S1 noise in the woods, S5 noise in the city !
Lee, WA8QFE
I would like to see a video of that! Great stuff
Going to go QRP Portable in NYC.. Enjoyed your vid.. 73 de N2YDC
Ahhh good luck. Be careful you don't arouse suspicion.
I was wondering if a small magnetic loop would have been better ???????
great question! that's something i've never tried. It will happen...eventually.
I agree, I'm considering a loop as well. I think Chameleon Antenna should send him one to test out. Carl...if your watching this, send him a loop!
MFJ-9232
QRP LOOP ANTENNA, 10-40M, 25WATTS
This is what i am thinking of getting.... 60 bux..... not really a bad investment
www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-9232
That's an excellent option for my little HOA backyard. I might just do that. 59 is cheap ... for the ham world.
I would LOVE that. I'm using the Chameleon MPAS tonight.
i could be that the HF conditions are so poor at the moment that ssb fone it not cutting through the hash at qrp levels and cw nearly always does
That's exactly my question.... interesting hobby isn't it?
it sure is .we put up a 40m dublet last night (field day weekend this weekend )to check everything was working and had same results no answers on fone but several on the key.Dave 2e0fok
thanks for the feedback...wow. that's a great reason to learn CW everyone! Don't give up!
What is the length of your PackTenna wire? Have you experimented with ground wires or radials? I appreciate and enjoy your videos; I have a similar setup.
29'
Careful, I saw that creepy dude lurking in the bushes....
I did too thanks!
Again a nice video, tnx.
It's not a bad Packantenna, but crappy bandconditions, especially when you want to do SSB.
With such lousy conditions, CW or digimodes are the way to go.
But hey, one day you will make a SSB contact.....perseverance is the word ;o)
GL es 73, Patrick ON4CDJ
Great video! Chicago is my hometown, so I am biased. Haven't lived there since late 70's, but lots of memories. I used to love the Museum of Science and Industry. I can't believe it now costs $30! And $22 for parking.....that's crazy. Loved your QRP op by the Lake. Nice job. Keep at it on SSB, you'll get a QSO soon. I use my KX2 exclusively on CW, so no experience on SSB using it. Thanks again for a great video.
BTW, I notice that don't seem to use the Chamelion MPAS whip. Have you given up on that or just trying new options?
73,
George
K2WO
Thanks for the comment. My in-laws live in Huntley, IL now. I lived there for about 7 years. Lived downtown for 1 year. It was fun! I think a long wire will outperform a whip so I'm sticking to a long wire now. I still like the Chameleon, but I got this packtenna and I'm playing with it for now. I will be going back to the Chameleon soon. stay tuned.
Oh By the way, thanks for the good high quality videos.