Category Archives: Accessories

Accessories, Articles, Field Radio Kits, Grab And Go, News, Portable, POTA, QRP, Radio Field Craft, SOTA, Travel, Videos

What’s in My Travel Radio Backpack? Summer Activations in Canada

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Besides radio, one thing I love to geek out about is bags, pouches, backpacks—and more specifically—how and what I pack.

In fact, some of my favorite YouTube videos are those where the host shows how they pack for, say, summer travels in Asia, a one-week business trip to Helsinki, or what’s in their Everyday Carry (EDC).

Although this is one of my favorite types of videos, I don’t make enough of them about my own philosophy of packing: what I take, how I pack it, and how it all works in the field.

My Canada Backpack

If you’ve been watching my videos for long, you’ve probably noticed that one of my favorite field backpacks is the one with a Canadian flag on the front:

It’s a 21L GoRuck GR1 USA. I’ve owned this backpack for the better part of a decade and use it for both field radio and travel. I’ve many other backpacks, but this one is just the right size for almost any of my radio adventures. It also meets the “personal carry-on” size restrictions for even low-cost carriers (at least, at the time of posting). I’ve packed this—with radio—for a week of air travel. I’ve also taken this pack on numerous SOTA hikes.

I have other backpacks I love, but this one strikes the right balance of being big enough without being too big. The main compartment is boxy, somewhat structured, and fits some of my longest field kit items: my Joby Tripod with action camera attached, hiking sticks, Helinox Chair, and carbon fiber telescoping mast.

Ready for Any Activation

While here in Canada, I’ll be activating parks I’ve never visited before, so I need to be prepared for just about any situation. I’m also activating a lot of urban parks in and around Québec City.

When I packed for this trip, I assumed that some of the parks wouldn’t have picnic tables—and some might not even have available park benches. That’s why I pack a collapsible hiking chair and folding knee board. With those, all I need is a flat spot on the ground and I can operate comfortably and complete an activation.

Somewhat Modular

In my pack, there are core items I don’t take out, like my:

  • Helinox Chair and Ground Sheet
  • Folding Knee Board
  • POTA20 Explorer Mast
  • Logging Pad and Pencil
  • Throw Line and Weight
  • A few antenna options
  • A LiPo battery and USB charger
  • Garmin InReach
  • Headlamp
  • Camera and Audio recording Gear
  • First Aid, Sunscreen, Nitrile Gloves (for picking up rubbish), etc.

I do, however, rotate the radio kit inside.

My KX2 Field Kit

For example, in this video, I feature my venerable Elecraft KX2 kit (see photos above).

My MTR-3B Kit

But I can take that one out and replace it with either my Elecraft KH1, CFT1, or MTR-3B field kits.

My KH1 Kit

They are all packed in small Pelican cases that easily fit in the center of my backpack.

Weight

When fully loaded, my backpack isn’t exactly lightweight. Besides all of my radio gear, I’m usually packing a bottle of water too. I haven’t weighed it, but it’s relatively heavy. That’s not an issue for POTA since I’m rarely walking more than 10 minutes (and often just 2 minutes) to find a site to set up.

For SOTA outings or hikes that are an hour or more, I shed any items I know I won’t need. That frees up space for more water and lightens the overall load.

For example, on SOTA hikes I plan to only take my Elecraft KH1 transceiver and a few accessories. That means I can leave behind cable assemblies, extra keys and key base, POTA20 mast, ground spike, and throw line and weight. (The KH1 kit includes a minimalist throw line/weight if needed.) It significantly reduces the pack weight.

In fact, I brought a second, smaller backpack for times when I want to go very minimalist with the KH1 or MTR-3B. Both have fully self-contained field kits in individual Pelican cases. This smaller backpack is perfect when I’m with family—say, spending the day in Vieux Québec visiting museums, shops, restaurants, and one or two urban parks where I can squeeze in activations.

Extras

Note that there are a few extras always in my car that I didn’t include in the video because they typically stay there: my portable table, HT, and a 2-liter water bladder.

Also, a bedroll that we use for family picnics. All of these items work for both field radio, family picnics, and lounging on the shores of the mighty St-Lawrence.

All of these items get heavy use since our family spends so much time outdoors.

Video

In the video tour of my field radio backpack from this trip to Canada, I take you through each individual item I packed. Below, you’ll find links to each item (when available), in the order they appear in the video.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Gear List

Note: All Amazon, CW Morse, ABR, Chelegance, Spooltenna, eBay, and Radioddity links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com at no cost to you.

(In order of the video presentation.)

Outer Pocket, Outside Flap

Top Pocket, Inside Flap

Lower Pocket, Inside Flap

Main Compartment

Interior Zippered Pouch

Interior (Ruck Plate) Pouch

Outside of Pack

More to come!

My smaller GoRuck BulletRuck

This video didn’t take long to shoot because, as you know, I don’t edit my videos—they are what they are.

Putting together all of the links and video chapters, however, takes a long time. I do plan to make a video of my other, more minimalist backpack and my new Red Oxx Gator EDC bag I’m using for all of my extra supplies.

My Red Oxx Gator EDC Bag

I’d love to hear your comments about your own field packs—and I especially enjoy your Field Radio Kit posts for our Field Radio Kit Gallery!

Thank you

Thanks for reading this post—I hope you enjoyed the “What’s in my pack?” video. I certainly enjoyed the process. It was a fun excuse to nerd out about packing!

Of course, I’d also like to send a special thanks to those of you who have been supporting the site and channel through Patreon, and the Coffee Fund. While not a requirement, as my content will always be free, I really appreciate the support.

Thanks for spending part of your day with me!

Cheers & 72,
Thomas (K4SWL / VY2SW)

Accessories, New Products, News, SSB

Two Compact Microphones for the Elecraft KX2 & KX3

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Many thanks to Dean (KG7WGX) who recently shared a couple of interesting microphone alternatives for voice/SSB ops who use the Elecraft KX2 or KX3—especially in portable or pedestrian mobile setups.

Dean mentioned that while the stock Elecraft MH3 mic is excellent, it can feel a bit bulky for field use, especially when packing light for multi-mile treks. He also pointed out that unlike the KX2, the KX3 lacks a built-in microphone, which makes SSB less convenient without a dedicated mic.

If you’re considering a minimalist SSB setup, here are two compact, British-made mini-mic options that might be worth exploring:

M0JKS Mini-Mic

This mini-mic is fully featured with PTT and UP/DN buttons, offering near-complete MH3 emulation. Dean noted that it’s particularly useful for pedestrian mobile, especially if you’re using Morse frequency annunciation—allowing you to change frequency without removing the rig from your pack.

G7UFO Mini-Mic

Based on the K6ARK mini-mic design, this compact unit stacks a condenser mic element and PTT switch inside a right-angle TRS plug and printed housing. It’s available either as a kit (for confident kit builders) or fully assembled for plug-and-play use.

  • Based on the K6ARK mini-mic design
  • TRS cable, PTT only
  • Available as a kit ($17) or assembled ($27)
  • Order from G7UFO (U.S. shipping via PayPal)

Thanks again, Dean, for the excellent recommendations!

Accessories, Guest Posts, Hacks and Hints, News, POTA, SOTA

How “No Fly Zone” Clothing Changed My POTA Activations

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By Conrad Trautmann (N2YCH)

QRPer.com is a great resource for all of us field activators. Thomas (K4SWL) posts about all kinds of nifty tools and things to help us while doing our field activations. He recently posted a story about Red Oxx bags (I think I need one), also a recent post about insect repellents,  which made me wonder if he’d consider a guest post about “No Fly Zone” clothing. These are clothes made of insect repellent treated fabric. I asked, Thomas said yes, so here’s my story…

A few years ago, I decided to try and activate all of the parks in the State of Connecticut. During my quest, I was out in the parks a lot…often coming home complaining of bug bites, and covered with and smelling of Deep Woods Off bug spray. If there are 100 people in a room with me and one mosquito, it will find and bite me first. I simply attract any flying, biting insect. I’m a bug magnet. I just accepted the fact that getting bit up and dousing myself in bug spray was going to be part of my quest.

Then, my very supportive XYL, Dianne, decided to gift me two shirts from LLBean’s “No Fly Zone” collection. That was a game changer. These shirts work. Bugs hate them. The shirts are long sleeve to cover your arms with a collar that can be turned up and used to cover up your neck.

Conrad, N2YCH wearing an LLBean No Fly Zone shirt and Peter, K1PCN at POTA park US-1815, Little Beaver State Park in West Virginia

My first outing with one of these shirts was amazing. I called my wife from the park to tell her that the mosquitos were leaving me alone, except for my head. I said, “I wish these guys made a hat out of this material.”

Voilà, Dianne found me a hat, too!

Conrad, N2YCH, wearing an LLBean No Fly Zone hat and shirt at POTA US-1716, Silver Sands State Park in Connecticut

The web site for Burlington Fabrics, the company who manufactures the fabric, says this:

“No Fly Zone® Insect Repellent Technology is a permethrin-based technology that converts gear and garments into long- lasting, effective, and convenient insect protection.

The main ingredient, permethrin, is a man-made, contact insecticide, structurally similar to a naturally occurring chemical derived from the dried flowers of the Crysanthemum.”

The web site claims it will remain effective for 70 washes. So far, mine are still working just fine after a few years. Seeing how effective these clothes have been, Dianne has gotten me more shirts to add to my collection, including some short and long sleeve Tee’s and even a pair of socks.

Connecticut is home to the town Lyme disease was named for and we do have ticks here. I’ve been bitten once, thankfully not by one with Lyme disease. To combat this, I wear the LLBean insect repellent socks along with Merrill Moab 3 boots to discourage them from jumping up on me. Recently, I discovered that Columbia Sportswear makes “Insect Shield” clothing, including pants. I bought a pair of their Cargo pants and they worked great paired with my LLBean socks, shirts and hat.

Conrad, N2YCH wearing Columbia Insect Shield Cargo pants, Merrill hiking boots and a light gray LLBean No Fly Zone long sleeve T-shirt. With Peter, K1PCN at POTA US-0020, Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

One nice thing about the Columbia pants is that they have an adjustable elastic drawstring at the ankle cuff that you can pull tight to keep critters out. Insect Shield’s home page says that their fabric is also treated with permethrin. On a recent POTA outing on our way to the Dayton Hamvention, I was completely left alone by the hoards of flying insects at US-1815, Little Beaver State Park in West Virginia. No bug spray necessary.

Conrad, N2YCH wearing a gold LLBean No Fly Zone long sleeve T-shirt with the Connecticut POTA Activators Support Your Park Spring gathering at POTA US-1728, Wharton Brook State Park in Connecticut

Activated all Connecticut Parks

Thanks to my wonderful and supportive XYL who supports my hobby (and probably enjoys the peace and quiet when I’m off doing POTA), I did finally get to and activate all 150 parks here in Connecticut, most of them while wearing my No Fly Zone shirts and hat. They really work and I recommend them for a bug free activation.

Accessories, New Products, News

New Xiegu WR12: Add Wideband RX (to 1 GHz) to Your X6200

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If you own the Xiegu X6200, there’s a new add-on that might interest you: the Xiegu WR12 Wideband Receiver Module.

For $69.99, it adds continuous receive coverage from 54 MHz to 1 GHz, giving you access to HF, VHF, and UHF signals—including ham bands, shortwave broadcasts, and potentially aviation and marine comms. It’s designed specifically for the X6200, integrates directly, and supposedly offers surprisingly good sensitivity and selectivity for such a compact module.

If you’re considering picking one up, feel free to use our [QRPer affiliate link] to save 5%—plus, it helps support QRPer at no extra cost. (Note: the link goes to the Radioddity home page—just type “WR12” in the search bar to find the wideband receiver.)

Accessories, News, Portable

Check out the Red Oxx Maker Series videos

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If you read QRPer regularly—or listen to the Ham Radio Workbench podcast—you probably know I’m a bit of a pack geek.

Okay… that’s a gross understatement.

I’m more of a quality-pack evangelist.

For many operators, a pack or field bag is just a way to transport gear—an afterthought. But for me? It’s one of the most important parts of the kit. In some cases, I’ve spent more on the bag than the radio it carries.

Why? Because I believe a well-built pack should last a lifetime—ideally long enough to pass down to my kids. I never want to worry about a zipper failing me on a summit descent, or a strap breaking in the backcountry. To me, a good field pack is mission-critical.

That’s why I don’t mind paying more for bags that are overbuilt and made to last—especially when they’re made here in North America, where it’s still possible to produce high-quality gear locally with skilled labor and fair, living wages. In fact, if I lived in Germany, France, Japan, or anywhere else, I’d try to support local makers too—especially in categories like packs and bags that don’t rely heavily on global supply chains the way our beloved electronics do.

Red Oxx Fan Here

My Red Oxx Micro Manager EDC pack.

One company that consistently exceeds my expectations is Red Oxx, based in Billings, Montana.

Their customer service is second to none.

I’ve been buying Red Oxx gear for over a decade, and I’ve been impressed not just with the thoughtful designs and rock-solid construction, but also with their No Bull lifetime warranty. If a Red Oxx bag ever fails you—for any reason—they’ll repair or replace it. No caveats, no hoops to jump through. Even if you bought it secondhand–they don’t need or want the original receipt–they know their own bags.

My Red Oxx Hound pack.

It’s not a marketing gimmick—it works because they over-engineer their gear from the start. They expect it to last.

Recently, Red Oxx launched a new video series on YouTube, showing how they make some of their most popular bags—and how you could make them too. So far, they’ve started with simpler designs like the Aviator Kit Bag and the Lil Roy.

My Red Oxx Lil Roy

As someone who appreciates craftsmanship, I’ve been blown away by the attention to detail and the way each component is purpose-built. Even the stitching is layered with redundancy—if one line fails, there’s another ready to hold.

Here’s their first video, showing how they make the Aviator Kit bag:

Here’s the second video, showing how they make their Lil Roy EDC pack:

Click here to bookmark the playlist for this series.

Thanks for indulging me on this little gear tangent. I’m not on Red Oxx’s payroll—I’m just a long-time, happy customer who genuinely appreciates what they do. I even keep in touch with their team from time to time because I admire their ethos and craftsmanship.

If you’ve got a company in your part of the world that builds gear with this same kind of care and commitment to quality, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Always happy to discover and support makers who choose quality over quantity.

Accessories, News

ABR Industries 20% Off Site-Wide Sale (May 21 – June 2)

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Just a quick note: ABR Industries—known for their high-quality, US-made coaxial cable assemblies—is running a 20% off site-wide sale now through Monday, June 2nd.

Here are links to some of my favorite ABR cable assemblies:

We’re proud to be an affiliate of ABR, so any purchase you make using our links also supports QRPer.com. Thanks as always for your support!

Accessories, News, Portable, QRP

A New Penntek TR-45L Transport Cover from Mike (N2HTT) at HamGear3D

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In the spirit of full disclosure, my friend Mike (N2HTT) recently sent me one of his latest creations—a 3D-printed transport cover for the Penntek TR-45L—to evaluate at no cost. I’m happy to report that it’s a solid and thoughtful accessory for TR-45L users.

Mike designed this cover not for use during operation, but rather for safe transport of the TR-45L—especially protecting those protruding knobs, buttons, and switches that can easily snag or get damaged in the field or while bouncing around in a go-bag.

And it fits the TR-45L very nicely. It includes a cover for the front panel and one for the back (since my TR-45L has the ATU option), held together by a Velcro strap.

Yes, it does add a little bulk, but I appreciate that—it’s sturdy, and it cradles the front and back of the rig securely.

In fact, during our recent wildfire threat here at the QTH, I had my TR-45L stored in this cover. It was incredibly convenient to simply grab the protected radio and toss it in the car without giving it a second thought.

Here are a few photos of the cover in use with my TR-45L (Note that the TR-45L “Skinny” only needs one cover and Mike provides a shorter Velcro strap):

Mike offers a number of great customization options: your callsign or name on the front panel and a choice of colors (black, orange, olive green, and red). There’s also an optional rear cover available if your TR-45L has the internal tuner.

You can check out Mike’s product page and all the details here:
https://hamgear3d.com/penntek-tr-45l-transport-cover/

Mike is one of many makers and mom-and-pop businesses who help make the ham radio world so much better. I love seeing field-ready accessories like this coming from experienced hams who understand the gear and the way we use it.

Thanks again, Mike, for letting me give this one a spin!

73,
Thomas (K4SWL)

Accessories, Kits, Morse Code, New Products, News

The New KM4CFT KX2 and KX3 Iambic Paddle Kit

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My friend Jonathan (KM4CFT) recently sent me a neat little prototype paddle he designed for the Elecraft KX2 and KX3 field transceivers.

He wanted my feedback, so he generously sent me a set to evaluate at no charge.

Lately, I’ve been tied up with the final stages of debris cleanup here at the QTH, leaving little time for field activations. While I haven’t had the chance to take these paddles out into the field yet (stay tuned!) I’ve thoroughly tested them on both my Elecraft KX3 and KX2. In the meantime, Jonathan has made the kits available for purchase on the HamGadgets website.

The price? $49.97 — a solid deal for a simple, functional paddle designed to plug directly into the front of the KX2 and KX3.

Assembly is quick and straightforward, taking around 15-20 minutes. There aren’t many parts, and the mechanics are refreshingly simple. If you’re curious, you can check out the kit assembly manual here (PDF).

My Impressions

I think it’s an excellent little key for the price. The paddle action is light — the 3D printed material keeps them featherweight, making keying effortless.

For field use, they should perform brilliantly. The light touch required keeps things stable on a table, with the KX2 or KX3 providing more than enough weight to prevent the paddles from shifting as you operate.

The operating angle works well for me too. I know Jonathan put a lot of time into getting this right during the design process — and it shows.

Any Downsides?

The biggest drawback, in my opinion, is that the two thumbscrews securing the paddles to the front of the radio aren’t captive.

This means they can be easily lost during transport. I recommend storing the paddles in a thick poly bag to keep everything together in your pack.

Additionally, because the screws aren’t captive, you need to be a little careful when installing the paddle. I’ve found it easiest to place the radio on its back, so you’re screwing the thumbscrews downward.

I lightly plug in the paddle, then start threading both screws before fully tightening either one. This gives me better control and helps avoid dropping the screws — something that could be a real headache in the field, especially if they hit the ground.

Lastly, these paddles don’t have the “precision key” feel of more expensive options. But to be fair, they’re designed as an affordable alternative to Elecraft’s KXPD2 paddles, which retail for $169.95. Even the KXPD2 — while smaller and sturdier — doesn’t feel particularly “precision” in use. The KX3 paddles come closer to that, but they also cost $239.95.

At $49.95, it’s hard to complain — these paddles do exactly what they’re supposed to do without breaking the bank!

If you’ve held off buying front-mounted paddles for your KX2 or KX3 because of the cost, I’d highly recommend giving these KM4CFT paddles a try.

Click here to check out the KM4CFT KX2/KX3 paddles on HamGadgets.

Accessories, New Products, News

G7UFO’s Magnetic Case for the BaMaKeY TP-III Paddle

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A few weeks ago, Neil (G7UFO) reached out to let me know that he has started producing and selling 3D-printed magnetic cases for the BaMaKey TP-III.

He generously sent me one to check out, and I have to say—it’s a great option if you’re looking for a simple way to protect your TP-III when tossing it into your field pack.

Here are a few photos—note that the TP-III magnetically attaches to the base of the case. While the bond isn’t super strong, it holds the key securely in place during transport. The cover also stays closed with the help of magnets.

I love his UFO logo!

As you probably know, one of my goals here at QRPer.com is to support independent ham radio makers—especially those who create and sell gear they personally use in the field. This case is an excellent option for TP-III owners in the UK, but Neil also ships internationally.

If you’re interested, you can purchase this case either fully assembled or as a magnet/washer kit if you’d like to 3D-print and assemble your own.

Accessories, Field Reports, Morse Code, News, Portable, POTA, QRP, QRP Radios, Videos

Should It Stay or Go? A POTA Activation with the Ten-Tec Argonaut V

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On Wednesday, January 5, 2025, I planned a trip to Hickory to pick up my father and take him to lunch. With our family’s hectic schedule, I hadn’t been able to spend any meaningful time with him in weeks, so I was looking forward to catching up.

Of course, as is tradition, I also planned a POTA activation en route.

That morning, before leaving the house, I debated which park to activate: South Mountains State Park, Tuttle Educational State Forest, or Lake James State Park?

It had been a long time since I’d activated South Mountains, so I considered heading there. However, after checking their website, I was surprised to find the entire park still closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. I hadn’t realized the storm had impacted the foothills that severely—though with miles of trails, it made sense that they were still working to clear blowdowns.

Next, I checked Tuttle, only to discover it was still closed as well. Wow…

I knew the Catawba River access at Lake James was open because I had activated it a few weeks prior. Sure enough, their site confirmed that the Paddy’s Creek area—the park’s largest section—remained closed. Wow.

Clearly, I had underestimated the damage these parks sustained after Helene.

So, I set my course for Lake James, hoping that, by spring, the other parks would reopen. No doubt, park staff were working hard to make that happen.

Another mission

I had a specific radio in mind for this activation: my TEN-TEC Argonaut V.

I bought this radio used almost four years ago and have been very pleased with it. I’ve always been a big fan of Ten-Tec, and to me, the Argo V embodies the super-simple design I loved from their late 1990s/early 2000s radios. It features a big LED display, a prominent encoder, and a proper fold-out bail underneath—a solid legacy field radio.

What I love most about the Argo V (and Ten-Tec radios in general) is its superb audio, low-noise receiver, and silky-smooth QSK.

The Argo V wasn’t built to be a power miser—the audio amplifier is beefy and a bit current-hungry (I believe it draws around 500mA in receive, and more with audio output). But the tradeoff? Outstanding audio quality. It’s the perfect radio for Field Day or long operating sessions when you want to avoid listener fatigue. It’s also a fantastic shack radio.

That said, because of its bulk—and my tendency to grab smaller radios for field use—the Argo V has primarily lived in my shack.

The Argonaut VI

Last year, I acquired a Ten-Tec Argonaut VI, the last Argonaut model Ten-Tec produced—one I helped beta test back in the day.

When I bought the Argo VI, I told myself I might let go of the Argo V at some point. I’ve been debating this ever since.

Lately, I’ve been actively downsizing my shack. I need to sell, trade, or give away radios I’m not using. I don’t like harboring “shelf queens”—I want my radios to get regular airtime. But since bringing the Argo VI into the shack, the Argo V hasn’t seen much action.

My friend Vlado (N3CZ) and I plan to sell gear at the Charlotte Hamfest in a couple of weeks. I figured this POTA activation might help me decide whether to sell or keep the Argo V.

So, with my Argonaut V and my Tufteln linked 40M EFHW packed, I made my way to Lake James!

Lake James State Park (US-2739)

That morning, Lake James was incredibly quiet. There were very few visitors—even though this was the only section of the park open.

Then again, it was early on a Wednesday morning, not exactly prime time!

I chose a picnic table near the parking lot since I was carrying the Argonaut V and gear in a storage box rather than a backpack.

My high-visibility ABR cable assembly.

I quickly deployed my End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna and set up the Argonaut V.

Testing the TouchPaddles

Next, I hooked up my new-to-me TouchPaddles, a generous gift from a kind subscriber/supporter.

These keyers were originally sold as kits and have been discontinued for at least a decade. Though a bit bulky, it’s a fantastic CW accessory!

It uses capacitive touch paddles instead of mechanical parts. The added bulk and weight keep it stable while keying.

The unit also has built-in CW message memory. I haven’t programmed it yet (if you have experience with this model, let me know how!), but I plan to experiment with it soon.

The paddle has two output modes:

  • Standard paddle output (for radios with built-in keyers, like the Argo V).
  • External keying mode (for radios without built-in keyers or those with poor internal keying).

I used the standard paddle output since the Argo V’s internal keyer works brilliantly.

With everything hooked up, it was time to hit the air!

Gear

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Radio

  • TEN-TEC Argonaut V

Antenna system

Key and cable

Logging

Camera

On The Air

Since I was using a 40-meter EFHW, I had access to 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters without needing an ATU.

I started calling CQ POTA on 40 meters. Continue reading Should It Stay or Go? A POTA Activation with the Ten-Tec Argonaut V →