Summits On The Air: Pairing the Elecraft KX2 and Chameleon CHA MPAS Lite on Bearwallow Mountain!

So far this winter has been a challenge in terms of activating summits. For me, at least.

Between my busy schedule, family life, and the weather, it’s been difficult to make the stars align. Activating a summit, in general, requires much more time than activating a park. At least, where I live.

Summits tend to be much less accessible and time-consuming than, say, a state or national park. Besides getting to the summit trailhead and hiking it, there can be quite a bit more research in advance including reading previous activator notes and mapping out the true summit location.

SOTA (Summits On The Air) activators (depending on their location) often have extra incentive to do activations during the winter because many of us can accumulate “bonus points” for summits above a certain height during the winter months.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a numbers guy and honestly couldn’t tell you, for example, how many parks I’ve activated this year. But it would be awfully fun to eventually achieve “Mountain Goat” status in the SOTA program. It requires 1000 (!!!) points. Many of the summits where I live range from 1 to 10 points each. Each summit can only count once per year, so if I activate Mount Mitchell (our highest summit) the 10 points only count once in 2022 toward Mountain Goat status. The program is designed to encourage activators to activate a wide variety of unique summits each year. It’s a brilliant motivator.

I will be happy if I achieve Mountain Goat status in 5 years. I simply don’t have the free time to hit summits as often as I’d like. It is a really cool goal though.

Now where was I–? Continue reading Summits On The Air: Pairing the Elecraft KX2 and Chameleon CHA MPAS Lite on Bearwallow Mountain!

Arizona ScQRPions FYBO contest this weekend!

(Photo credit: K4TLI)

I do hope I can fit in a little FYBO time this weekend! If you’ve never participated in a QRP contest, this is a good one; certainly one of my favorites. The rules are incredibly simple and you can even simply do a park or summit activation during the contest then send in the logs to FYBO as well without using any special exchanges (with that said, be ready to reply with an exchange including the temperature on site!).

Here’re are the rules and details from the Arizona ScQRPions FYBO page:


Duffey KK6MC/5 NM QRP FYBO~2006 (Source: FYBO)

Here are the rules for FYBO (Freeze Your B___ Off) Contest: 

FYBO Winter QRP Sprint, sponsored by the Arizona ScQRPions

First Saturday in February from 1400Z-2400Z

QRP HF Only. CW or SSB (5W max). Near QRP calling frequencies (no WARC bands).

ENTRY SUBMITTAL AND SCORING IS NOW FULLY AUTOMATED!!! No waiting! No suspense!  Submittals can be edited if you made an error.  All the entry items and calculations are shown below, but you don’t do anything but count up the Contacts, SPCs (States/Provinces/Countries), number of contacts with NQ7RP and choose your multipliers based on the definitions in the sections below.

Here is the link to the autologging page:  http://www.qrpcontest.com

Many many thanks to Diz (W8DIZ) at QRPContest.com and Kits and Parts for including us on his QRP Contest site! This is a first class bit of work by Diz and is much appreciated!

Categories:

  • Single Op (Home/Field)   One Operator/One Station/One Call
  • Multi-Single(Home/Field) Multiple Operators/One Station/One Call
  • Multi-Multi (Home/Field)  Multiple Stations/Multiple Operators/One Call

New starting in 2016 is the “Work Anyone” contact.  Any contact you make now is a FYBO contact.  There are now many more overlapping field activities especially with the advent of SOTA, POTA, Grid Squares, VEs, SITW (Squirrels In the Woods), and NPOTA (National Parks On The Air).  Work everyone you can.  More fun anyway.  Activators and Chasers from other events are very welcome.

New in 2015 was the TEAM category.  That has been discontinued starting in 2018, but you may note a team on the automated entry and scoring form.

If you operate from separate batteries dedicated to the operation of the radio while in a vehicle it qualifies for the Alternative Power bonus. The vehicle battery charging system qualifies as a petroleum driven generator. You may charge batteries from the vehicle if you wish but they cannot be charged via the vehicle while the station is on the air.

Work stations once PER band. Score 1 point per QSO.

Exchange RST, State/Province/DXCC Country (SPCs), first name, power out, and Temperature (Fahrenheit) at OPERATOR’S POSITION. Indoor stations must report INDOOR temperature.

Example: 579 AZ Frosty 2W 40F

IF you are participating primarily in a non-FYBO activity, send your normal exchange for that activity. Including Signal Report, SPC (State or Province or Country) and Temperature would be nice for us, but optional.

Multipliers:

  • SPCs (each counts once PER band),
  • Field Location: x4 (Field per ARRL FD definition),
  • Alternative Power: x2 (per ARRL FD definition),
  • QRPp (less than 1W): x2,
  • Lowest Operating Temp (at OP’S POSITION):

65+    F = x1;
50-64 F = x2;
40-49 F = x3;
30-39 F = x4;
20-29 F = x5;
Below 20 F = x6.

For contacts with NQ7RP, add 100 points. One contact PER mode PER band allowed. There may be multiple NQ7RP operations such as NQ7RP/5. Either one but not both, counts. See example below.

Final Score Template:

[(QSOs x SPCs)](x Temp Multi)(x Field)(x AltPwr)(x QRPp) + (NQ7RP Bonus Points)

EXAMPLE SUMMARY: (Thanks KI0II – Multi-Multi – FYBO 2010)

Call Used – KI0II

Team – Red Hot Chiles

Field – Yes (or No)
Category – MultiMulti
Operator(s) – KI0II, W5RRR
Alternative Power – Yes
Lowest Temperature – 28
QRPp – No (or Yes) or QRO (>5W)

Final Score – 2183

BAND QSOs SPC NQ7RP
40CW 6 5 1
40SSB 2 1 0
20CW 56 26 1
20Dig 3 3 0
20SSB 2 1 1
15CW 13 9 0
15SSB 2 1 0
10SSB 2 1 0
Totals 86 47 3

QSOs – Report the number of non-duplicated QSOs on bands that you have made contacts. SPC – Report the number of non-duplicated States/Provinces/Countries on those band. NQ7RP – Report the total number of contacts made with NQ7RP on all bands. A maximum of ONE contact with NQ7RP is allowed per band.

Stations may be contacted again on different bands, but only once within a band.

Modes are defined as CW, SSB, and Digital, but will not be differentiated in the scoring.

Final Score = 82 QSO Pts X 44 SPC = 3608 X 5 (Temp Multi for 28F lowest temp) = 18,040 X 4 (Field Ops) = 72,160 X2 (Alt pwr -Solar) = 144,320 + 100 X 3 NQ7RP bonus points = 144,620 Total points

If you work NQ7RP(/x) on a band, please enter a “1” in the NQ7RP column for that band/segment.

Alternative power is a non-generator or mains power source. Batteries count if they are charged from solar, wind, or some natural source of energy. Here is an excerpt from the ARRL Field Day rule…

7.3.8. Alternative Power: … without using power from commercial mains or petroleum driven generator. This means an “alternate” energy source of power, such as solar, wind, methane or water. This includes batteries charged by natural means (not dry cells). …

Please include your soapbox comments with your summary! We’d like to hear of the trials of cold-weather operating, and any and all anecdotes are appreciated. You can put a link to your pictures in the soapbox area.

Logs are due 30 days after contest.

Please put your comments in the Soapbox area along with a link to any pictures.

NOTE: This is a fun contest, NOT an episode of Survivor. Be aware of the temperature and the possibility of cold injury! PLEASE be careful.

The Venus SW-3B has landed…

I mentioned on Twitter yesterday that I recently took delivery of the Venus SW-3B three-band QRP transceiver.

Yes, I finally made the purchase after being encouraged to do so by so many of you. (I’m often accused of being an enabler, but I promise it works both ways!)

It’s very early days with the SW-3B, but I’ll admit that I like this little radio. I’ve been chasing a number of park and summit activators yesterday and today at the QTH while writing a few reviews.

I’ve discovered a few interesting quirks, but it’s a cool little radio.

All-in-all, though, the filtering is pretty good and the receiver quite capable. The CW keyer is excellent.

I’m looking forward to taking this little rig to the field soon!

The new “Woodpecker” QRPp Transceiver Kit From Breadboard Radio

Many thanks to Bill (W4FSV) of Breadboard Radio who shares the following announcement:


40 METER “Woodpecker” QRPp Transceiver Kit From Breadboard Radio

Breadboard Radio has just released the 40 Woodpecker, a 40 meter low power CW transceiver for the 40 meter band. The Woodpecker features a crystal controlled transmitter with a 500 milliwatt output. The transmitter provides sidetone, receiver muting and QSK with delay. The Woodpecker’s direct conversion receiver has an adjustable bandpass filter, attenuator and an audio amplifier suitable for headphone level output plus a selectable low / high filter which helps with band noise and static crashes. The kit is supplied with crystals for 7030 and 7056 kilohertz. Other frequency crystals may be user supplied.

The designer, W4FSV has made multiple contacts using a 40 meter dipole antenna including many from 500 to 1000 miles. The kit is complete with all parts including a cabinet and attractive front panel plastic decal. A two channel 30 meter version may be available soon. A 60 meter version is also available.

More information is available at www.breadboardradio.com.

One year later: Did I decide to keep or sell my Elecraft KXPA100?

Using my KXPA100 during Field Day in 2020.

Many thanks to Ron (KK1L) who asks the following question after reading my post from January 2021 regarding the decision to keep my Elecraft KXPA100 amp instead of selling it:

Hi Tom,

If after a year of opportunity to reevaluate have you changed your mind? I am looking for an opportunity to wrestle with the same dilemma.

73 es God Bless de KK1L, Ron

Thank you for your question, Ron!

It’s funny you should ask. Only a couple months ago, when I re-arranged my shack, I thought yet again about selling the KXPA100 because it gets so little use as I run QRP 99% of the time both in the field and at the QTH.

The thought occurred to me that I could sell it and easily afford a dedicated 100 watt radio for the shack–either a brand new Yeasu FT-891, or an Icom IC-7300. With a little extra money added, I could even purchase the new Yaesu FT-DX10. That was very tempting.

Possibly most tempting would be to get a used Elecraft K3 or possibly a K3S; more of these have been appearing on the used market after the introduction of the K4.

Also, I had an opportunity to purchase a used mint Icom IC-7200 with a full side rail kit; I’ve always loved both the receiver and look of this particular radio! It, too, was tempting.

I came very close to posting the XPA100 on the QTH classifieds. Continue reading One year later: Did I decide to keep or sell my Elecraft KXPA100?

QRPer Notes: HB9HCI’s FT8 Box, TX-500 Covers, and Maxpedition BOGO Sale

Welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to items making waves in the world of radio!


HB9HCI’s FT8 Box

Many thanks to Jean-François (HB9MCZ) who writes:

I just wanted to mention a very interesting little box [available from Lutz Electronics:

Page in German.

Page translated into English.

With this magic FT-8 box and a little power bank, all you need to make FT8 in SOTA expeditions is your smartphone.

I don’t own this product, but found it might interest many people visiting your excellent website.

Best 73′ from Switzerland,

JF (HB9MCZ)

Lab599 Discovery TX-500 Covers

Many thanks to Mike (KG4MTN) who writes:

Hi Thomas,

I have just received a nice set of 3D screen/keyboard covers from KB7MDB for my TX-500. Along with these covers he included 5 screw-on plug covers. All appear to be nicely made and fit my rig just fine. Cost was $15, which includes shipping. I have the 2-cover set, I believe he also makes a single-cover unit. Mine is black but I think he also makes them in orange. Shipping is very prompt. His Etsy site is Brewer 3D Design LLC.

Stay warm!
Mike Serio
KG4MTN

Click here to view/purchase on Etsy.com.

Maxpedition Pocket Organizer BOGO Sale

The Maxpedition EDC Organizer holding my MTR-3B and accessories in this photo.

Many thanks to Ray (K8DRT) who reminds us of an ongoing sale at Maxpedition’s main website. The sale includes a number of popular Organizer Pouches including the Fatty which I use for my Elecraft AX1 antenna, and their smaller EDC organizer that I’ve used for a number of radio accessories, logging pads, and EDC items over the years.

Click here to check out all of the items in the BOGO sale.

Three watts of POTA power with the Mountain Topper MTR-3B, an EFHW, and Hazel!

Recently on Twitter, I created an informal poll and asked if anyone else named their radios.

Here are the results:

I quickly found out that I’m in the 6.7% minority who freely admit that they name their radios.

We can also assume, however, that a healthy percentage of the “Neither confirm nor deny” crowd do too. They just have a professional reputation to maintain!

Truth is, I don’t name all of my radios; only the ones with “personality” that I plan to keep permanently.

Tuppence

My gift to myself after completing my very first CW activation in 2020 was to purchase a Mountain Topper MTR-3B from LnR Precision. I’ve always admired these tiny hiker-friendly transceivers and have watched as Steve Weber (KD1JV) updated the design over the years.

I first became intrigued with this radio series when I interviewed Appalachian Trail through-hiker and author, Dennis Blanchard (K1YPP) who packed one of Steve Weber’s early ATS-3A kit transceivers (built in an Altoids tin).

A closeup of Dennis’ AT Sprint 3A taken at Four Days in May

By the way, I highly recommend Dennis’ book, “Three Hundred Zeroes: Lessons of the Heart on the Appalachian Trail.”

When I took delivery of my MTR-3B and opened the box, I was floored with how tiny it was.

It’s no bigger than a pack of playing cards.

I knew the MTR-3B would be a permanent resident at QRPer HQ, so after some soul-searching and bouncing names off of a few good friends (who also name their radios), I called her “Tuppence.” Continue reading Three watts of POTA power with the Mountain Topper MTR-3B, an EFHW, and Hazel!

POTA Field Report: Pairing the Xiegu X6100 and PackTenna Random Wire

I’ve had a lot of fun testing the Xiegu X6100 in the field. Each time I’ve taken this little shack-in-a-box radio outdoors, I’ve paired it with a different antenna.

I’ve paired it with the Elecraft AX1, an End-Fed Half-Wave, and my 28.5′ speaker wire antenna.

On January 10, 2022, I decided to try one more antenna: the PackTenna 9:1 UNUN random wire.

The Packtenna random wire is a brilliant little antenna to pair with radios like the X6100 that have built-in, wide-range ATUs. It’s such a small antenna and can easily find matches on my favorite POTA/SOTA bands:  40 meters and up. It’s also very compact and super durable.

I use te PackTenna random wire quite a lot in the field, so I was curious just how effectively it might pair with the X6100. Continue reading POTA Field Report: Pairing the Xiegu X6100 and PackTenna Random Wire

My new MTR-3B Ultra-Compact Field Kit built in a Tom Bihn HLT2

I’m a bit obsessed with field radio kits (understatement alert).

If you don’t believe me, check out this episode of the Ham Radio Workbench podcast where they graciously allowed me to geek out about radio packs for a good two hours.

I should also note that I write, in detail, about my packing philosophy in this Anatomy of a Field Radio kit series.

There’s no cure for my pack obsession. I’m constantly in a state of assembling and testing the most efficient kits I can conjure up.

Since I rotate a fair amount of radios in my activations, the majority of my kits are modular; meaning, components like antennas, ATU’s, batteries, log/pen, and cables are packed in their own small pouches/pack. Before embarking on an activation, I simply assemble the components in a backpack along with the radio/s I might use that day. Over the years, I’ve developed a certain workflow with this process that ensures I don’t forget components or pack the wrong ones.

But by far, my favorite type of kit are those that are fully self-contained–proper grab-and-go kits that have everything I need inside to, for example, activate a summit.

Self-Contained Kits

Fully self-contained kits are reserved for the radios I use in the field most because, frankly, they’re stingy resource hogs: they  don’t share components with my other radios or kits. Continue reading My new MTR-3B Ultra-Compact Field Kit built in a Tom Bihn HLT2

Rich builds a simple GX12 key/paddle adapter for the Discovery TX-500

Many thanks to Rich (KQ9L) who shares the following tutorial describing how to build a compact key/paddle GX12 connector for the lab599 Discovery TX-500:

This adapter is simple, compact, and eliminated the need for yet another wire extension.

How to build a Discovery TX-500 key adapter

I love my Lab599 Discovery TX-500 however I was frustrated with all the extra “wires” hanging from the connectors on the rig.

I took inspiration from Vlad Solovey (RA9QAT) who posted his design for a small and compact 3.5mm jack that allows you to connect your paddles directly into a GX12 connector. Continue reading Rich builds a simple GX12 key/paddle adapter for the Discovery TX-500

QRP radios, product announcements, reviews, news and more. Low power amateur radio fun!