Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Field Antenna Survey
Many thanks to Phil (KA4KOE) who shares the results from an informal survey he conducted on the POTA Facebook group. Phil writes:
Tom
I’ve let the survey run for about 3 days on the POTA Facebook group. Sample size was 658 votes. I opted to do a “type” survey and not by manufacturer.
Results:
-
- End Fed Half-wave: 25%.
- Shortened vertical with loading coil: 20%.
- Full-size vertical antenna / Hamstick style vertical with helical coil:12% each.
- Full-size dipole/doublet, etc.: 10%.
- End Fed Random Wire: 9%.
- Screwdriver motorized coil antenna: 3%
- Something tossed in tree and just hoped it would work: 2%
Total: 93%.
Remaining obscure types cut-off below 2% accounted for 7%.
Again, like the poll I conducted previously on radio types, not surprised by the No. 1 spot.
What DID surprise me was #7: I put that selection in the poll types as a joke but 2% of hams throw a wire up in a tree or other support with no forethought and hope it works.
The Palm Pico: Getting a grip!
Many thanks to Terry (N7TB) who shares the following tip:
Hi Thomas,
I was looking at your post re: the Pico Paddle.
I have both the single and double Pico paddle and the KX3 mount. After watching you hand hold your paddles, I came up with a way to make small paddles easier to hold. I have attached a photo. It is a small piece of 3/8 ID pipe insulation to make holding the Pico paddle easier.
Have a great trip to Hamvention.
73,
Terry
N7TB
QRP Radios from the 70s and 80s
Many thanks to Ron (W6AZ) who shares the following video from Mikrowave1 on YouTube:
You asked for it! Here is the birth of QRP and a whack at revealing the top 10 QRP Homebrew Projects and Commercial Radios that started it all. What is all the fuss about low power?