What's not to like?! An enthusiastic Ham, original approach with live activations, broadcaster's voice and lots of helpful information as I get ready to add POTA to our trailer camping trips. Thanks! A new subscriber. 73!

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

I am honored. Thank you, OM!

I wish the SARK-110 wasn't out of production. It was a really nice, really small antenna analyzer with a color screen, better UI than a NanoVNA, and a couple of *really handy* features, including a mode where you could set a single frequency and get an SWR bar graph, "big digits" SWR that you can read from a distance, and audio feedback so you could fine-tune an antenna by the sound of the beeps instead of running back and forth.

So many of the parks around me are open dawn to dusk…will have to look for a park open after sunset. Thanks Thomas…

Thanks for your “Real Time” format. Personally, I use your videos to practice copying call signs. I’m getting better and planning my first CW activation. I’ve practiced with online programs and got quick at copying the always steady, consistent fists. Listening to your activations allows for real world CW. There are so many styles, almost like handwriting, out there that create quite a challenge. Especially the guys using “bugs” with very inconsistent “dahs.” - ..-

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

I'm honored to even play a small role in your CW practice, OM.

Awesome!!!!

Very nice video Thomas (as always). However, having 80m coil and using ATU to work on 40m is a big NO! I immediately noticed huge drop in RX background noise once you QSY-ed to 40m. Your vertical became a wet noodle, therefore no answers to your CQs Guess it was too dark to change the coil to 40m one. I have the same antenna for POTA, and looks like this 80m works OK. ( I might buy it) Keep up with the good work. Hope to get one P2P with you from Denmark. 73! 5Q3W

Thomas - A thoroughly enjoyable video. Makes me want to brush up on my CW skills. How long ago did you learn CW? Seems like you've been proficient for a long time. Top notch! Thanks again and 73!

Really loving these videos. Wish I was closer and could come along.

Another great video. 👍

Lowkey ASMR gold

I've been waiting the whole time for you to unpack the grill, the pan and the ham and eggs ;-)

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

Hey! That will happen for sure. I hope to do more park camping this year.

Video jumped your opening. I had to go back. Cant listen to your videos without the Opening. Like not hearing Paul Harvey say "The Rest of the Story" lol. Good time! I liked the night time activation. I am a night guy. Listening to Art bell, The coyotes and the odd Elk scream while staring at the night sky on a MTN side in Colorado.

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

Oh I'm not worthy to be mentioned with those greats of broadcasting. I grew up on Paul Harvey and listen to Art Bell many a night when driving.

👍👍👍

I love the aeropress ... I have one for when I'm in the greenhouse and CBA to walk up to the house 🤣.Never dis a short Vertical. I have one for a base aerial that covers 6m - 40, and its great for BC band dxing ... Sadly the company isnt going anymore so I'll have to make my own 80/160m coils for it handy for MW dxing then 😂 73's Thomas de Nick G8SYE

No frost in the ground looks critical to this deployment! No bueno in MT.

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

Yep. Although, you can use the tripod when the ground it too hard.

How long were those counterpoise wires and how wet was the ground? Interesting that your RST reports were all over the place. I tried correlating them with different directions and distances but things seemed to be pretty random. That surprises me for 80 m at night in the Winter. David VE7EZM and AF7BZ

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

I can't remember the length of the counterpoises at present. I believe between 11-13'. The ground was dry.

So what did you extend your whip to when you were using the 80M coil?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 ай бұрын

You know, I can't remember. I think I followed the advice that JNCradio offered.

Perhaps a bottle of Tums on a late night activation. Sometimes, bears get heartburn after a spicy meal.

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

HA HA! No kidding. And you know what? Our bears are almost cuddly compared with the ones that you have there in MT!

What an awesome video! For you, that is business as usual, of course! Thanks to you for your most excellent videos and to your most excellent subscribers. All the best, AG7UW RC

TNX Thomas for an other good video plus coffee Hi 73 de G6JMX

@ThomasK4SWL

5 ай бұрын

The pleasure is all mine, friend!