I fully enjoy this aspect of the Hobby. I recently purchased a Buddipole deluxe package and an Elecraft KX3 for my portable operating. Let’s hope we have an early spring in the Northeast!

KK4DSD

Saturday was one of the best days of radio I’ve had since starting my HF journey last year. A buddy and I headed out to a large field near my home where folks often gather to fly model airplanes. My friend planned to fly his, and I intended to operate QRP, backpack portable, with the Buddistick and FT-817.

There was a large, unused pipe sticking up in the middle of the field, so I lashed the Buddistick to it, connected some coax and tuned the antenna for 20 meters. The North American QSO Party (SSB) was in full swing with stations up and down the band, so I figured I’d have an above-average chance to make contacts with 5 watts.

After tuning around a bit I heard Bob, AC1Z, out of New Hampshire. He managed to hear my calls and we made a successful exchange. I spun the dial and…

View original post 208 more words