[Elecraft] KX1 Antenna Wire - Portable antenna wire comment

[Mike Morrow]

Matt wrote:


>... when I was backpacking, every ounce and square inch
> was very significant.

Having been on many several-day back pack trips over the past 30 years
(mainly in the Arkansas Ozarks, not on Mount Everest), I'd say that is true
to a point, but overstressed.  Will an eight-ounce difference in carried
weight call down disaster or cause even minor additional discomfort?  Does
anyone head to the boonies *for recreation* with that small of an endurance
margin?   I think that this "every ounce hurts" outlook is based much more
on some sort of competition-oriented dogma rather than on experience with
real problems from having a few extra ounces along on a typical trek.  If it
were that critical, then the HF ham gear should get ditched before the
start.  If HF gear is required as part of the fun, then one just puts out
the slight extra effort and carries what will do the job.  I also carry a
small AM/FM/SW broadcast receiver and a 2M/70cm HT, both of which have
priority over the HF QRP rig and antenna if something must get culled out.

> 40', 50' or more of #14 wire, no matter how flexable does not
>compact as small as the same length of #26.

My trip-ready backpack easily also accomodates my rolled up 66 foot dipole
complete with six PVC water pipe insulators and jumpers in each leg, plus
nylon cord and some RG-58.

> we need an antenna AND counterpoise (or radials if you prefer).

The beauty of a dipole is that counterpoise/ground wire is NOT required or
desirable.

>Now... if you are not backpacking and only heading out the the local park,
>then #14 is great

Portable HF operations have always been my primary ham radio interest.
Based on that, IMHO 14 AWG Flexweave works great for *any* outdoor activity
requiring wire antennas.  I would never consider using anything less now,
having used less in earlier years.  I'm surprised when anyone who has tried
the Flexweave concludes differently.

73,
Mike / KK5F