[Elecraft] Outdoor operation... camping time !!

[Karl Larsen]

JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote:
> Hi to all of you !!
>
> I did my first attempt of using a long wire with my Elecraft K2 last 
> weekend. I was amazed how the K2 with the KAT2 tuned everything !!! A 
> simple 28 feet long wire with 2 radials of 16 feet each.
>
> I used a small rock with a small rope to finally bring my wire up in a 
> tree at about 24 feet high. Let the kid do that part.... it is a fun 
> part for them to throw a rock up in a tree.... a familly activity... ;-)
>
> I did a few contacts in CW on 80m and 40m with only 5W. I was also 
> amazed that I could use all HF bands only with this small size 
> antenna. You don't need to bring an antenna analyzer and loose all 
> your spare time to adjust a dipole... just the K2 and the wires.... 
> and the small key !
    Hi J-F. Your learning as I have that an end fed antenna works just 
GREAT! The only problem is to find an antenna tuner. You can make your 
own with a whole lot of work or you can buy a good automatic tuner like 
yours and the T1 which I use.

    My "Secret" end fed wire is 83 feet of teflon coated silver plated 
#24 aircraft wire. The same wire makes a 30 and 35 foot counterpoise 
wires. It will load to 1:1 SWR on 80 thru 10 meters! And to change bands 
takes 15 seconds!

    So for outdoor fun make your own end fed wire and try it out. I know 
you will be amazed.

73 Karl K5DI

>
> It seems that this kind of antenna sometime perform better that a 
> dipole at very lower high installation....
>
> I put a few pictures on my website in the «Sortie amateur prise 2» 
> section.... sorry for the french description... but pictures tell a 
> thousand words anyway... ;-)
>
> http://web.mac.com/jfmenard
>
> Look under «Sortie amateur prise 2» tab.
>
> Best 73 and don't forget to go out... your amateur gear needs to take 
> fresh air too !!! ;-)
>
> J-F VA2VYZ
> _