[Elecraft] Re: As good as it gets...for now?

[rcerkon at gmail.com]

"OH MY" what an interesting and diverse set of responses, thank you
all (Well most of you, I'll deal with that in a moment)

First off a minor nit, my name is Rod "R", "O",  "D". not Ron. You
don't have to remember it just copy and paste from signature. :-)

Many asked about the radials I am using, I failed to mention that, my
apologizes. I'm using the radials that are included with the PW-1.
Four wires, each approximately 3-4m (10-13 feet) long. The PW-1 is
ground mounted with radials stretched out orthogonal to each other.

I also failed to mention the bands that I tried. The were 40, 30 and
20m. The latest QSO attempt with my friend in CO was two days ago
between 2200-2230UTC. We started on 20m and worked our way to 40.
Before that attempt I tried listening for the NCDXF beacons, I didn't
hear any of them.

I sure got a lot of comments about how I might improve things and some
even skirted around the issue of PW-1 critque. :-) :-) :-) I don't
recall asking the question--How can I improve things? I simply asked
is this what I can expect given my current situation--I'm attempting
establishing a baseline. I know had I asked the question, "How can I
improve things?" I would have received ten-fold the number of
responses. Not ready for that yet ("...small steps Ellie", small
steps...").

One or more persons suggested traveling out of the valley, to higher
ground, and giving things a try. That's a good idea, I'll try and
follow up on that. Might have to wait till springtime. Traveling in
the mountain terrain out here can be dangerous in winter. (A google
search of Bear Camp Road will indicate why)

Based on what I've read so far, I guess for me, with my setup, it's as
good as it gets. I'm OK with that. Operating has become an ever less
priority with me. My enjoyment came from the technical aspects of the
hobby.

Finally, some felt I may be trolling,  opened myself up for any kind
of answer, or painted myself into a corner because of my
constraints.... To those critical of my constraints I simply ask that
you accept them, they must be, at least for now. I expect nothing more
than simple respect, and will accept nothing less.
--
73 Rod, Ai7NN  ~*~*~Happy Holidays~*~*~


On Dec 31, 2007 8:48 AM,  <rcerkon at gmail.com> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> After a 2+ year hiatus from "RadioActivity", I finished up a K2 build,
> and tried getting on the air a bit--UGH dismal results! During the
> recent ARCI Homebrew Sprint I made 3 contacts, 1 in WA and 2 in ID,