[Elecraft] K3 # 1517 Field Day Success in MO - NØEVH

[John Watkins]

All,

Great FD here in Missouri camped at Lewis and Clark State Park.  Operated class 1B with K3, deep cycle battery and 15 watt solar panel.  Antenna was 80 meter doublet at 30 feet.  The battery was never taxed during the 24 hour event.

My first thought when the FD started was of my novice days when I witnessed the old timers logging Q's using those amazing Drake Twins.  Would it ever be possible that I would own gear that good?  Well I do.

My second observation was watching a good friend and excellent CW op run the first hour with my K3.  He had never played with one before.  He sure took to the rig quickly and enjoyed the tight filters, quiet front end, QSK and hey that little spot button saves time when running S&P.  No issues with the rig in 95F and 95%RH weather.  The fans were on, but you had to look at them to know they were running.

We put 321 Q's in the log in 17 hours, had good food/drink provided by the xyl and ran into many familar calls on the bands.  What I am wondering is why we only have one FD each year?

Now I need to find a battery that is not 8 times heavier than my K3!

73 to all

John NØEVH