[Elecraft] [KX1] On the trail with the KX1 -- Antenna ?

[John Harper]

If you're taking a hiking stick you might be able to install a threaded insert (3/8" X 24?) into the top of it to accept a HamStick type of whip. I've done this in Oklahoma and the Texas coast with very good results on 20m with my KX1 - 2 or 3 radials complete the antenna. You can more easily use a camera tripod for the same purpose if you'll be carrying one.

This can be used for bands other than 20m of course but with correspondingly lower efficiency that a 6-foot whip would provide and with less likelihood of decent openings on bands higher than 17/20m.

On 40m, good NVIS results from just laying a dipole on brush/bushes 5 or 6 feet high. By good results I mean loud, solid consistent communication out to 250 miles or so.

John AE5X
Radio: http://www.ae5x.com/blog
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