[Elecraft] Lead Weights and Fishing Line while Operating Portable

[eric norris]

Please consider NOT using lead fishing weights when operating portable.  Lost lead weights can harm wildlife, and handling them won't do you any good, either.  Elecraft recommends using 5/8" stainless steel nuts for portable antenna weights on page 10 of the KXAT1 Manual (the atu for the KX1--this section should go in the KX3 manual as well).  I have had great success with stainless nuts and have never lost one in the field.  The shack is another story. Stainless steel nuts are available at many hardware stores and online.  

Also, monofilament fishing line is nasty stuff.  It does not degrade for centuries.  Birds like to gather it up and use it for nests, where it can then entangle them.  I use instead the 3/32 or 3/16" dacron antenna rope from HRO which is much less likely to get tangled and broken or ensnare birds.  There are many other alternatives.

See you in the field!

73

Eric, WD6DBM  KX3 #944