[Elecraft] KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

[Donald Butler]

Regarding portable antennas, I have had success with my KX1 and now my
new KX3 S/N125 with a simple random wire and counterpoise attached
directly to the BNC connector using a BNC to dual binding post adapter.
When hiking or backpacking the biggest problem is finding a suitable
tree to support the wire, but when I'm driving I bring my own support
along: a portable tripod and painters pole.  Follow this link: 

http://www.udxa.org/gallery/show_thumbs.php?id=28

I made the photos in the above link just a couple days ago . and worked
several stations on 17M that afternoon, including a UA9.


On the other hand, my success when trying to operate from inside hotel
or motel rooms has not been great . I have made QSOs, but it's always
very very difficult ...(I must find a loud Cqing station who no one else
seems to want to work).  I've played with random wires, but there never
seems to be a decent way to drape them around inside a motel room......
So I  use MFJ base loaded telescoping whips (those that have been
marketed for the FT817 . but rather than mounting them directly to the
KX3 I have homebrewed a small base from scrap aluminum and an old
project box..it has an aluminum baseplate with thumscrews for attaching
radials and a bnc connector for the vertical whip . I have made several
successful QSOs using this arrangement indoors . both at home and in
motels . but the going is always tough.  I personally believe the random
wire will always outperform the telescoping whips ... So they are my
choice when I'm outdoors, but the whips are more practically when
indoors.

Don, N5LZ



-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ronald Nutter
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 7:39 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?


Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3.  Hope to have it in the 
August/September timeframe.

In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that

will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a 
Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for 
operation.

Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I 
have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc 
for each of the bands I may want to work.  Since I hope to be able to 
purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I figured

on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside.  Would 
like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's have 
had good luck with.  Depending on conditions/where I will be operating 
from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason.

Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not.  Dont do a lot of 
operating on CW but might change that.

Suggestions ?

Ron
KA4KYI

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