[Elecraft] [KX3] Portable Antenna question

[ke6gda at gmail.com]

Hi Lynn,

 

I just picked up a KX3 a few weeks back and of course had the same question. I knew wire antennas would work well but wanted to try something different and see what would work if I found myself out in the desert or jumping on the air from the beach, so I went with the super antenna MP1 with the optional tripod base. I set it up in my back yard (in less than 10 min) and added a few more radials onto it than what it came with. Set the KX3 up on the patio table and fired it up. First QSO was to Alaska from the SF bay area on CW using 3 watts on internal batteries. I was excited considering I had very low expectations of the antenna. But it worked. The main thing I like about it is that it setup and break down is very easy, and the foot print is really small. I have limited antenna options at home and am using a hustler 6btv that’s concealed in painted PVC pipe hidden in the trees. My plans for this weekend are to set the MP1 back up and do some a/b comps with the hustler. 

 

On a side note, I went to New Mexico the week after I got my KX3. The super antenna breaks down really small and I had no problem sticking it in the pelican case I put together for the setup. Took the whole package radio and all as a carry-on onto the plane with out any problems. Got to New Mexico and set it up and had a blast. Are there other ideas that will work better, definitely, but for $100 for a small vertical it worked wonders. I figure if I find myself in a hotel room it would also work wonders.

 

I also picked up one of those MFJ 20 meter loaded telescoping antennas that plugs into the KX3 bnc connector. I added some radials to the KX3 case and started working JT65 while sitting at my kitchen table. Called CQ and started checking the PSKreporter website. Stations all along the east coast were picking me up from the SF bay area. The only issue I had was RFI causing the mousepad to freeze up. With JT65, that’s not a huge problem, but that would be an issue with PSK31 or RTTY. With the MP1 I did not have any RFI issues. 

 

As someone else mentioned trying out all different kind of antennas is a lot of fun, and I’m not going to lie, I’ve spent most my free time playing with the KX3 and different antennas and have somewhat abandoned the shack hihi.

 

73,

 

Steve

KE6GDA



Sent from Windows Mail


From: Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT
Sent: ‎March‎ ‎8‎, ‎2013 ‎7‎:‎16‎ ‎PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Portable Antenna question


My new KX3 is due to arrive on Monday -- with the KXAT3 tuner.

I saw some discussion of wire lengths that worked well with the tuner, 
and of course, now I can't find it.

I plan on mostly portable operation -- no place where I live for a nice 
antenna (and probably hard to get the OK from management).

Anyone have any practical experience to share?

73 -- Lynn, WB6UUT

P.S. Hi Lyle
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