[Elecraft] OT: NVIS with KX3

[Thorpe, Jeffrey]

I use my KX3 just like this - see answers below:



> On Apr 23, 2014, at 9:04 PM, "Johnny Siu" <vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk> wrote:
> 
> Hello elecrafters,
> 
> It is off topic and you may wish to press 'del' button now.
> 
> Local ham clubs together with some hams in the China Mainland are going to do some drilling in ARES within the Pearl River Delta area (with a radius of about 50km).  NVIS could be one of the operation to trial run for ARES.  My questions are:
> 
> 1.  Is the power output say 10w from KX3 good enough for such purpose under SSB? We don't want CW which requires training operators.  Phone mode can be operated by anyone with minimal guidance (a simulation under emergency).

Yes - in fact it works quite well at only the 5w limit using the internal batteries. You will need external power to get 10w output. 


> 2. During day time, is 40m a proper band to use (no 60m band in ITU Region 3)?  If yes, what will be usually frequencies used such proposes?

40m during the day, 80m at night.


> 3.  I am going to use Buddipole for the NVIS antenna.  Did you go good results for similar operation in the past?

There are better - and cheaper - ways to go for NVIS. Go to DX Engineering's webpage and look for their "paper" on an NVIS antenna to build. A quick websearch will also turn up similar plans. These are all based on the US military's NVIS antenna system. You do not need the "special" parts DX offers, although I did get wire from them.

The antenna system is a crossed inverted V with the apex being 15ft high, the wires and rope (I used 550 paracord) are the guy-lines. Instead of a long coax for the feedline I used 300ohm ladder, but that can be a pain as you need to keep it off the ground. It does keep the weight down when packing though. For at home, I will be switching to coax. I also use an Elecraft BL2 balun (set to 1:1) at the KX3 before the feedline. (After the switch to coax, I will be using the balun set to 4:1 at the feedpoint.) From what I've read, a balun isn't required, just recommended.

I also have the internal tuner option - very important. I have used the above antenna on 20m also, and have made contact with Denver (I'm in southern AZ), a distance of about 650miles on 10w.

73,

Jeff - KG7HDZ


> Looking forward to your advice and thanks in advance.  Please reply off-the-list so as to save the bandwidth here.
> 
> 73
> 
> Johnny VR2XMC
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