[Elecraft] -SSB net and KX3&KXPA&BL2

[dwight]

Just a quick note today I had an extremely difficult time getting heard 
on the Elecraft SSB net on 20 meters with my vertical this morning.

I decided to pull down the vertical.  I decided to tape my Elecraft BL2 
Balun to the Jackite pole and try a dipole.
The BL2 and wire inverted V dipole were up about 35 feet.  (10 foot 
elevated porch and 25 feet Jackite pole)

My thought was the KX3 and KXPA tuner would deal with any tuning.   
Seemed like all bands tuned just fine.
My thoughts were, will it radiate and to what extent.

Then on 17M and I was hearing JA7WND calling CQ,  SSB.      I answered 
and he heard me and gave me a 5x7 and then 5x8, with a "nice audio!."
That surprised me as 20M was very difficult and you'd think 17M would be 
worse.

But that was not the biggest surprise.

Later in the evening I heard UA3ZDC calling CQ, SSB on 20 meters.   I 
responded and again he answered.
Again he gave me a good signal.   That was like over 5,500 miles from my 
QTH!!!  He must have an incredible antenna and shack to hear me.

I'm very impressed with the Elecraft equipment!  All of it, even the 
balun kit.

Well I did not make the Elecraft SSB net this time, but it was sure cool 
to make some DX contacts by not giving up and trying something 
different.

Much Regards
Dwight
WM5F