[Elecraft] Short whip operating tips

[Wayne Burdick]

Having operated pedestrian mobile many times, I’d like to offer a few suggestions for those new to the use of short whips (like the AX1). These and other tips appear in the AX1 manual. 

* Elevate the antenna whenever possible. For example, if you’re using a KX2, HT-style, your transmitted signal will almost always be stronger if you’re standing rather than sitting on the ground. (Exception: sitting on the edge of a cliff is probably just as good as standing. Don’t do anything risky :)

* Initially, try to find strong stations to call (S7 or higher), especially when using SSB. High signal strength at your end is often indicative of good propagation and/or that the station is using a gain antenna. 

* Try the higher-frequency bands first. 17 meters in particular is an outstanding QRP band. When I call strong stations on this band using 10 W SSB and the AX1, my success rate is something like 80%.

* ALWAYS use a counterpoise wire (one is supplied with the AX1). Otherwise your transmitted signal will be down as much as 20 dB.

* If you use the AX1 with the AXT1 tripod adapter, use a short length of coax, especially on 17 and 15 m were the rig’s ATU is required to achieve resonance.

Happy hiking— 

Wayne
N6KR

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