[Elecraft] Field Day report

[Wayne Burdick]

I did FD backyard-solo this year, in two chunks, due to a crazy schedule. A major highlight was having slices of pizza (and Corona[s], with lime) delivered to my operating position in near darkness by amused family members. 

For the first half I used a KX2 at 10 watts, with a couple of different 4’ whips. Not that my QTH is treeless; I was just evaluating QSO rate of electrically short whips vs. full length antennas.

For the second half I used a K4 and a 7 amp gel cell. I stuck with 10 W, but used a 16’ vertical. (Yes, QSO rate went up.)

You may recall that Elecraft was launched on a Field Day weekend over 20 years ago. Back then our goal was simple: to design all of the accessories into the rig, in that case the K2. Now, doing FD with the K4, it’s a whole new ball game. The large display, dual panadapter, mini-pan, and dual receive make my style of hunt-and-pounce operation a joy. It’s what I wanted all along and didn’t know it. 

At 10 W, SSB contacts in particular are more challenging. But the rig creates more opportunities. While waiting to repeat a call of one station, I can engage the sub RX and scan farther up the band to find the next one to call. 

My only regret is not hanging out with the K6SRA gang this year. 

Already dreaming up new antennas for next year!

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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