I operated from Jumby Bay, Antigua for much of last week. I used my KX3, Precision End fed 10/20/40 and Buddipole in a vertical configuration (no coil, longer whip and standoff arms and 4 sloping elevated radials-feedpoint at about 8’). Antenna was about 20m from the water. I also used a Pigtail and Hamlog on my iPad for logging. For power, I use a refurbished laptop power supply which takes up minimal room. I also had Enerloops installed for my one outside foray.
Some points that might be of interest: -The KX3 and most of the accessories (including the trail version of the End fed and some mini coax)fit neatly into one of Rose’s bags. I took the KX3 out of the bag when going through security. It did not attract any attention. The side plates and cover make the KX3 a lot easier to transport. I checked the Buddipole as an extra bag. It arrived unscathed. -The Buddipole played very well on 15 and 17. I think the key is to set it up as a i/4 wave vertical and not use the coil if you can. I did set it up directly on the beach one day and I did not notice any appreciable change from running it closer to the villa. I did not have enough coax to run back to the air conditioned room when it was on the beach so it was more difficult to operate in the heat and direct sunlight. The End Fed worked well on 20 with it tied off to a tree at about 15’. Again only 20m from the water. -17 was the money band with good opening to EU and the pacific. Perhaps jaded from operating from the abyss of VE6 I had forgotten how good propagation is from the Caribbean. I had next to no noise and the band was open well into the evening. -initially I could not find the KPD paddle which I could have sworn I packed. This meant running cw using Hamlog through the Pigtail. For some reason I could not get my Zagg keyboard to pair with the iPad so typing calls on the touchscreen was a bit tricky. Eventually I managed to pair the Zagg and found the KPD. Apologies to anyone who worked me and I mistyped your call! -90% of the contacts were on CW. I initially used my Heil Quite Phones and boom mic for SSB (on the theory to save space I could use the Heil Phones on the plane-less the boom mic). However, I could not get enough “oomph” from this setup despite it playing well at home. The MH3 worked much better. In retrospect, I should have taken the CM500 headset, but again was trying to save space. However, with QRP and simple antennas I find SSB to be a lot of work. -The Pigtail worked well in ad hoc mode although it did eat two 9v batteries. I have a Piglet which I can power from a separate source (and it is smaller) for the next trip. -KX3 ran flawlessly. Most of all it was fun and allowed me to operate a few hours each day between other activities. The trail version of the End fed and coax fit into the bag and makes a nice package. I’ll post a few pictures of the setup on the V29SH QRZ webpage. 73 Tim VE6SH ________________________________ This e-mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure. No waiver whatsoever is intended by sending this e-mail which is intended only for the named recipient(s). Unauthorized use, dissemination or copying is prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please notify the sender and destroy all copies of this e-mail. Our privacy policy is available at www.mccarthy.ca<http://www.mccarthy.ca>. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
