Matt wrote:
>... when I was backpacking, every ounce and square inch > was very significant. Having been on many several-day back pack trips over the past 30 years (mainly in the Arkansas Ozarks, not on Mount Everest), I'd say that is true to a point, but overstressed. Will an eight-ounce difference in carried weight call down disaster or cause even minor additional discomfort? Does anyone head to the boonies *for recreation* with that small of an endurance margin? I think that this "every ounce hurts" outlook is based much more on some sort of competition-oriented dogma rather than on experience with real problems from having a few extra ounces along on a typical trek. If it were that critical, then the HF ham gear should get ditched before the start. If HF gear is required as part of the fun, then one just puts out the slight extra effort and carries what will do the job. I also carry a small AM/FM/SW broadcast receiver and a 2M/70cm HT, both of which have priority over the HF QRP rig and antenna if something must get culled out. > 40', 50' or more of #14 wire, no matter how flexable does not >compact as small as the same length of #26. My trip-ready backpack easily also accomodates my rolled up 66 foot dipole complete with six PVC water pipe insulators and jumpers in each leg, plus nylon cord and some RG-58. > we need an antenna AND counterpoise (or radials if you prefer). The beauty of a dipole is that counterpoise/ground wire is NOT required or desirable. >Now... if you are not backpacking and only heading out the the local park, >then #14 is great Portable HF operations have always been my primary ham radio interest. Based on that, IMHO 14 AWG Flexweave works great for *any* outdoor activity requiring wire antennas. I would never consider using anything less now, having used less in earlier years. I'm surprised when anyone who has tried the Flexweave concludes differently. 73, Mike / KK5F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
