Regarding portable antennas, I have had success with my KX1 and now my new KX3 S/N125 with a simple random wire and counterpoise attached directly to the BNC connector using a BNC to dual binding post adapter. When hiking or backpacking the biggest problem is finding a suitable tree to support the wire, but when I'm driving I bring my own support along: a portable tripod and painters pole. Follow this link:
http://www.udxa.org/gallery/show_thumbs.php?id=28 I made the photos in the above link just a couple days ago . and worked several stations on 17M that afternoon, including a UA9. On the other hand, my success when trying to operate from inside hotel or motel rooms has not been great . I have made QSOs, but it's always very very difficult ...(I must find a loud Cqing station who no one else seems to want to work). I've played with random wires, but there never seems to be a decent way to drape them around inside a motel room...... So I use MFJ base loaded telescoping whips (those that have been marketed for the FT817 . but rather than mounting them directly to the KX3 I have homebrewed a small base from scrap aluminum and an old project box..it has an aluminum baseplate with thumscrews for attaching radials and a bnc connector for the vertical whip . I have made several successful QSOs using this arrangement indoors . both at home and in motels . but the going is always tough. I personally believe the random wire will always outperform the telescoping whips ... So they are my choice when I'm outdoors, but the whips are more practically when indoors. Don, N5LZ -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ronald Nutter Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 7:39 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ? Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3. Hope to have it in the August/September timeframe. In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that will allow me to operate from just about anywhere. Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for operation. Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc for each of the bands I may want to work. Since I hope to be able to purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I figured on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside. Would like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's have had good luck with. Depending on conditions/where I will be operating from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason. Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not. Dont do a lot of operating on CW but might change that. Suggestions ? Ron KA4KYI ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
