The mission of the compact, TSA-friendly "Frequent Flyer" FSL antennas is (to
paraphrase Captain Kirk) to "seek out exotic new DX, and new propagation... to
boldly go where no gain antenna has gone before." With this compact antenna's
ability to go practically anywhere and provide serious inductive coupling gain
for portable radios, isolated ocean beaches worldwide have suddenly come into
play for serious long range DXing.
Just like Captain Kirk and his crew put their skills to the test in strange new
worlds, a "Frequent Flyer" DXer puts his skills to the test on strange ocean
beaches, and isolated tropical islands. Weather can be extreme, and the DXer
needs to be ready to face the challenge head on. Instead of Klingons there are
RFI issues to work around, and in instead of Romulans there are prohibitions on
external antennas. Internet access costs can easily exceed the yearly budget of
a Star Trek captain. A strong sense of creativity and adaptability is a must,
as well as a determination to carry out the mission regardless of any
obstacles. But the rewards are as great as the challenges.
Most DXers are aware that a salt water beach can enhance transoceanic
propagation, but few DXers have had the chance to chase transoceanic DX on an
isolated tropical island, surrounded by salt water on all four sides. John
Bryant had the chance to do so at Easter Island in 2007, and I had the
unforgettable experience of doing so on Aitutaki island (in the Cook group) in
April. Ocean-enhanced propagation at such sites seems to be in a higher league
than what we enjoy here on North American beaches. John Bryant remarked (in his
unforgettable way) that DXing on Easter Island was "the most fun that I've ever
had with my clothes on." DXing on Aitutaki Island was certainly in the same
league, although I wouldn't want to attempt any description similar to John's.
After receiving long range AM-DX from India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia and
Brazil with a compact FSL antenna, though, I can definitely say that it was the
most fun that I've ever had in the radio hobby!
If you plan a long range vacation (or many) and think that you are up to the
challenge of "Frequent Flyer" DXing on exotic ocean beaches, the Federation
would like to talk with you. New ferrite bar and ferrite rod FSL models are
available for donation to those who are willing to put their DXing skills (and
innovation) to the ultimate test. So consider following in the footsteps of
Captain Kirk, and take this opportunity to put your hobby excitement into warp
drive.
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
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