CQ WW WPX CW Contest - May 25th, 2019 

Larry Cliver I appreciate your kind words. -Cliff

Thanks, Joey. - Cliff

N4KRX Ham Radio Thanks, Gary. It was a good day for QRP! -Cliff

Bob, you are very kind and I thank you. I wouldn’t blame you if you had said, instead... “What kind of QRP-obsessed Yahoo shoots a ham video in the 92 degree heat of the day?” :-). Cliff

W8AAR Radio Thanks for your opinion. I was happy with it, too. Just seems more organic. I like hearing those birds chirping in the background. Wearing earbuds and monitoring the audio recorder, I can hear the radio well and get a sense of the balance between my voice and the radio’s audio coming from the speaker. Doing it this way, I could even ditch the bulky Zoom H6 recorder, and just use my little Sony digital recorder... like you’d use to take dictation or record meetings. It’s good to find more compact, simpler solutions when possible for field work. Thanks again. -Cliff

Listen to this video lol I found myself head copying some of this stuff and it's way faster then my norm

VA2WLT Walter, you can do it, I promise. It’s just a matter of setting aside 30 minutes each day to listen to code that’s a little faster than you can comfortably copy. Over a few months, you’ll be amazed at your progress. That’s really all there is to it. You can do this! -Cliff

@@QRPSchool I concur I was up against a wall then watching your video I started copy other signals randomly with out really noticing till I read the call was different so i rewound it to make sure lol... persistence pays off and the wall will break and you wont even notice sometimes it's the on air that shows you where you are at copy speed is improving

I hate fishing, but I love qrp cw especially with homebrew equipment! AC8LZ; SKCC 9433

Way to go, Steve! Thirty minutes per day is plenty of time to get you back in the game. You'll get there before you know it! - Cliff

Very good, Richard! Shooting fish in a barrel is no fun. QRP makes things more interesting, for sure. - Cliff

I have learned much from so many others. I feel good about being able to help someone else. - Cliff

You can do it! There's nothing special about me. I have no talent for it... I just put in the time working on it. And, unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. It's purely a time-suck. If you put in the time, you will prevail! - Cliff

Good to see you again, Bruce. Let’s do it again next year. -Cliff

Thank you, Enrique. - Cliff

Thanks, Bill. Have fun with that QCX this weekend. I built a 40m version but my 20m kit remains unbuilt. In other news, I just bought a Xiegu G90 that is supposed to arrive on Friday. I'll fire it up and see how it plays. Maybe we'll hear each other on the bands at some point. - Cliff

Setting up a station from your recliner sounds like a great plan! I'm sorry to hear of your chronic pain, though. Hopefully, better days are ahead. Take care - Cliff

Congrats on finishing level 1, Tom! Just so you'll know... I can copy callsigns and contest exchanges at pretty high speeds... HOWEVER... I can't carry on a ragchew at anything near those speeds! It's something I really want to work on. I recently signed up for CW Acadamy Level 3 in order to get some help with it. Let's just keep doing what we're doing until we get where we want to be! - Cliff

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm still out here, fat and happy! I'll get back to videos at some point. I hadn't planned on taking this much of a sabbatical but I'm enjoying some other hobbies right now. I'm still heavily involved with my local ARES group. Maybe I'll work you on the air at some point. Thanks again. - Cliff

Martin Monsalvo Thanks for copying my weak signal, Martin! -Cliff

Patrick Verkimpe Your MTR-3B has the same power output as my MTR-5B. You will be able to make plenty of contacts with that tiny, awesome radio. Summer is here! Time to go outside and play radio, Patrick. Have fun out there. -Cliff

Thank you. This goes to show that you don't need to have fancy gear to have lot of fun! Glad you're getting back into the hobby. -Cliff

Way to go, Ted! - Cliff

Isn't that interesting, Tim? The bands are dead until 1,000+ people start calling CQ like mad. Suddenly, it's wide-open to somewhere! - Cliff

Will Gilliam When you get a chance, go to SDR.hu in a browser. You’ll find a number of HF receivers that are connected to the internet. You can select one from the map view and have your very own HF receiver. It’s like having an HF receiver in your pocket (via smartphone). This is very cool and I need to tell others about this in a future video. -Cliff

Jim Guffey That’s awesome, Jim! I love my KX2. Isn’t it amazing that you can work Europe with an attic-bound antenna?! Fantastic, sir. Field Day will be a hoot with that little jewel of a rig. -Cliff

Hi, Jack. That was the 20m band. I was using a fiberglass mast held up by a drive-on support base... both obtained from TN07 Engineering. Thanks -Cliff

Thanks, Dave. I'm alive and well, spending time on music and work right now. I'll be back here one of these days this year. Thanks for checking in with me. Stay safe - Cliff

Gracias, Enio! -Cliff

I appreciate the kind words, John! To answer your question, if I had to choose just one radio to use out in the woods, I'd most likely grab my Elecraft KX2. It does everything I care about doing on all the bands I'm interested in. The internal battery keeps me from having to deal with an external battery and power cable. It's got a great receiver with good DSP filtering. I like my other smaller, more primitive radios, too, but the KX2 is a complete package that's a joy to take on a trip to the park or on vacation/holiday. - Cliff

Hey, Rene! I hope you’re finding time to play radio. I haven’t seen you lately. Don’t be a stranger. -Cliff

J OShaughnessy You’re welcome! Thanks for watching. If you keep practicing, you will absolutely prevail over CW. It’s simply a matter of putting in the time. -Cliff

Hello, Jimmy. 1. Technically, serial numbers in contest rules begin at 001. So, you'd send "TT1" (a "T" is "cut number" for zero... just like "N" is cut number for 9 and "E" is a cut number for 1). After you get into double digits, you can omit the leading zero - but it could still be a source of confusion for a ham expecting at least 3 digits. If you're asked to send the number again ("AGN"), you can include the leading zero and send the number again or you can send the number twice with enough space between the repeat to not confuse the other ham. What I mean is that sending "21 21" too close together could cause the receiving ham to wonder if the number is 21 or 2,121. In the video, I should have probably sent the leading zero every time. But, as you saw, most receiving stations didn't need it. 2. Probably every station I contacted was using a computer to generate their morse code. There were a couple of times where the ham reached over and touched their paddles to send "N4" or "CCB" when they only copied part of my call sign initially. Logging software for contests has the ability to interface with radios to send morse code so the ham can type in the callers Call Sign and then hit Enter (or a function key) to have the computer send the proper exchange... even incrementing the serial number after each contact. 3. TEST is a quick way of letting people know that they're calling CQ for a conTEST. The last thing these guys want is for someone to slow them down by trying to have a traditional CW conversation while they're trying to score as made contacts/points as possible. There are often multiple contests running on the same weekend. If so, people will use a different word than TEST... they'll use a word that differentiates their contest from another. For example, people working the SKCC's Weekend Sprint will call "CQ WES", people calling CQ during the ARRL Field Day will call, "CQ FD", etc. Thanks for watching! -Cliff

Hey, Dave. Unfortunately, there's not a one-size-fits-all "Dead Cat." It's very common to see them used on "shotgun" mics... especially those being held on a boom pole by an audio guy on a film shoot. The one I use is specifically made to fit over the stereo mic of my Zoom H6 audio recorder. On my long list of videos to make is one that helps people to make better ham radio videos. (Not that I'm an expert, but I certainly can help newcomers.)

Thanks, Ed. Here in this video, I'm using a Palm Radio "Mini Paddle". Sadly, Palm has ceased production within the past year. I also have the Palm Radio "Pico Paddle" which is smaller but feels cheap compared to the larger, metal Mini Paddle. At home, I use a Begali Simplex Professional - which is one of the least expensive Begali's. I like it a lot. - Cliff

Thanks for the kind words. The beard is back for the winter but I'll lose it again in a few months. I've been so busy with work and other hobbies that I haven't made any videos (any ham radio videos, anyway) lately... but I'll get back to it by Spring. dit dit - Cliff

fra366 p Mark, your motorcycle trip sounds like a blast! (I have a motorcycle, too.) If the timing works out, maybe you could try to give me a call on the radio from camp. If you want to try that, just shoot me an email to cliff@qrpschool.com when you know more about your schedule. -Cliff

Hi Cliff...great to hear from you. I sure will let you know when I intend to be in camp and set up. Very glad to hear you ride also. From 1997 to 2000 I lived in Chapel Hill, TN and enjoyed the Ren Fest in Triune, TN. Also, your video on the SOTA Beams antenna was great advice. I love that antenna. CUL Cliff, 73's. Mark KA8ONW

I make my ham radio t-shirts online at customink.com. They have a nice online editor that lets you put any kind of text and graphics together quickly. They end up being about $25 per t-shirt at quantity 1. They are much cheaper if you make a bunch of them. Someone suggested that I make a video showing my t-shirts and how I make them. Maybe others would be interested but, honestly, you can make one just like mine RIGHT NOW online at customink.com. Easy-peasy. - Cliff

Hello, Charles. I attended Ozarkcon in 2018 and enjoyed it.

@@QRPSchool Wish I'd known. I was there too - it was my first time. I understand that you are going to conduct a club build of Jack Purdum's Morse Code Tutor device. I hope that you will present it on your channel.

Charles Wells I will definitely do a video on Jack’s Morse Code tutor. My friend Dave Matthews and I have ordered the parts to make 20 kits. Dave is going to produce a custom PCB for the kit. It will likely be a month or so before we have it kitted up. Stay tuned! -Cliff

I think I’m getting about 3.5 watts out @ 11.4 volt (nominal) pack. Doubling my power (to 7 watts in this case) would cause stations to hear me 1/2 S-Unit stronger. So, I don’t worry about 3.5 watts vs. 5 watts. I still find plenty of other things to worry about... just not this. :-). Cliff

Thanks. Canon DSLR with 85mm lens @ f2.8 for shallow depth of field.

That's a great question, Thomas. I wish I had a great answer! I'm alive and well. I'm still active with my local ARES group and I'm making videos for them. I'm also busy with work and my other hobbies. I will be back here at some point. After I made 50+ videos, it started to feel like work. I couldn't just go out and play radio without feeling like I "should" be dragging along my audio/video gear and making a video. Taking a break from it has been nice! But, I appreciate your checking in with me. -Cliff

@@QRPSchool I am very happy that you are well. In these Corona times you never know. Thanks to your videos I started learning Morse code and leave QRO-Land.... Take care and stay safe. All the best to you. 73 de HB9FKF, Thomas

Hey, Chris. Thanks for thinking of me. I'm still active with my local ARES group and I'm making videos for them. I'm also busy with work and my other hobbies. I will be back here at some point. After I made 50+ videos, it started to feel like work. I couldn't just go out and play radio without feeling like I "should" be dragging along my audio/video gear and making a video. Taking a break from it has been nice! But, again, I appreciate your checking in with me. -Cliff

Michael Lloyd Yes, it’s time to dust off your paddles and rediscover how CW allows you to make long distance contacts with a tiny, battery-powered radio! Of course, you can do the same with digital modes but Morse Code is somehow more satisfying (to me, anyway). Have fun out there, Michael. -Cliff

@@QRPSchool I don't dislike digital modes but I will admit that the rapid fire, "insulated", exchanges feel like unsocial media to me. There's not much better than leaning into the headphones and trying to decode that "slightly faster than I can copy" CW exchange.

Still alive. This is the busiest time of year for my company. Buried in work right now...

Hi, John. All contacts were made on the 20m band. - Cliff ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qEK6E1y6ELo.html

M.T. Chesser, what kind of videos (or topics) would you like to see from me when I return to making videos? Thanks - Cliff

​@@QRPSchool could also be some random radio sessions at home or outside, I would enjoy watching them in any case

@@QRPSchool I am a CW student and have found your videos very motivating. I have tons of RFI at home, so portable is what I have to do to hear much. So, the intersection of CW and portable ops is really interesting to me. I have started to do POTA, and there seems to be a lot of operators doing that. I have also just got my first kit to build, a simple tuner from QRP Guys. So, simple kit builds and reviews is fun to watch. I also really enjoy your portable radio reviews. I have missed your videos, much like the other posters, I keep re-watching old ones to stay motivated in my many-year CW learning journey. :-)

@@gfw123 I think you are on a very good journey! Portable ops, POTA, kit-building... there's a lot of fun right there. I hope to work you on a POTA activation at some point. - Cliff

Hi, Chris. It's a Canon DSLR - the EOS-1D X Mark II body with a Canon 85mm f1.4L lens. Yes, it's a totally ridiculous example of overkill for making RU-vid videos but it's ultra-reliable and produces beautiful videos. The ability to control it remotely with CamRanger is icing on the cake when you're a one-man film crew! Thanks or watching, my friend. - Cliff

@@QRPSchool Well the exceptional quality of your videos is what made me a subscriber. Keep it up. Looking forward to the next one.

Dave Ramos I appreciate you checking on me. I’m alive and well, fat and happy... as happy as one can be during this virus weirdness. I’m riding my bicycle and motorcycle. I’m still playing piano and am learning a new instrument- electric bass. I’ve done a lot of music production lately in my little project studio at home. And, of course, there’s my (software company) job to keep me busy each day. I am active in my local ARES group but haven’t been doing a lot of hamming, otherwise. I’ll cycle back around to it at some point. So, thanks for noticing that I went AWOL! I’ll be back at some point, Dave. Stay safe, Cliff

@@QRPSchool I'm so relieved and thank you for responding. You know, it's amazing how connected we, as the viewers become following someone on RU-vid. You mentioned recently about an older gentlemen living your experience, by watching your video's, since he no longer can experience it himself. I think we all do that to some degree, no matter our situation. Thank you for your content. I have learned a lot, made several purchases on you're advise that turned out wonderful. Most importantly I'm so glad you are healthy, happy and well. :). 73 KD2LMR

Mark, it was just a 20m dipole. Nothing fancy. I use the SOTABEAMS linked dipole. The one I was using is for 20m, 17m, and 15m. You can link the wire segments together to lengthen the antenna, giving you two or more bands with a single antenna. Pretty convenient. - Cliff

Hello, Steve. My Mountain Topper puts out about 3.5 watts with my 11.4 volt battery. I love how small a package it is. I make my ham radio t-shirts online at customink.com. They have a nice online editor that lets you put any kind of text and graphics together quickly. They end up being about $25 per t-shirt at quantity 1. They are much cheaper if you make a bunch of them. Someone suggested that I make a video showing my t-shirts and how I make them. Maybe others would be interested but, honestly, you can make one just like mine RIGHT NOW online at customink.com. Easy-peasy. - Cliff

Congrats on learning morse code, Eric. It's great to have that knowledge because it allows you to use the smallest, coolest, battery-powered radios! Have fun up North, there! - Cliff

Wow! You've watched all 50 of my videos? Thanks for checking them out! I'm alive and well and doing great... I'm just not doing much hamming right now. I'm busy running my software company but I'm also having fun making music, riding my motorcycle and bicycle, and whatever else comes up. I DO expect to make more videos... maybe even one this weekend as it's time for the WPX CW Contest again. Thanks for checking in with me. I appreciate it. - Cliff

Sounds great! I enjoy your take on Qrp. I’ve been licensed for 20 years but never made much effort into hf. VHF has fallen out of favor for me and I’m attempting to learn code. I Want to build a inexpensive txcvr kit and move into hf

@@QRPSchool It would be great to see your videos again. I have been away form ham radio for 20 yrs and looking to get back after I get my licence again, and QRP is obviously the way to go :-)

Hey, Paul. I'm doing very little hamming right now. These next few months are pivotal to my business so I'm pretty heads-down with work. But, I'll be back. I'm still very active in my local ARES group and will be making videos again before Spring gets here. Thanks for checking on me. - Cliff

I'm alive and well. I'm still active with my local ARES group and I'm making videos for them. I'm also busy with work and my other hobbies. I will be back here at some point. After I made 50+ videos, it started to feel like work. I couldn't just go out and play radio without feeling like I "should" be dragging along my audio/video gear and making a video. Taking a break from it has been nice! But, I appreciate your checking in with me. -Cliff

@@QRPSchool Tanks for your explenations Cliff. When you will be restart to make new videos, I will enjoy to see some new one Ciao, Luca

Hello, Maurice. I have 3 of them. The one you saw in this video is from TN07 Engineering. If you contact them, tell Bob Petrie (owner) that you want the green one. Bob only lives about 15 miles from me. My second one is a travel mast that collapses down to 26"... so it fits into a suitcase. I take that when I'm traveling or on my bicycle. My third one is the black MFJ 33' fiberglass mast. It's a little thinner-walled than my green one from TN07 Engineering, but it's still a good mast. Have fun out there! - Cliff

Thanks will give Bob a call.

@@QRPSchool Hi again Cliff. Talked to Bob this evening, my Green mast is on the way. Thanks for the recommendation!

@@mrice3274 Excellent. I saw Bob on Tuesday morning and told him about you. He said he had already heard from you. You'll like that mast. I use mine a lot, including in this video! - Cliff

Very cool!!!! - Cliff