Pileup Time! Pairing the QCX-Mini and PackTenna EFHW for some serious QRP SOTA fun! 

I really enjoy the things going wrong! Cold hands, cold body, and a noisy speaker that quits when it wants. I hate making mistakes and often wonder if hunters know I'm camping. No excuses, but when it rains it pours - coffee spilling, tarps coming loose, dogs barking, chairs breaking ..... All at once. You handle it with grace, Thomas.

Great video thanks Thomas 73 from NP3V

You've really been cranking out the videos lately. I appreciate and enjoy all of them. Thanks.

Thomas, you are a true CW warrior. Being new to CW I did a lot of rewinding trying to decode some of those calls. Congratulations on bringing your backup radio and finishing the activation. These videos help me understand what to expect on a CW activation since I've yet to do one. 73, Noel W2MSA

Looking forward to meeting you at Branson (if I can make it). Thanks for the great videos!

PLEASE send a K after your callsign when you call CQ! When do we know when you're done sending? It's a common and expected practice for every cw op. Good job on the activation - you had a good run on the QCX Mini! Mine's the 30M version - great kit, especially for the price.

Great video, Thomas. Another phenomenal job working the pileup. I now recognize how easy I have it not doing video when I activate. I can just use earbuds and not worry about speakers going south! 73 de Brian - K3ES

I love QCXes. I have 6. 4 Classics on 20-30-40-80, 1 Plus on 40, and 1 Mini 20. I also have the 50 watt amp for those days when QRP just doesn’t work (like trying to reach the mainland from the beach in Maui). I just home-brewed 3 EFHW for QCX specific deployments on 20-30-& 40. I’m still trying to hear you from AZ.

Perhaps you could add some transcripts for folks like me, who only understand cq de. Would be interesting to hear what other stations are keying to get certain reactions from you 😂. Good vid, enjoyed it. 73.

May I recommend you install the new AGC mod that Hans just released? I just installed 6 of them and the work very well. A good $6 to spend.

I use the RIT a lot when working pileups. I tune it back and forth when I can’t pick out a call easy so I can work the guys who are not perfect zero. Still waiting on my QCX mini. 73 de N4DJ

Fun video❗️👍

Thanks for your videos. They are informative and inspiring. I have done some pota. (Phone) And have started mastering my CW. So some day soon. I'll jump into cw. I am hooked. 73 DE. Kc1fig

sold all my paddles a couple of year ago. Started watching you and now I want to learn again. Went to CW Morse and thought it would be easy but they want to know if I want with magnets. Your recommendation if you don't mind. I am thinking without. Thanks! KQ0Q

Suspecting your speaker problems are due to colder temperatures of the battery. The capacity drops when cold and is no longer enough to run it under load for very long. Probably be a great warm weather speaker.. and likely will work great when warmed up back at home for a while.. but usually no one thinks to test this stuff out before going out into the cold.. Could be batteries in the radio too, but I suspect speaker first.. Great Vids... I hope to get out to do some activations this year. (to cold for me now! +5 F for high here yesterday!)

Another great video! I agree with what you said that it is difficult to copy CW in the field. Headphones are the way to go but I appreciate what you do so that we can hear the QSOs on your videos. 73 KQ9L

As always, nice video. 34 degrees? No way for me. I couldn't send CW since my hands would be shaking from the cold. Hi Hi I like how simple you keep the portable station and still make some nice Q's. I try to do the same when I'm QRP/P. Barry, KU3X/QRP

I think you may be getting interference from your phone being to close to the radio. I had some issues with my sw3b and quickly learned that my screen can't be on near my radio. I hope you get your sound figured out.

Might pick up another kx2 Hahahah. Fb activation man. Hope you guys are staying warm man it’s 5 degrees here in KY. Maybe the mod for the qcx will help it.

I love your videos, your principals how you make them, but there’s only one deterrent… I cannot understand Morse code, I wish some of your contacts would be vocal so I could hear at least some of the conversations… I tend to start fast forwarding through the Morse code parts… but overall, great work!!! Please keep it up!!! And the most important thing, I can tell you really enjoy the hobby!!!

Quick question, how much line do you carry in your arborist line kit? I’m putting one together and trying to decide on how much line to carry. Thanks. KQ9L

No to be confused with Flat Shoal Mountain (W4C/EP-004)

KX2 saves the day again! I'll second the recommendation to retrofit your QCX mini with the new AGC circuit. Also I'm curious why you're not using the memory keyer on the QCX mini?

HeLLUUU this is Thomas

If it weren’t windy and cold would you activate from the tower?

How short did you trim the supplied antenna wire?

What key u use?

Everytime I see a quality piece of gear, like CW keys, the maker is either out of business or doing limited production runs. So frustrating !! Maybe I’ll just print my own. Ugh. Awesome radios ! Looks fun. Please be safe hiking in the woods. Please bring personal protection to guard your life. Lots of Cougars, etc. (the animal 😉☺️). If you don’t carry one, consider a Personal Locator beacon device. Bands been weird last couple of days. Hope to work you soon. Love the QRP Labs Mini. The volume on that radio lol will blow your eardrums if not careful. 73, KB2QQM