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Is this some kind of challenge? If so, I won't argue with your choice of the KX2. I would however suggest another antenna. The AX1 is expedient, but I have yet to get much out of mine here in Idaho. I'd opt for a PackTenna Random Wire with the KX2. But, I know you've logged a good deal of contacts with the AX1... so there ya go! As far as the coffee, a thermos Medagalia D'Oro, instant espresso, and some heavy cream... Thomas, you make it look easy... Great video...
Tom, thanks for another great and groovy video. I picked up a KX-2 and AX-1 antenna used, a few months ago. I am active in POTA more than anything else. I had not used the AX-1 antenna more than maybe one time (made a contact sitting on the back patio this summer). After watching this I grabbed my Lowe pack and headed to the hills of a state park about an hour from here. The leaves are almost peak so my wife even jumped in the buggy and came with me. I went to the highest overlook in the park and setup the KX2 and the AX1 at a picnic table, got spotted on the POTA page, and started calling CQ. I had 11 in the log book in about 35 minutes on 20m. I even worked Alaska, England, and Arizona...from south central Indiana...running 8w. The breeze had picked up and it was getting chilly so I had to QRT and pack it in. I am so glad I saw this video, it put a bug in my ear to try out the AX-1. I normally setup a Eagle One vertical on my SUV trailer hitch. This was WAY easier. 72 de KB9BVN - I hope this solar cycle lasts 4 or 5 more years. It's been great fun!
I love this! Yes indeed! That AX1 is a viable antenna and I, too, have worked some AMAZING DX with it. Once, under a metal roof shelter in a valley, I worked a P2P with a station in the UK with 5 watts.
I'm a fan of the AeroPress. I use mine daily. I'm a fan of of a quick 20 meter vertical antenna, but I like mine full sized. Thanks for the videos and the website.
Very interesting that such a short antenna works OK, but man you get easily distracted by that coffee boiler. At least I could skip the coffee section using your bookmarks (I am a Tea drinker 😀)
I watch plenty of highly-produced videos, providers trying to get to some magical sub-30 or sub-20 minute video length and I have to say, I prefer your "warts and all" format. After turning in my NTS CW roles when son #2 took over my shack some 30 years ago, the POTA bug has bitten and I'm busy putting together a QRP CW field kit (QMX, TP-III, EFHW, ...) determined to get back on the air! Appreciate the pour-over content. Everything is better with coffee. Hope to catch you on the air soon. Mike, KN7U
The credibility of your recommendations is unmatched. I have the same radio, antenna, and mechanical pencil; all based on your reviews. Would love hear your opinion of QRP-adjacent orienteering gear (compass, spikes, map clutch, etc..). Would gladly follow an affiliate link.
Thank you so much--very kind of you to say. I will try to list all of my gear links in the field reports. I, too, like seeing this on websites and channels I follow. Again, thanks for the kind words.
Ha, when you set up the 13 ft radial, and didn't put the 40m extension on, then tried to tune on 7.061 I actually was talking to the screen!! I knew you'd catch it though, and that also confirmed my question about which counterpoise to use with which bands! Thanks, 73 K8JLW
Wow, you and I have similar tastes! I've been a big Snow Peak fan for years and am now a happy owner of a KX2 and AX1, thanks to your videos. I even noticed we've got the same pencil! 😂 I have a feeling a Begali may be in my future, but I'm holding myself back until I can competently make CW QSOs. I normally use a hand grinder and my AeroPress for situations like this, though. Thinking I should give the pourover method a shot. Hope to catch you on the air!. 73 KF0LRV
I love my Aeropress, too! I have two of them. :) Haven't splurged for the ultra portable one yet. Say, tell me about your hand grinder! I'm in the market and could use some recommendations.
@@ThomasK4SWL I think my original reply may have been deleted. Maybe Amazon links weren’t the best idea. Anyway to recap: I’ve had the Porlex mini grinder for about a decade and it’s holding up well. Looks like there are fancier options out there these days, but it works well for a compact, portable grinder, and I like it better than the plastic Hario I had before it. I also use a cheap AWS Scale from Amazon to weigh the beans before grinding, and the Porlex just about perfectly fits the 18g I use. It all fits nicely in a Red Oxx Nomad shave kit bag.
@@oliverstewart5899 Thank you so much for the recommendation! I will check it out. Yes, I believe you're right--RU-vid must have auto-removed the post with a link. I didn't know they did that, but then again I can't remember the last Amazin link I found in a RU-vid comment! :) Thanks again!
Something tells me that the mew KH1 is gonna take the first place metal for your smallest field kit. I am trying to think up a way for being able to operate the KH1 on a tabletop using that whip antenna. Maybe some sort of tripod mount?
Freudian slip at 10:56? Mentioning your favourite equipment, you say "My Elecraft KX1, ..." Well, I guess with transceivers (unlike with women) it's OK to be polyamorous. David VE7EZM and AF7BZ
For me, it works surprisingly good. I often use the same equipment during my excursions in the Baltic Sea region and I am always fascinated by its capabilities. No problems all over Europe and also overseas contacts😊
@ThomasK4SWL High Temps this week will be from the 20s to sub zero. So, I made an adapter to go from the AX1 tripod mount to the mag mount on the pickup so I can work out of the cab. Initial test I logged POTA in FL, OH, and OR with the KX3. The large ground plain is working great.
