About this episode
This episode was inspired by a QSO with Ron Rowe, W2ELS. If you’d like to hear another episode of this podcast, there’s only one way to make it happen: hunt me down in the park, mention the show, and request a new one!
In this session, I share highlights from my recent Parks on the Air adventures and a few lessons learned along the way:
Taking First Place at Decker WMA: The thrill of running pileups again and topping the charts in QSOs.
Mic Challenges & Solutions:
My struggles with one-handed operation and transmit button.
Why I replaced my HM-219 mic.
Adding a Heil PTT foot switch and Pro Sound 6 IC headset.
Adapters for both the ICOM 7300 and FT-891.
Ground Radial Mishap: How stepping on a JPC-12 radial led to a quick field repair with a terminal ring and crimpers (and why I’m so glad I bought good wire strippers).
ATAS-120 Update: KG8Y Tom offered to help troubleshoot, which inspired me to register KQ4UUR.com.
Go Bag Upgrades:
ERYY LiFePO4 25AH battery (fits perfectly in the backpack front pocket).
25ft MOOKEERF RG316 coax with PL-259 connectors.
45A fused connector to Anderson PowerPole adapter for clean power management.
With all that in place, my Portable Go Bag is finally complete and tested! It now includes:
HF radio with mic and power cable
JPC-12 antenna
3ft jumper coax and 1:1 choke
Feedline coax
RigExpert Stick 500 analyzer
Handheld HT for 2m & 70cm
Band allocation chart
iPad for logging (with notebook & pen as backup)
Starlink Mini (optional)
Tuner and jumper coax (optional)
Backup antennas
Future addition: Gabil GRA-ULT01 MK3 mini tripod
