Many due to Glen (KC8LA) who shares the next visitor submit:
by Glen (KC8LA)
Let me introduce myself—I’m Glen, KC8LA. I’ve been a ham for 30 years, however I solely began searching POTA activators in mid-to-late 2023. Earlier than lengthy, I assumed, “Wouldn’t it’s enjoyable to activate parks myself?”
In fact, YouTube was the place to discover ways to get began. I noticed that I’d want a conveyable radio (just like the FT-891), a tuner, an influence supply, a multiband antenna, and a technique to hoist it right into a tree. Whew! All of it seemed like quite a lot of lugging gear for simply a few hours of radio enjoyable. Was it price it? Again to YouTube I went, trying to find a better approach.
Through the years, I’d by no means thought a lot about QRP. Then, I stumbled throughout movies of Thomas, K4SWL, beta-testing a brand new self-contained Elecraft radio: the KH1. I watched each KH1 video I might discover—so many who I joked Thomas turned my “finest pal” by the display screen.
“That is it,” I assumed. “I’ll get the KH1!” However once I checked the worth, I needed to pause and suppose. After a few weeks, I lastly determined to order it on November 22, 2023, figuring it might arrive in early December, simply in time to arrange for my first activation in January.
Nope. The wait time was three months, pushing the supply date to February. I might wait, although! Within the meantime, I arrange my FT-891 within the Jeep utilizing alligator clips to the battery, hamsticks, and a laptop computer desk between the seats for my key and notepad. It labored, however I used to be simply sitting within the Jeep. Come on, KH1!
Because of components delays, the wait stretched to 5 months. Whereas I waited, I practiced activating parks with the FT-891 and found out the fundamentals to be prepared for the KH1’s arrival.
Lastly, on April 18, 2024, the KH1 arrived. I used to be sitting on the porch when the mail service handed me the field. I opened it proper then and there, assembled it, and made my first contact on 20 meters. My arms tremble a bit, so it was difficult, however I did it. Over time, I practiced and now comfortably run 18–20 WPM.
My first activation with the KH1 was on April 26, however it didn’t go as deliberate—solely 4 contacts. Undeterred, I attempted once more the next weekend. Eight contacts. Nonetheless not successful. Thomas made it look really easy in his movies!
I started researching what I used to be doing incorrect. I realized {that a} 5-watt activation takes longer than one at 100 watts (apparent in hindsight). Time of day, photo voltaic situations, and working on QRP-friendly frequencies all make a giant distinction. As soon as I adjusted my strategy, my third activation was successful, and so they’ve been going effectively ever since.
Within the meantime, Hamvention rolled round, and since I dwell close by, I put activations on maintain. At Hamvention, I made a beeline to Wayne from Elecraft, shook his hand, and thanked him for dreaming up the KH1. We swapped some struggle tales—I even shared how I’d labored 3G0YA cut up on 15 meters from a park!
For the reason that KH1 arrived, I’ve accomplished 70 activations throughout 23 parks in three states, together with seven parks in Utah over 5 days (a narrative for an additional time). Of these, 60 have been with the KH1, with solely 4 failures—two as a result of studying the radio and two from operating out of time. I’ve logged round 1,000 activation contacts with the KH1 to this point.
The KH1 goes in every single place with me, and I take advantage of it 95% of the time in its moveable, self-contained configuration. Often, I deploy my home made “chalk line” EFHW antenna, which consists of 33 ft of 2mm throw line and 41 ft of 26-gauge wire. It’s compact, tunes effectively, and clips properly to the KH1’s ES-20 case.
I’ve completed activations at quite a lot of areas: tire retailers, birthday events, weddings, bike paths, and even my front room chair. The KH1 makes HF moveable operation really easy that I’m considering shopping for a second one as a backup.
The built-in key has been a blended bag—I’m already on my second one, and I’ve had to make use of my backup key a number of occasions. However the radio’s battery life has been glorious, simply lasting 4 two-hour activations earlier than needing a cost. The tuner works flawlessly, and I’ve been pleasantly shocked by how effectively the built-in speaker performs in quiet environments.
What I really like most concerning the KH1 is the way it’s reworked my radio journey. It’s inspired me to get outdoor, uncover new locations, and revisit websites I haven’t seen in a long time. My dwelling park, US-1995 Sycamore State Park, is simply 20 minutes away, and I’ve activated it 27 occasions, logging 594 contacts towards my Kilo award.
Studying a subject report on QRPer.com, I noticed that Thomas had activated US-9410 whereas strolling a 0.6-mile boardwalk with the KH1. That park is barely an hour away, so I assumed, “If he can do it, so can I!” And I did. It’s a cute little wooded park, good for a conveyable activation.
I’m nonetheless working, so I must plan activations fastidiously for parks which might be greater than an hour away. However with the KH1, I’m at all times prepared for an journey.
I might have by no means believed {that a} tiny radio with a 45-inch antenna might reliably make HF contacts, however the KH1 amazes me each time I pull it out. It’s my radio of selection for nearly all CW contacts now—I’ve most likely made fewer than 20 CW contacts on my FT DX10 and FT-891 since getting the KH1!
Sure, there are many different moveable radios on the market, however for me, the KH1’s comfort, low “lug issue,” and fast setup time are unbeatable. I will be on the air in beneath a minute.
If you happen to’re on the fence about attempting QRP or the KH1, I say go for it. It’s a radio that has really enhanced my life, and I can’t think about my moveable adventures with out it.
