As I’ve talked about numerous instances, what I like most concerning the Elecraft KH1 is the way it has turn into my EDC (On a regular basis Carry) radio. It’s the right companion for these impromptu activations I handle to squeeze into my every day routine.
Take Thursday, December 5, 2024, for instance.
Round 3:00 PM, recent from a bodily remedy session (engaged on that shoulder!), I discovered myself rerouting as a consequence of a washed-out bridge on Freeway 70—a lingering reminder of Hurricane Helene. The quickest path dwelling took me alongside a brief stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And, as any POTA fanatic is aware of, you should seize the prospect for an activation should you’re on the Parkway anyway!
Time was tight—simply 25 minutes from begin to end—however that’s all I wanted.
I parked on the Folks Artwork Middle, grabbed the KH1 from my EDC bag, and hiked a brief stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Path (MST). This fortunate spot scored me and my hunters a 2-fer: US-8313 (MST) and US-3378 (Blue Ridge Parkway).
Along with the KH1, I really had my digicam with me as a result of I’ve been planning a video to showcase the gear I carry in my EDC backpack. Little doubt, after I finally produce that video, I’ll reference this activation for instance of why it’s so good to have an On a regular basis Carry radio.
It was a gusty day, and sadly, my wi-fi mics (with wind screens) had been nonetheless in my full radio bag at dwelling. With out them to fight wind noise, I opted to document the video intro and abstract from the relative calm of my automobile.
For the activation itself, I used audio piped straight from the KH1 into my digital recorder—clear, crisp, and wind-free. The draw back? No narration throughout the activation.
Sarcastically, establishing the digicam took longer than establishing the KH1. The radio was prepared in a breezy 15 seconds, whereas the digicam setup stole a few treasured minutes.
Gear:
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Radio Gear
Digicam/Audio Gear
I hopped on the air and known as CQ POTA. Thankfully, the RBN picked me up instantly, and since I’d introduced the activation simply minutes earlier than, I used to be noticed on POTA.app very quickly.
In 14 minutes, I labored 12 hunters. Thanks to everybody who chased me!
Usually, I’d put up photographs of my hand-written logs, however after I log straight on the KH1’s logging pad, my handwriting is so tough, it’s troublesome to learn. Right here’s a screenshot from POTA.app as an alternative:
Right here’s what this pedestrian cellular activation seemed like when plotted out on a QSO Map:
Right here’s my real-time, real-life video of the whole activation. As with all of my movies, I don’t edit out any components of the on-air activation time. As well as, I’ve monetization turned off on YouTube, though that doesn’t cease them from inserting adverts earlier than and after my movies.
Notice that Patreon supporters can watch and even obtain this video 100% ad-free via Vimeo on my Patreon web page:
Click on right here to view on YouTube.
There’s a particular thrill in these fast activations. The KH1 makes the method so seamless—it’s virtually easy!
In fact, I’d desire longer periods with extra time to work further bands and hunters. However I’ll take a fast activation over none in any respect!
I’m already plotting a multi-park rove as soon as extra native parks reopen in western NC. Likelihood is, the KH1–and my 40 Meter AXE coil and longer counterpoise–will come alongside for the experience.
Thanks for becoming a member of me throughout this fast QRP /PM activation!
I hope you loved the sector report and my activation video as a lot as I loved creating them!
In fact, I’d additionally prefer to ship a particular due to these of you who’ve been supporting the location and channel via Patreon, and the Espresso Fund. Whereas not a requirement, as my content material will all the time be free, I actually respect the assist.
As I discussed earlier than, the Patreon platform linked to Vimeo makes it potential for me to share movies that aren’t solely 100% ad-free but additionally downloadable for offline viewing. The Vimeo account additionally serves as a 3rd backup for my video recordsdata.
Thanks for spending a part of your day with me!
Have an incredible week forward!
Cheers & 72,
Thomas (K4SWL)
