I hope everyone had a fun/safe Field Day in 2020. I know that it was a lot of fun for me despite the challenges that went beyond COVID-19. Video recap: Details: Solar powered operation 50W CW End-Fed Halfwave (49:1) that was severed by a cat LifePO4 TalentCell 24Ah 12V N1MM+ Elecraft K3 Very rural part of Iowa with low noise floor Dodged several thunderstorms - but ultimately went QRT Sunday due to clouds (no solar charging)
Does your cat have a long tail so that when you pull on the cat's tail, your QSOs are heard as meow's far away?
Nice Job. What struck me is how closely we did the same thing for FD. I pitched a tent and strung an OCF dipole at my sister's farm in Washington County, NE. I had a solar panel, a LiFePO4 battery, and a KX3 with a KXPA100 amp. When you pulled out your RigExpert antenna analyzer, I had to chuckle because I used one too. I bought a Notch Big Shot slingshot with a trigger to get my lines up in the trees. I was very pleased with how well that worked. I did not work as hard as you though. I had a leisurely 147 CW QSOs on 40, 20, and 10. It stormed a little over night but it was not altogether unpleasant - in fact - it was a nice field day experience. 73 and CU in 2021. AE5S
Love the Einstein quote. If pulling that cat's tail would give me another 5dB and another 50 QSOs it would be tempting.
The K3 is really a good radio and the receiver (with filters) is great for crowded conditions. I'm happy with it. I also have an Icom IC-7600 which I prefer for SSB and RTTY. My KX3 is another great rig for what it is. Really enjoy that for qrp.
That's funny! I nearly brought my KX3 instead of the K3... Just decided 50W would be better. I definitely wished I had a slingshot to put up antennas rather that a sock filled with gravel. 73!
