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
