Serious QRP DX: My First POTA Activation with the Index Labs QRP Plus!
TLDRIn this video, Thoms K4SWL shares his excitement about his first Park-to-Park (POTA) activation using the Index Labs QRP Plus. He expresses gratitude to his Patreon and Coffee Fund supporters for their financial support, which helps him create content without YouTube commercials. Thoms describes the Zebulon Vance birthplace as his favorite spot for POTA due to its pleasant atmosphere and familiarity with the staff. He details the setup process for his radio and antenna, including the choice of trees for antenna placement and the use of a 40m inverted halfwave antenna. Thoms also discusses the features and operation of the QRP Plus, including its power output, bandwidth settings, and memory functions. He shares his experiences and interactions during the activation, highlighting the joy of working with other amateur radio operators and the satisfaction of using the QRP Plus after many years.
Takeaways
- 🎥 The video is a real-time documentation of Thoms K4SWL's first Parks on the Air (POTA) activation using the Index Labs QRP Plus radio.
- 🙏 Thoms expresses gratitude to his Patreon and Coffee Fund supporters, acknowledging their crucial role in enabling his content creation without relying on YouTube commercials.
- 📍 Thoms has chosen Zebulon Vance Birthplace as his go-to spot for POTA activations due to its pleasant environment and familiar staff.
- 🌳 Thoms discusses the challenges of setting up his wire antenna between trees, ensuring it's not in the way of potential visitors, especially school children.
- 📱 The Index Labs QRP Plus is a new addition to Thoms' equipment, and he's excited to use it for the first time in the field.
- 🔌 Thoms goes through the process of deploying his antenna and setting up his radio, highlighting the importance of having the right equipment and connections for optimal performance.
- 🎙️ Thoms shares his initial impressions of the QRP Plus, noting its simplicity, efficiency, and the nostalgic appeal it holds for him as an amateur radio operator.
- 📊 The video provides a detailed look at the technical aspects of setting up a QRP (low power) station, including power output, SWR checks, and antenna selection.
- 🌐 Thoms operates on various bands, making contacts with other amateur radio operators and discussing the conditions and challenges of each band.
- 🤝 Thoms mentions the community aspect of amateur radio, particularly the influence of his friends Eric WD8RF and Mike K8RAT in his journey as a radio operator.
- 📸 The video concludes with Thoms packing up his equipment, reflecting on the enjoyment he had during the activation, and the satisfaction of using the Index Labs QRP Plus.
Q & A
Who is the speaker in the transcript and what is his role?
-The speaker in the transcript is Thoms K4S, an amateur radio operator and a YouTuber who creates content related to his real-life experiences with field activations and radio operations.
What type of radio equipment is Thoms using in this transcript?
-Thoms is using the Index Labs QRP Plus, a lightweight and portable QRP (low-power) transceiver, for his field activation.
What is the significance of Zebulon Vance Birthplace in the transcript?
-Zebulon Vance Birthplace is Thoms' favorite go-to spot for conducting Park-to-Park (POTA) activations due to its pleasant area and his familiarity with the staff.
Why does Thoms mention his Patreon and Coffee Fund supporters?
-Thoms mentions his supporters to express gratitude for their financial contributions, which help him continue creating content without relying on YouTube commercials.
What is the purpose of the arborous throw line in Thoms' setup?
-The arborous throw line is used to safely and efficiently deploy the antenna wire over trees without getting it tangled or caught.
What frequency range does the Index Labs QRP Plus cover?
-The Index Labs QRP Plus covers a continuous frequency range from 160 to 10 meters, making it a general-coverage HF transceiver.
Why does Thoms decide not to use an RF choke in his setup?
-Thoms decides not to use an RF choke because he believes he doesn't need it for this particular setup and he has only brought BNC connectors, which are not compatible with the PL-259 connector on the QRP Plus.
What is the significance of the Index Labs QRP Plus in Thoms' amateur radio journey?
-The Index Labs QRP Plus played a significant role in Thoms' amateur radio journey as it was the first radio he saw in use at a field event, sparking his interest in QRP (low-power) operation and field radio activities.
What challenges does Thoms face while setting up his radio equipment in the park?
-Thoms faces challenges such as finding an optimal location for his antenna deployment without interfering with the park's activities, ensuring the safety of school children who might visit the park, and managing a long cable that is not ideally suited for the trees at the location.
What precautions does Thoms take to avoid damaging his equipment or the park?
-Thoms takes precautions such as using a heavier throw line to prevent tangling, being mindful of the antenna wire to avoid tripping hazards, and choosing a setup location that does not obstruct park activities or endanger school children.
Outlines
🙏 Introduction and Appreciation
The speaker begins by expressing gratitude towards their Patreon and Coffee Fund supporters, acknowledging that their YouTube channel is not monetized with commercials. They appreciate the financial support they receive, especially since they don't have the means to buy a transceiver or are on a fixed income. The speaker is currently at Zebulon Vance birthplace, their preferred location for their radio field activation videos, and is preparing for a radio activation using a new radio model they've recently acquired.
🌳 Antenna Setup and Tree Climbing Techniques
The speaker discusses their process of setting up a wire antenna in a non-ideal situation due to the trees not being tall enough. They explain their choice of equipment, including a 40m inverted halfwave antenna and a heavier throw line suitable for the type of trees at the location. The speaker also shares their arborous BL line work technique, demonstrating how they achieve the desired antenna height and shape despite the challenges of the environment.
📡 Antenna Deployment and Cable Management
The speaker continues with the antenna setup, detailing the process of deploying the antenna and managing the cable. They discuss the use of a long cable, the importance of counter poise, and the need to be conspicuous to avoid accidents. The speaker also talks about their preparations to ensure the antenna is well-balanced and secured, emphasizing safety and efficiency in their setup.
🔧 Radio Preparation and Setup
The speaker talks about their excitement in using the Index Labs QRP Plus, a radio they've never used before for a park activation. They discuss the radio's features, including its power settings, the need for a screwdriver to adjust certain controls, and the use of a paddle and key for operation. The speaker also mentions their intention to do a 'Getting to Know You' video about the radio, highlighting its significance in their amateur radio journey.
📱 The History and Innovation of QRP Plus
The speaker reminisces about their first encounter with the QRP Plus during a field event in 1997, where they were introduced to low-power amateur radio operation (QRP). They express their admiration for the QRP Plus's innovative design, efficiency, and its role in shaping their interest in field radio. The speaker also shares their experience of purchasing a used QRP Plus+ model and the potential risks associated with maintaining such a radio due to its obsolete parts.
🔋 Battery and Power Management
The speaker discusses the power requirements for the QRP Plus, mentioning the use of a 3 amp-hour lithium iron phosphate battery. They explain how the radio's low power consumption allows for long operation on a small battery, reflecting on the efficiency of the radio compared to other models from the past.
🎛️ Radio Operation and CW Contacts
The speaker begins operating the radio, starting with the 40-meter band using CW (continuous wave) mode. They discuss the process of setting up the radio for operation, including band selection, filter settings, and keying. The speaker also shares their experience in making contacts, mentioning specific callsigns and the joy of working with other amateur radio operators.
🤔 Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving
The speaker experiences some issues with keying and AGC pops during their operation. They discuss potential causes, such as the need for an RF choke or adjustments in their keying technique. The speaker also talks about their intention to review the situation further, showing a willingness to learn and improve their operation.
🌐 Working Stations and DX Contacts
The speaker enjoys working stations they don't normally get to, especially on the 10-meter band. They mention the pleasure of using the QRP Plus and its efficient operation. The speaker also reflects on their decision to not chase pileups and instead focus on enjoying the process of making contacts, even if it means fewer contacts overall.
📸 Logging and Antenna Take Down
The speaker talks about logging their contacts and preparing to take down the antenna. They mention the importance of a quick take down to avoid any interruptions, especially with the potential arrival of school kids. The speaker also shares their method of winding the antenna, emphasizing the simplicity and efficiency of their approach.
🎒 Equipment Packing and Final Thoughts
The speaker describes their process of packing away the antenna and equipment, highlighting the quality of their throw line and the importance of a good throw bag. They also mention their satisfaction with the day's activities, the pleasure of working with the QRP Plus, and the joy of being able to operate in the park.
🤗 Encouragement and Closing Remarks
The speaker concludes by encouraging others to help newcomers to amateur radio and to be kind to everyone. They reflect on the value of practical experience in amateur radio and the joy of helping others overcome barriers to entry. The speaker ends with well wishes for the week ahead and a reminder to enjoy the hobby and support each other.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡QRP DX
💡Index Labs QRP Plus
💡POTA Activation
💡Zebulon Vance Birthplace
💡40m Ined Halfwave
💡RG 174 Cable
💡PL 259
💡SWR
💡CW
💡SSB
💡Field Radio
Highlights
Thoms k4s swl is doing real-time Real Life Amateur Radio field activation videos.
Thoms doesn't monetize his YouTube channel and appreciates the support from Patreon and Coffee Fund.
Zebulon Vance birthplace is Thoms' favorite spot for Park On The Air (POTA) activations.
Thoms is planning to use a wire antenna setup to avoid interference with the park's activities.
The Index Labs QRP Plus is the radio that Thoms is excited to take to the field for the first time.
Thoms discusses the efficiency and portability of the QRP Plus, its features, and why he loves it.
Thoms' first contact on the QRP Plus was Eric WD8RF, who introduced him to QRP and field radio.
Thoms shares his experience of setting up the antenna in less than ideal trees and his technique for a clean deployment.
The QRP Plus is known for its efficiency, drawing only 120-130 milliamps on receive.
Thoms talks about the challenges of working with older radios like the QRP Plus, including potential issues with obsolete parts.
Thoms starts his activation by setting up his station, plugging in the key, and ensuring everything is connected properly.
The activation begins with Thoms spotting himself on 40 meters and starting to make contacts.
Thoms moves to the 15-meter band to work some DX and enjoy a quieter band with less activity.
He shares his excitement about working Europe on the 10-meter band and the satisfaction of using a less common band.
Thoms reflects on his experience with the QRP Plus, its ergonomics, and the joy of using an older radio for field operations.
He emphasizes the importance of helping newcomers to amateur radio and the community aspect of the hobby.
Thoms wraps up his activation by quickly packing up his station and antenna before any park visitors arrive.