CQ WW WPX CW Contest - May 25th, 2019
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- čas přidán 26. 05. 2019
- In this video, I get a chance to talk a little philosophy while driving to a local park. I then set up my Mountain Topper and SOTABEAMS dipole and work 11 stations... 8 of which were 5,000+ miles away! This will show you that a tiny, battery-powered radio can produce excellent results and allow you to have a ton of fun.
Gear seen in this video:
MTR-5B HF radio: www.lnrprecision.com/store/MT...
3Ah lithium ion battery: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Mini Speaker: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Palm Mini Paddle - no longer available
Zoom H6 Audio Recorder: www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
GoPro Hero7 Black camera: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
2" Drive-On Mast Mount: tn07.com/mast-supports
Green 33' fiberglass telescopic mast: tn07.com/telescoping-masts
Thank you so much for the videos I really enjoy them.
Cliff great philosophy & another excellent video. It was nice visiting with you @ FDIM.
DANG!!! I started watching your videos right after I got into Ham Radio. This is an incredible video!!!! Keep it up as it is very inspirational!!
Bob, you are very kind and I thank you. I wouldn’t blame you if you had said, instead... “What kind of QRP-obsessed Yahoo shoots a ham video in the 92 degree heat of the day?” :-). Cliff
Excellent video, Cliff. exactly what I was hoping for. KI2H (formerly N8PSI)
I love your channel Cliff. I don't miss a single video since I've subscribed. Thank you so much for your informative contributions to QRP. I fell in love with QRP/CW back in the 90's and have been hooked ever since. It's virtually my only mode of operation HF. You're very inspiring. Again, thank you.
Larry Cliver I appreciate your kind words. -Cliff
Great video as usual, Cliff. Really enjoyed the audio setup with external speaker and mic with the dead cat. The ambient audio captures the portable work experience.
W8AAR Radio Thanks for your opinion. I was happy with it, too. Just seems more organic. I like hearing those birds chirping in the background. Wearing earbuds and monitoring the audio recorder, I can hear the radio well and get a sense of the balance between my voice and the radio’s audio coming from the speaker. Doing it this way, I could even ditch the bulky Zoom H6 recorder, and just use my little Sony digital recorder... like you’d use to take dictation or record meetings. It’s good to find more compact, simpler solutions when possible for field work. Thanks again. -Cliff
Really enjoyed this one!! Thanks for putting it together and sharing!
73
Pete
KD2OMV
I love watching this format of videos of QRP CW. Very cool.
Thanks, Joey. - Cliff
I wish you would come back and post some more videos. I miss the inspiration and your calm approach. Hope you are well.
Inspiring video. It makes me want to work on my Morse code more! That was really incredible the way you were working those stations
You can do it! There's nothing special about me. I have no talent for it... I just put in the time working on it. And, unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. It's purely a time-suck. If you put in the time, you will prevail! - Cliff
Wow Cliff great CW skills at such speed. After a 32 year lapse getting back into CW with older brain matter! Now around 18wpm. Really enjoy the video, inspiring to do better. 73 Phil G0BVD
Nice work. I use the same paddle portable. Love it.
Fun video! I could watch this all day Cliff. Love your setup and positive outlook on QRP operating. Thanks for the video. Gary - formerly KB0KDX
N4KRX Ham Radio Thanks, Gary. It was a good day for QRP! -Cliff
Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it. Haven’t watched any of you in quite awhile. And you’re definitely right about some hams just enjoying watching others using their gear and making contacts! 73’s W7YDA.
Really miss this channel!!!
Good job. I really appreciated the fishing analogy (which is also something I enjoy) as well as the comment about the fella that can't get out anymore. You are giving back to others! 73 my friend
I have learned much from so many others. I feel good about being able to help someone else. - Cliff
What a beautiful noise-free band! I'm used to the constant roar and hash of electronics, but this sounds so much more relaxing.
I love your videos. You have been a big factor in my deciding to get into QRP. As a semi new HAM with a Yaesu FT-991A and 800 watts at my disposal, I find that I got bored with the sport. I have had my little FT-818 ( I sold an Icom 7100 to buy this) for only a few days now, and I am more excited when I make contacts than I ever got using my powerful setup. I am currently using an FT-818ND brand new, with the little QRP tuner from LDG, and an Wolphi-Link for digital. After a bit of learning with more to come, I find Ham Radio exciting once more. Thanks for these videos. You have become my CZcams Elmer. 73's W4LIF
Very good, Richard! Shooting fish in a barrel is no fun. QRP makes things more interesting, for sure. - Cliff
Wonderful attitude and suggestions. It was great to see you at FDIM!!! Looking forward to next video 73, KA7MHD
Good to see you again, Bruce. Let’s do it again next year. -Cliff
Thanks, really enjoyed this video. That's a nice little radio. I'll check your older vids and see if you did a review on the radio and antenna. Keep it up!
This was amazing I so need to learn CW. Thank you
I'm so jealous. I just finished cw academy level 1. I still feel like I have a long path ahead of me. These video make me so motivated. Thanks for the inspiration.
Congrats on finishing level 1, Tom! Just so you'll know... I can copy callsigns and contest exchanges at pretty high speeds... HOWEVER... I can't carry on a ragchew at anything near those speeds! It's something I really want to work on. I recently signed up for CW Acadamy Level 3 in order to get some help with it. Let's just keep doing what we're doing until we get where we want to be! - Cliff
Cliff, Nice video. I thought the audio with that configuration sounded pretty good. Thanks for sharing your outing. 73.
Impressive. I wish someday I'll be able to copy that fast. Thanks for the inspiring video.
Listen to this video lol I found myself head copying some of this stuff and it's way faster then my norm
VA2WLT Walter, you can do it, I promise. It’s just a matter of setting aside 30 minutes each day to listen to code that’s a little faster than you can comfortably copy. Over a few months, you’ll be amazed at your progress. That’s really all there is to it. You can do this! -Cliff
@@QRPSchool I concur I was up against a wall then watching your video I started copy other signals randomly with out really noticing till I read the call was different so i rewound it to make sure lol... persistence pays off and the wall will break and you wont even notice sometimes it's the on air that shows you where you are at copy speed is improving
I hate fishing, but I love qrp cw especially with homebrew equipment! AC8LZ; SKCC 9433
Thank you for this excellent video Cliff ! I really enjoyed every minute of it, although those contest stations are going way too fast for me ;-)
And I find myself 100% in your QRP mindset, exactly my thoughts....whatever floats your boat as they say, as long as you have fun !
Recently I purchased a MTR3B_LCD, so hope to have as much fun as you do when going /P.
Mni 73 ! Patrick ON4CDJ
Patrick Verkimpe Your MTR-3B has the same power output as my MTR-5B. You will be able to make plenty of contacts with that tiny, awesome radio. Summer is here! Time to go outside and play radio, Patrick. Have fun out there. -Cliff
I had been learning CW and made some contacts but then work and life got in the way. I was trying to decide if I should give up learning since I had not practiced in over six months but then I watch this video. You inspired me to put in the practice and get back to learning to operate QRP CW. This morning I put in 30 minutes on my CW app and plan to do that every day until I am a CW operator. THANK YOU! Steve N7SRG
Way to go, Steve! Thirty minutes per day is plenty of time to get you back in the game. You'll get there before you know it! - Cliff
I love your setup(Audio/Video)......like a pro!....that's what some CZcamsrs need is good audio and video setup.
Thank you, Enrique. - Cliff
Nice video Cliff. I had a go with a QCX 20m radio, and a sotabeams dipole. QRO fishing is a hand grenade and a big net!!
Love the QRP stuff, gave me a new life in the hobby, and your videos are inspirational.
I'll use the same gear for the RSGB field day contest this weekend!!
Regards, Bill.
Thanks, Bill. Have fun with that QCX this weekend. I built a 40m version but my 20m kit remains unbuilt. In other news, I just bought a Xiegu G90 that is supposed to arrive on Friday. I'll fire it up and see how it plays. Maybe we'll hear each other on the bands at some point. - Cliff
You're right Cliff. It's not more fun, it's just different fun!
Wow! & With an I vertex V. And a very nicely done video.
I love your video Cliff, gonna post this on my facebook. QRP sounds great to me... Don't have a club where I can go operate on HF so watching hams on youtube is taking care of my fix til I get my transceiver, 73 de KI7OXA
Will Gilliam When you get a chance, go to SDR.hu in a browser. You’ll find a number of HF receivers that are connected to the internet. You can select one from the map view and have your very own HF receiver. It’s like having an HF receiver in your pocket (via smartphone). This is very cool and I need to tell others about this in a future video. -Cliff
Thanks for share !!! best 73 from TI3ATS
Mni tnx for the QSO Cliff. 73 de LU5DX (One of the ops at LT1F)
Martin Monsalvo Thanks for copying my weak signal, Martin! -Cliff
Great analogy. QRP is like fishing with an ultralight rod with 2# test line and landing a 5# bass.
Hey, Cliff, it's been some time and I have been looking forward to more of your videos. Miss the passion!
Miss your videos.
Hope to whatch again more videos.
73 de Pedro CT7ARQ
Great video! I (much like the disabled ham you mentioned) am not physically able to get out and set up a station like that in the park. However, I really enjoy watching these videos and hope to set up a station that I can operate from my recliner. It helps distract and take my mind off the chronic pain I live with. Thanks you for your videos and I sure hope you are doing ok and that you make more videos again! Thanks and 73! KM4OCJ
Setting up a station from your recliner sounds like a great plan! I'm sorry to hear of your chronic pain, though. Hopefully, better days are ahead. Take care - Cliff
Cliff, I was hoping you would do a video on this weekend’s contest. Great video as always. I received my KX2 last week, got my antenna set up (not the best situation for an antenna G5RV Jr in my attic). I too worked this weekend’s contest at a relax pace and made 107 contacts with 5 watts and not the best antenna setup. Worked a lot of the same DX stations that you did. This was my first contest after 28 years as a ham. I plan on using the KX2 with an end feed antenna set up in the woods for this year’s field day. Thanks for the inspiration through your videos. Jim K4GUF
Jim Guffey That’s awesome, Jim! I love my KX2. Isn’t it amazing that you can work Europe with an attic-bound antenna?! Fantastic, sir. Field Day will be a hoot with that little jewel of a rig. -Cliff
Nice video ! Thanks & 73 !!
excellent video Cliff, tnx for share with us, the wpx cw contesters. 73. yv5emg
Gracias, Enio! -Cliff
But....but...the bands are dead! What a show you put on. Ultralite indeed. 73
Isn't that interesting, Tim? The bands are dead until 1,000+ people start calling CQ like mad. Suddenly, it's wide-open to somewhere! - Cliff
Cliff we'd not be bored silly about anything you do. I, like you and many others I'm sure, have anxiety issues that hold me back, in life and in radio. Your videos, and to be honest your complete body of work is important to us, those of us that suffer with anxiety . Don't doubt that for a second Cliff. I look at what you do and hope that one day that I can do the same here in EI. For someone who suffers with anxiety, you've done amazingly and you are a real inspiration to those of us who suffer in silence.... A very happy new year to you Cliff and hopefully, some day further down the log I'll get to work you. Best wishes from EI, John EI5JS oh and to lighten the mood a little Cliff, what is your favourite grab-and-go QRP radio for out in the woods work, I mean, if you had to choose just one? Cheers Cliff, John.
I appreciate the kind words, John! To answer your question, if I had to choose just one radio to use out in the woods, I'd most likely grab my Elecraft KX2. It does everything I care about doing on all the bands I'm interested in. The internal battery keeps me from having to deal with an external battery and power cable. It's got a great receiver with good DSP filtering. I like my other smaller, more primitive radios, too, but the KX2 is a complete package that's a joy to take on a trip to the park or on vacation/holiday. - Cliff
You always put together a fine video, de W1CTN Dave Radio Ansonia
Very nice video. So fun!!!!!! Damien? France.
Man I really love the ultralight tackle reference that's my kind of fishing... but so is --.- .-. .--. -.-. .--
Getting pack into the hobby and I have to say that this is one of the more enjoyable videos I’ve watched concerning ham radio operation. 73s de KE5ZOV
Thank you. This goes to show that you don't need to have fancy gear to have lot of fun! Glad you're getting back into the hobby. -Cliff
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I would love to see a new video if you are still making them. Even if it’s just a video with no editing or overlays of you operating, or of any new gear you have. Either way, thanks for all the videos you have already made.
-KE8EAZ
Nice video budy! 73 and see U on contests ! PR4C/PS2R
I’m just getting into the QRP space. Just got KX3. I have hooked it up to a OCF @ 15ft in my backyard. And I was a little skeptical and worried I wouldn’t make contacts. But from NW OHIO in the last couple days, AZ FL CA. 5w and a few at 10w as I experiment. It is fun. Thx for the vid.
Way to go, Ted! - Cliff
Hope you're good. I always thought of it as fishing as well. Like I need to know the right season, time of day, weather, location, bait to catch a specific type of fish. Other times throw some rotting squid on the line and see what bites!
Cool that you only send your report once. If they don't get it, then you send it again. Most QRP'ers send their report 3 or 4 times at 5 WPM. Great job. 73 W7WHY
Well, its been a year - must say I am missing the QRP School channel - but grateful the old videos are still available.
Thanks for thinking of me. I'm still out here, fat and happy! I'll get back to videos at some point. I hadn't planned on taking this much of a sabbatical but I'm enjoying some other hobbies right now. I'm still heavily involved with my local ARES group. Maybe I'll work you on the air at some point. Thanks again. - Cliff
Cliff , you are awesome
Hey, Rene! I hope you’re finding time to play radio. I haven’t seen you lately. Don’t be a stranger. -Cliff
Thanks for the CC (Closed Caption) I'm just learning CW. No way I could copy that fast. But with CC I can actually hear the letters.
J OShaughnessy You’re welcome! Thanks for watching. If you keep practicing, you will absolutely prevail over CW. It’s simply a matter of putting in the time. -Cliff
Cliff, it's more confusing to the other station by sending the leading "0" ZERO each time. If spaced correctly, most likely 21 21 won't be confused for 2,121. I've been doing it the same way for nearly 50 years. FWIW, just a different way of doing the exchange. Keep up the great video content.
Hi Cliff. I hope you and your family are well. Miss you and your videos. Stay safe.
Thanks, Dave. I'm alive and well, spending time on music and work right now. I'll be back here one of these days this year. Thanks for checking in with me. Stay safe - Cliff
wow really inspiring video class thanks 73 from kb2uew congratularions
Like the way you explain QRP and fishing that is great sine your channel i have one but is in portugues we need material in portugues for brasilian people de missing inf.thats how i do.73 from PY1AX tony rio de janeiro sounds good
Ispiring video indeed!
I am involved with radios since 1974, my firsr QSL at 11 m on 1976. Too afraid to cw exams though, so I passed the exams and received my call sign only recentrly. But you sir, just made me think again. Maybe I should try to learn this code, why shouldn't I?
73 de SV1SLB
Hi Cliff......another great video and THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing with us. Amateur Radio is a great hobby and Qrp is just another way to have fun with it. I have been active Qrp for most of my years in Ham radio. Hope we get a chance to work each other soon would really like to add you to the log. I'm taking an over night camping trip on my motorcycle next month and will operate Qrp from camp. Great Fun. 73's Cliff and Thanks again!!!! Mark KA8ONW
fra366 p Mark, your motorcycle trip sounds like a blast! (I have a motorcycle, too.) If the timing works out, maybe you could try to give me a call on the radio from camp. If you want to try that, just shoot me an email to cliff@qrpschool.com when you know more about your schedule. -Cliff
Hi Cliff...great to hear from you. I sure will let you know when I intend to be in camp and set up. Very glad to hear you ride also. From 1997 to 2000 I lived in Chapel Hill, TN and enjoyed the Ren Fest in Triune, TN. Also, your video on the SOTA Beams antenna was great advice. I love that antenna. CUL Cliff, 73's. Mark KA8ONW
Cliff, just a note to let you know I like the your video's a great deal! Also, your clean shaven look makes you look quite young!
71/72 de k6whp
dit..dit
Thanks for the kind words. The beard is back for the winter but I'll lose it again in a few months. I've been so busy with work and other hobbies that I haven't made any videos (any ham radio videos, anyway) lately... but I'll get back to it by Spring. dit dit - Cliff
Cliff good to hear all OK
nice video! Working on my code and should be on the air for field day. If you liked FDIM you would probably enjoy Ozarkcon. It is a fun weekend for QRP folks.
Hello, Charles. I attended Ozarkcon in 2018 and enjoyed it.
@@QRPSchool Wish I'd known. I was there too - it was my first time. I understand that you are going to conduct a club build of Jack Purdum's Morse Code Tutor device. I hope that you will present it on your channel.
Charles Wells I will definitely do a video on Jack’s Morse Code tutor. My friend Dave Matthews and I have ordered the parts to make 20 kits. Dave is going to produce a custom PCB for the kit. It will likely be a month or so before we have it kitted up. Stay tuned! -Cliff
Hi Cliff, Enjoyed your QRP videos. It's been quite a while since your last post. Hope you are OK. Thanks for your excellent channel.
Thanks for your videos! QRP rocks! 73 de ai4ot
Too much fun de ne7ts
Impressive, you make look so easy.
Excellent video
73
wd4dda
Cliff,
Thanks for using the dead cat wind screen...... wish more videographers did. Wind noise is very irritating. Maybe put in a source for those so other video makers can purchase one.
Dave K8WPE
Hey, Dave. Unfortunately, there's not a one-size-fits-all "Dead Cat." It's very common to see them used on "shotgun" mics... especially those being held on a boom pole by an audio guy on a film shoot. The one I use is specifically made to fit over the stereo mic of my Zoom H6 audio recorder.
On my long list of videos to make is one that helps people to make better ham radio videos. (Not that I'm an expert, but I certainly can help newcomers.)
Thanks, Cliff for another great video and some real-life wisdom. Nice CW. What band were you on and what did you use for a center support for your inverted "V"?
Hi, Jack. That was the 20m band. I was using a fiberglass mast held up by a drive-on support base... both obtained from TN07 Engineering. Thanks -Cliff
Good QRP-operator ! 73 de Jose (ON4CAU)
MNI TNX !!!! de US4ET Victor . 73!!!!!!
where are you, Cliff? Still alive I hope.
Still alive. This is the busiest time of year for my company. Buried in work right now...
Some of those contacts were blazing fast and I couldn't copy. Some weren't so bad. Yours were always clean and easy. I guess it's about time I started working CW again. Saturday's propagation was something else. I sometimes wonder if all of the RF expended on a contest day helps improve propagation? Contest days, especially in the middle, always(well... maybe not always) seem to have improved propagation.
Michael Lloyd Yes, it’s time to dust off your paddles and rediscover how CW allows you to make long distance contacts with a tiny, battery-powered radio! Of course, you can do the same with digital modes but Morse Code is somehow more satisfying (to me, anyway). Have fun out there, Michael. -Cliff
@@QRPSchool I don't dislike digital modes but I will admit that the rapid fire, "insulated", exchanges feel like unsocial media to me. There's not much better than leaning into the headphones and trying to decode that "slightly faster than I can copy" CW exchange.
As someone very new to HAM (and thus CW) with no experience with contesting, any chance you could do a video with the "Anatomy of a contest QSO" please?
They went past so fast! I swear they took less time than a voice contact.
Apologies if there is already one, I am still working through your excellent backlog.
Many thanks, 73.
Could you share your antenna setup please?
The antenna was simply a 20m dipole, deployed as an inverted-V with the Apex at about 25 feet. It's about the simplest thing possible. After playing with lots of antennas over the years, I find a simple dipole to be easy and effective, as you can see by the results shown in the video. - Cliff
You're a good CW op, fluent no doubt about that.
I noticed that you're not squeezing your C in N4CCB. It's a right-left-right-left action. Some old habit from the days you were a novice ? :-)
Used to QRP a lot as ON7QRP, did that but 2 years with that call then returned it. Still doing on-off QRP with my 45+ years old ON6KE call.
73, good DX and stay safe.
Gust ON6KE
Fun to watch (and listen) and learn. 73 KJ4FX
Where U at?
Missing U
This was some fast keying (says the learning OM HI HI) 73's.
Cliff where did you go? Always enjoyed your style on here.
Hey, Chris. Thanks for thinking of me. I'm still active with my local ARES group and I'm making videos for them. I'm also busy with work and my other hobbies. I will be back here at some point. After I made 50+ videos, it started to feel like work. I couldn't just go out and play radio without feeling like I "should" be dragging along my audio/video gear and making a video. Taking a break from it has been nice! But, again, I appreciate your checking in with me. -Cliff
Thank you for this inspiring video. What happened that this was the last one since one and a half years? I hope you are well!!
That's a great question, Thomas. I wish I had a great answer! I'm alive and well. I'm still active with my local ARES group and I'm making videos for them. I'm also busy with work and my other hobbies. I will be back here at some point. After I made 50+ videos, it started to feel like work. I couldn't just go out and play radio without feeling like I "should" be dragging along my audio/video gear and making a video. Taking a break from it has been nice! But, I appreciate your checking in with me. -Cliff
@@QRPSchool I am very happy that you are well. In these Corona times you never know. Thanks to your videos I started learning Morse code and leave QRO-Land.... Take care and stay safe. All the best to you. 73 de HB9FKF, Thomas
Another great video Cliff. Where do you get all of your great t shirts??
I make my ham radio t-shirts online at customink.com. They have a nice online editor that lets you put any kind of text and graphics together quickly. They end up being about $25 per t-shirt at quantity 1. They are much cheaper if you make a bunch of them. Someone suggested that I make a video showing my t-shirts and how I make them. Maybe others would be interested but, honestly, you can make one just like mine RIGHT NOW online at customink.com. Easy-peasy. - Cliff
Love this! Your early videos inspired me to learn CW which I have. These videos inspire me to practice my copying. I still have a lot of trouble copying quickly! Love your videos Cliff! How to get you in my log someday. de K0EAP
Congrats on learning morse code, Eric. It's great to have that knowledge because it allows you to use the smallest, coolest, battery-powered radios! Have fun up North, there! - Cliff
I have enjoyed many of your video's Cliff. I have noticed it's been quite a while since you have made any new videos. I'm hoping you are ok and enjoying life despite not making videos. May all be well with you and your family. 73 KD2LMR
Dave Ramos I appreciate you checking on me. I’m alive and well, fat and happy... as happy as one can be during this virus weirdness. I’m riding my bicycle and motorcycle. I’m still playing piano and am learning a new instrument- electric bass. I’ve done a lot of music production lately in my little project studio at home. And, of course, there’s my (software company) job to keep me busy each day.
I am active in my local ARES group but haven’t been doing a lot of hamming, otherwise. I’ll cycle back around to it at some point.
So, thanks for noticing that I went AWOL! I’ll be back at some point, Dave.
Stay safe,
Cliff
@@QRPSchool I'm so relieved and thank you for responding. You know, it's amazing how connected we, as the viewers become following someone on CZcams. You mentioned recently about an older gentlemen living your experience, by watching your video's, since he no longer can experience it himself. I think we all do that to some degree, no matter our situation. Thank you for your content. I have learned a lot, made several purchases on you're advise that turned out wonderful. Most importantly I'm so glad you are healthy, happy and well. :). 73 KD2LMR
Really enjoy your videos Cliff. Which key do you use?
Thanks, Ed. Here in this video, I'm using a Palm Radio "Mini Paddle". Sadly, Palm has ceased production within the past year. I also have the Palm Radio "Pico Paddle" which is smaller but feels cheap compared to the larger, metal Mini Paddle. At home, I use a Begali Simplex Professional - which is one of the least expensive Begali's. I like it a lot. - Cliff
Cliff what antenna were you using?
Mark, it was just a 20m dipole. Nothing fancy. I use the SOTABEAMS linked dipole. The one I was using is for 20m, 17m, and 15m. You can link the wire segments together to lengthen the antenna, giving you two or more bands with a single antenna. Pretty convenient. - Cliff
What happened to your videos? I really enjoy them. Would love to see more QRP School!!!
M.T. Chesser, what kind of videos (or topics) would you like to see from me when I return to making videos? Thanks - Cliff
@@QRPSchool could also be some random radio sessions at home or outside, I would enjoy watching them in any case
@@QRPSchool I am a CW student and have found your videos very motivating. I have tons of RFI at home, so portable is what I have to do to hear much. So, the intersection of CW and portable ops is really interesting to me. I have started to do POTA, and there seems to be a lot of operators doing that. I have also just got my first kit to build, a simple tuner from QRP Guys. So, simple kit builds and reviews is fun to watch. I also really enjoy your portable radio reviews. I have missed your videos, much like the other posters, I keep re-watching old ones to stay motivated in my many-year CW learning journey. :-)
@@gfw123 I think you are on a very good journey! Portable ops, POTA, kit-building... there's a lot of fun right there. I hope to work you on a POTA activation at some point. - Cliff
73 OM tnx EA5zz
Hi Cliff ... the YL has authorized the purchase of a telescopic mast. Searched your archives but didnt see anything. Can you recommend one? Tnx es 73s de KA4NIV Maurice
Hello, Maurice. I have 3 of them. The one you saw in this video is from TN07 Engineering. If you contact them, tell Bob Petrie (owner) that you want the green one. Bob only lives about 15 miles from me. My second one is a travel mast that collapses down to 26"... so it fits into a suitcase. I take that when I'm traveling or on my bicycle. My third one is the black MFJ 33' fiberglass mast. It's a little thinner-walled than my green one from TN07 Engineering, but it's still a good mast. Have fun out there! - Cliff
Thanks will give Bob a call.
@@QRPSchool Hi again Cliff. Talked to Bob this evening, my Green mast is on the way. Thanks for the recommendation!
@@mrice3274 Excellent. I saw Bob on Tuesday morning and told him about you. He said he had already heard from you. You'll like that mast. I use mine a lot, including in this video! - Cliff
Wow! QRP works! Were you outputting 5 watts from the 12v battery pack?
I think I’m getting about 3.5 watts out @ 11.4 volt (nominal) pack. Doubling my power (to 7 watts in this case) would cause stations to hear me 1/2 S-Unit stronger. So, I don’t worry about 3.5 watts vs. 5 watts. I still find plenty of other things to worry about... just not this. :-). Cliff
Cliff, long time no see - time to make a new video... KF7NGK
Hello Cliff, i would like to see others video from you on qrp.
What's happened ? Why you stopped to post others ?
Ciao
Luca
I'm alive and well. I'm still active with my local ARES group and I'm making videos for them. I'm also busy with work and my other hobbies. I will be back here at some point. After I made 50+ videos, it started to feel like work. I couldn't just go out and play radio without feeling like I "should" be dragging along my audio/video gear and making a video. Taking a break from it has been nice! But, I appreciate your checking in with me. -Cliff
@@QRPSchool Tanks for your explenations Cliff.
When you will be restart to make new videos, I will enjoy to see some new one
Ciao, Luca
Couple questions here...
1. @16:30 you're replying 'DE N4CCB... 021', and notice you sending a 'T' (Dahh) for the zero/O in your 021 number; why?
2. @17:04 is RW7K using a computer to generate CW, or is that person actually sending w/paddles?
3. Why are the the stations sending TEST with their call-sign?
I use to do CW at 13wpm over 20 yrs ago; different call sign expired, and when i watch ur vids in the field, i get motivated seeing you out there doing CW; i appreciate it.
Thanks for making these videos.
Hello, Jimmy.
1. Technically, serial numbers in contest rules begin at 001. So, you'd send "TT1" (a "T" is "cut number" for zero... just like "N" is cut number for 9 and "E" is a cut number for 1). After you get into double digits, you can omit the leading zero - but it could still be a source of confusion for a ham expecting at least 3 digits. If you're asked to send the number again ("AGN"), you can include the leading zero and send the number again or you can send the number twice with enough space between the repeat to not confuse the other ham. What I mean is that sending "21 21" too close together could cause the receiving ham to wonder if the number is 21 or 2,121. In the video, I should have probably sent the leading zero every time. But, as you saw, most receiving stations didn't need it.
2. Probably every station I contacted was using a computer to generate their morse code. There were a couple of times where the ham reached over and touched their paddles to send "N4" or "CCB" when they only copied part of my call sign initially. Logging software for contests has the ability to interface with radios to send morse code so the ham can type in the callers Call Sign and then hit Enter (or a function key) to have the computer send the proper exchange... even incrementing the serial number after each contact.
3. TEST is a quick way of letting people know that they're calling CQ for a conTEST. The last thing these guys want is for someone to slow them down by trying to have a traditional CW conversation while they're trying to score as made contacts/points as possible. There are often multiple contests running on the same weekend. If so, people will use a different word than TEST... they'll use a word that differentiates their contest from another. For example, people working the SKCC's Weekend Sprint will call "CQ WES", people calling CQ during the ARRL Field Day will call, "CQ FD", etc.
Thanks for watching! -Cliff
We miss your You Tubes- anything new coming soon ? Paul
Hey, Paul. I'm doing very little hamming right now. These next few months are pivotal to my business so I'm pretty heads-down with work. But, I'll be back. I'm still very active in my local ARES group and will be making videos again before Spring gets here. Thanks for checking on me. - Cliff
Just curious ... what bands were you working in this video to get this kind of DX?
Hi, John. All contacts were made on the 20m band. - Cliff czcams.com/video/qEK6E1y6ELo/video.html
I have now watched all your videos and noticed you haven’t posted in over a year? Are you ok? I’d like to see a video on how you feed all your antennas. Discussing various attributes of different coax and how much you carry when your potable? Have a great day. I hope your healthy and well.
Wow! You've watched all 50 of my videos? Thanks for checking them out! I'm alive and well and doing great... I'm just not doing much hamming right now. I'm busy running my software company but I'm also having fun making music, riding my motorcycle and bicycle, and whatever else comes up. I DO expect to make more videos... maybe even one this weekend as it's time for the WPX CW Contest again. Thanks for checking in with me. I appreciate it. - Cliff
Sounds great! I enjoy your take on Qrp. I’ve been licensed for 20 years but never made much effort into hf. VHF has fallen out of favor for me and I’m attempting to learn code. I Want to build a inexpensive txcvr kit and move into hf
@@QRPSchool It would be great to see your videos again. I have been away form ham radio for 20 yrs and looking to get back after I get my licence again, and QRP is obviously the way to go :-)
QRO = Party Boat, and QRP = Kayak fishing. BTW, the optics on the front facing camera were spot on - depth of field and focus. Canon or some other brand? Thanks for share. N2TEE
Thanks. Canon DSLR with 85mm lens @ f2.8 for shallow depth of field.
Where's Cliff?????
Great video. What's your main camera?
Hi, Chris. It's a Canon DSLR - the EOS-1D X Mark II body with a Canon 85mm f1.4L lens. Yes, it's a totally ridiculous example of overkill for making CZcams videos but it's ultra-reliable and produces beautiful videos. The ability to control it remotely with CamRanger is icing on the cake when you're a one-man film crew! Thanks or watching, my friend. - Cliff
@@QRPSchool Well the exceptional quality of your videos is what made me a subscriber. Keep it up. Looking forward to the next one.
Im stuck at 4 wpm. Not enough time to practice. Well not enough brain power left to practice after a long day.