Comments on: Pedestrian Mobile Honeymoon Island, Florida Mar 21, 2009

By: kmack

kmack — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:41:28 +0000

Thanks Steve! It all started with you helping me buy the Buddistick at Orlando Hamcation! Sure glad I stepped up and did that and got to meet you and Budd.

The bike flag is a bit of help keeping things airborne, but it does create the challenge of not poking someone’s eyes out or snagging on things. Learned I have to anchor it firmly or wind will spin it and that’s no fun. I’ll shoot some closeups of my new rigging this weekend. Think I can get a bit more height and stop the swinging. I made a bit of a balun with coax and not sure if that is helping or not, but seemed fine last outing. Would love to experiment more in that area and wish I had the TRSB or similar setup to try to do the ultimate tweak and get as much power to the antenna as possible.

I am having a ball and enjoying the HF Pack and Buddipole User’s Group immensely. Along with 4SQRP and QRP-L reflectors, I’m getting all sorts of ideas and encouragement. The QRP and portable communities are friendly and fun, just like the good ole’ days!

73,
Kelly

By: Steve/wGØAT, Rooster and Peanut

Steve/wGØAT, Rooster and Peanut — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:57:27 +0000

Good job Kelly! We’ve just started Ped Mobiling here as well! It sure is fun and amazing to be walking around with a radio ‘on board’ much less talking with your ham buddies on the other side of the country!

I think you found the same secret weapon as us! If you can keep the ‘drag-wire’ up off the ground your QSO rate goes way up. I’ve done some measurements with the analyzer and when that drag wire-wire is in contact with ground is resonate point drops dramatically 1-2MHz (depending soil cndx) indicating it’s capacitively coupling to the ground. And we all know it takes lots of radials to overcome ground losses. Unless you’re over salt water or an extremely good ground. Unfortunately my goats haven’t learned to how to carry my drag-wire yet much less resist the temptation chewing on it!

Keep up the good work and have FUN! Us Goats(Rooster&Peanut~wGØAT)

By: kmack

kmack — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:03:45 +0000

Bonnie,
I am honored that you took time to look! I’ve read your posts, files, photos and videos, and am trying to follow in your footsteps… You blazed a good trail for the rest of us on HF Pack. Especially enjoyed the Mt Victoria pics. Long time since I visited there but one of my fav places in the world. Look forward to a qso one of these days.
73,
Kelly K4UPG

By: ALE

ALE — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:37:15 +0000

I enjoyed your wonderful photos and description of your Pedestrian Mobile activity on HFpack.

73 Bonnie KQ6XA

By: kmack

kmack — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:18:40 +0000

Thanks Len! Good to hear about your ops too. Do you have a blog out there somewhere?
73,
Kelly K4UPG

By: Len KA1LOR

Len KA1LOR — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:52:45 +0000

Hi Kelly,

Enjoyed reading and the pictures of your recent QRP outings. I also use a buddistick along with either IC-703 or FT-817 – SSB. I do get out hill-topping, and beach/light house operating. Hope to meet you on the air some time.

73
Len

By: Kathy Kaiser

Kathy Kaiser — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:16:06 +0000

Hey, Kelly …
My first thought … who is that skinny guy?!!! Glad you are feeling healthy … just don’t get TOO skinny!
The winds will blow you and your “get up” away!!!
Keep on enjoying and fingers are crossed for really good weather for your upcoming walk.
Love to ya,
xo