Category: K6ARK Portable Radio

Want to see where baby antennas are made? This is the spot.

Stop by for a quick tour of my electronics workbench, the simple tools I use, and how I organize my junk, then join us on Temporarily Offline’s stream to chat about our workbenches.

What better way to take my new (to me) mountain bike out for its maiden voyage than to do a SOTA activation? I packed up the MTR3B, telescopic pole, and water and food for the morning, and set out for Middle Peak (W6/SC-024) in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. It’s about 5 miles to the summit via fire roads, and plenty of trails in the area provide options for the descent.

The activation went great with plenty of contacts, and I even kept myself upright on the bike the whole trip up and back. Looking forward to the next one…

N1CLC, W6RWS, and I joined forces for an evening/nighttime activation of Palomar High-Point. 40m was on fire with contacts across the country, and 20m CW yielded a couple of nice DX contacts as well as a number of stateside QSOs.

We capped the evening with a little night photography before making the trek back down the hill.

But this time it wasn’t because I forgot my earbuds, AND I had sufficient coffee. Sometimes stuff just happens and you end up paying your hiking dues with no activation.

Johnnie and I set out to activate a couple of the highest peaks in Southern California, and escape the heat on Labor Day weekend. 2 nights in the backcountry were planned, and then… well, you’ll see.

We’ll be back…

Enjoy the show.

73 de K6ARK

Backpacking, family, fishing, and SOTA. What more do you need in life? Not much. And it’s all packed into this film about our recent 5 day adventure into the depths of the Northern Yosemite backcountry. Two SOTA activations, plenty of fish, and gorges scenery filled the trip. Hope you enjoy coming along for the ride.

Here’s a link to the video of the Live Stream activation… https://youtu.be/r19bNO2_g50.

73 de K6ARK

There are lots of ways to build links for Linked Dipoles, End Fed Halfwave antennas, etc. This is one of my favorites. Simple, robust, and easy to build.

Materials:
– 2.0mm Banana Plugs: https://amzn.to/31IIl7h
– Heat Shrink (w/adhesive): https://amzn.to/32FnNvA
– Super Glue: https://amzn.to/3lJdC1Q

Subscribe or check back in a month or two for an antenna build or two putting these links to use.

Alright, with the intro and outro, I admit – I took 37 seconds for this one. But it was worth it, wasn’t it?

73 de K6ARK

This is the one you’ve been waiting for – the traps to go with the micro End Fed Halfwave (EFHW) antenna build. Here’s how to make them.

These traps will work with my Ultimate Ultralight EFHW (https://youtu.be/s-_LyhdGapM) or just about any QRP end-fed halfwave antenna, and you could even build pairs to use with a dipole.

LINKS:
– LC Resonance Calculator: https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/resonant-frequency-LC
– Toroid Winding Calculator: http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/toroid-coil-winding-calculator.aspx

You’ll certainly need some MATERIALS:
– T37-2 Toroids (my usual): https://amzn.to/3hFsYlj
– T50-2 Toroids (a little more efficient and maybe easier to build): https://amzn.to/2QCkGio
– 28 ga Magnet Wire: https://amzn.to/3b9Isf4
– 39pF 100v Ceramic Capacitor (0603 case recommended): https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/kemet/C0603C390J1GACAUTO/399-15862-1-ND/7516362
– 62pF 100v Ceramic Capacitor (0603 case recommended): https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/kemet/C0603C620J1GAC7867/399-14992-1-ND/7382541
NOTE: Consider a few other capacitors in the 22pF – 100pF range, depending on the traps you’d like to build.
– Perforated Prototype Board: https://amzn.to/2YLsFOJ
– 5/8″ Heat Shrink Tubing: https://amzn.to/3lwwGjt
– 1/4″ Heat Shrink Tubing: https://amzn.to/2G9bGzk

And you’ll need some TOOLS:
– Dremel (or similar)high-speed rotary tool: https://amzn.to/3gFEkEL
NOTE: I have had my Dremel tool for about 25 years now and it hasn’t missed a beat. Based on my personal experience, I would recommend going with the name brand tool.
– Diamond Cutting Wheels: https://amzn.to/2QBRHve
NOTE: I really like these because you can’t cut yourself with them, but they cut the perf board and BNC connector brass just fine.
– Soldering Iron (any will do) with a fine tip: https://amzn.to/2GaENlN
NOTE: I’ve been using this one for about a year with no issues. The heat gun is AWESOME for hot air/solder paste construction. The iron works well for traditional soldering.
– Electronics Tweezer Set: https://amzn.to/2ENy00w

Please share your builds with me when you’re done, and tell us about how it works out for you in the comments below.

Thanks!
de K6ARK

Here’s a tangle-free way to wind up your antenna wires without a line winder or any extra weight. I call it the “Goat Wind” because I learned it from a WG0AT video. The man is a SOTA legend and has produced some great videos – check out his channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/goathiker) if you haven’t.

For the record, it’s pronounced “wīnd,” not “wind” ????… silly English words.

Anyway, try this out and let me know how it works for you. Sure, you’ll still occasionally get a tangle, but by not twisting the wire, it’ll unfurl without issue the majority of the time.

73 de K6ARK

I’ve decided to start a new series of 30 second Quick Tip videos that will help you with your projects and field operating. Stay tuned – there will be lots of good stuff to come. Hope you enjoy!

73 de K6ARK

Four new padded cases arrived and are ready for an unboxing and fit check. Will any of these be a perfect match for the LNR Precision Mountain Topper MTR3B? Let’s find out…

SPOILER ALERT:
The last case – an Amazon Basics portable hard drive case – is just about perfect. But the other cases have their niches too. Check out the video to see how I’m putting them to use.

Item List:
#1: GLCON Case ($5.99) https://amzn.to/3g3nIqb
Perfect fit for these smaller mint tins https://amzn.to/3aCBcrN which will fit a standard Pixie transceiver board with minor trimming. Too small for MTR3B or full-size Altoids tins.

#2: ProCase Travel Case for Crucial X8 drive ($9.99) https://amzn.to/3g7gBgm
Perfect fit for Altoids mint tin radios with connectors and buttons on the skinny ends only. This one worked out perfect for my Forty-Niner and Chinese Super Rockmite (not shown in video). Too small for MTR3B.

#3: ProCase for Samsung T5 ($8.99) https://amzn.to/3kRENaf
Odd molded padding in bottom of case does not fit any mint tins or the MTR3B, but an Altoids Tin, even with connectors on the longer sides, fits well in the case. The molded bottom part could likely be used to store a small key, battery, or smaller earbuds. The least successful fit of the cases purchased, but still useful.

#4: Amazon Basics My Passport Essential Case ($6.71) https://amzn.to/3g3pbwH
Excellent fit for the MTR3B, a small iambic paddle, battery, and antenna. Great option for a compact MTR3B case!

#MNHR