Category: K6ARK Portable Radio

Each year, our SAR team, San Diego Mountain Rescue, completes “Mountain Climb” trainings where we work on our teamwork and summer mountaineering skills. This year, a permit spot opened up on a trip for Middle Palisade (14,012′), one of California’s 14ers. Here’s the video trip report.

My pack for this trip was a 17L, 15 lb load – one of the lightest packs I’ve carried for a 2 night trip. Here’s the inventory.

Pack Inventory – Big 4:
– CAMP Skin Pack – https://skimo.co/camp-skin-pack
– Marmot Alpinist Bivy – (Discontinued. Check out OR Helium Bivy instead https://www.rei.com/product/151751/outdoor-research-helium-bivy)
– Mountain Hardwear Mountain Speed 32 – (Discontinued)
– Reflectix Pad – https://amzn.to/3fbCsmn

Kitchen/ Water:
– Sawyer Squeeze Filter – https://amzn.to/3jWv3er
– Alcohol Stove – https://youtu.be/wTp5zTOYPHQ
– Orikaso Cup – (Discontinued)
– Ursack – https://ursack.com

Electronics:
– GoPro Hero 7 Black – https://amzn.to/3jOrjvr
– GoPro Polarizing Filter – https://amzn.to/3hPjPGz
– Canon M6 – (Discontinued. Check out the M6 Mk 2 or M50)
– USB Battery Pack – https://amzn.to/2XcsT0q
– Mountain Topper MTR3B – https://www.lnrprecision.com/store/MTR3b_LCD-Mountain-Topper-p115660359
– Wouxun KG-UV9D – https://amzn.to/314KrN9

Clothing/Accessories:
– Mountain Hardwear Rain Shell
– Mountain Hardwear Pullover Jacket
– OR low gaiters
– Buff
– Headsweats Running Hat
– Beanie
– Gloves
– OR Mosquito Head Net
– BD Distance Trekking Poles – https://amzn.to/2XagN81

HF 80-10m, SSB, CW, and some Digital modes, in a sub 2lb kit? Yup…

The Elecraft KX2 is an incredibly capable rig with an internal battery, built-in ATU, and excellent power efficiency in a very small package. Combine that with a custom ultralight antenna, mini key and microphone, and a compact case, and you’ve got one of the smallest go kits you’ll ever find.

The KX2 does PSK and RTTY intrinsically, but if WSJT modes are a priority for you, add a Raspberry Pi. Check out KM4ACK’s channel for more info on Pi builds for ham radio. https://www.youtube.com/user/jasonoleham

Kit elements:
Case – Kelty Cache Box (small): https://amzn.to/3hn1OPT
* Note – some stretching may be required for an easy fit.
Antenna – K6ARK Ultimate 9:1 End Fed Random Wire: https://youtu.be/kSQzUETRMlk
Mini Mic – Modified from one of these: https://amzn.to/2DQIYSv
* Build video coming soon.
Mini Key – Homebrew, but there are some nice commercial options…
– AME Ultra Portapaddle: http://americanmorse.com/ultraportapaddle.htm
– Know of another, perhaps 3D printed option? Share in the comments!

Got a suggestion or have a smaller kit? Tell us about it in the comments below.