Categories
Kits

A 5Watter Organic Transceiver Build: Introduction

When I first began my ham radio career some seven years ago, I was immediately drawn to kit building. One of the first kits that I discovered was the 1Watter, offered by Kits and Parts. I held off too long on getting that particular kit because of the small SMD parts and the lack of […]

Categories
Operate Outside POTA

Dardanelle Rock Natural Area, K-7712

Dardanelle has always been the most happening place in Yell County. If you’ve read or seen True Grit, you’ll know a little about this particular locale. In days past, Dardanelle Rock was about as far up the river that steamboat traffic could travel. The rock outcropping gives some indication why; just below the water’s surface […]

Categories
Operate Outside POTA

Ripgut Natural Prairie Area, K-8301

It’s becoming a new pastime of mine to break up long trips by getting out of the car and finding a park to activate along the way. A quick search revealed that Ripgut Prairie Natural Area wasn’t too far off the beaten path of I-49. At the end of some two miles of gravel, you’ll […]

Categories
Operate Outside POTA

Cheney State Park, K-2331

Two weekends ago, my wife and I went up to Kansas to visit her family and see our new niece. Since she is only days old, it doesn’t take much to tire her out. While my wife was spending time with her sisters and sleeping niece, I took the opportunity to go activate a park. […]

Categories
Gear

Closer Look: TalentCell 12V 6Ah battery pack

When poking around the internet for battery packs, this item from TalentCell piqued my interest due to its ability to supply 12V in an affordable package. The case is put together with screws. It’s begging to be opened up to discover what’s inside. Thankfully, the contents are exactly were as advertised on Amazon. Inside are […]

Categories
Gear Modifications

MTR3b: Power Jack Modification

The Mountain Topper 3 Bander, or MTR3b, is a famous radio and for good reason. It’s a compact, lightweight radio that gets you on 20m, 30m, and 40m. It sips power yet has a 5W output. It has a nice receiver. It’s ruggedly built. However, the power jack didn’t match any other piece of equipment […]

Categories
Operate Outside POTA

Ouachita National Forest, K-4424

Camping in the Ouachita National Forest In Arkansas, national forest land abounds. Fifty-six percent of the state is wooded, of which thirteen percent is national forest. Before I nerd it up too much, what this translates into is some seven percent of the state is open to camp in. In Arkansas, you don’t need a […]

Categories
Operating Challenges

QSO a Day – Week 2

It’s a bit odd for this challenge to begin in the middle of the week, but it’s the day that I started. Inspiration is an enigmatic thing. When it comes, it must be taken advantage of. The QSO a Day challenge is certainly changing my operating style. I’m making sure that I get on the […]