Casting My Signal

Spent a nice relaxing afternoon in the family playroom with the Ten-Tec R4020 2 band QRP transceiver. Lots of listening to stations but no contacts, yet.

QRP radio remains me of a certain type of fishing. Certainly not bait fishing, that is to easy, I am talking fly fishing, which I enjoy in the warmer months. When you hook a fish on a fly its a wonderful feeling. Any fly fishers out there know exactly what I mean.

My guess is catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself on the vise is just like making a QRP contact with a home brewed rig. Almost had a nice catch I mean contact on 14.060 but another station powered in.

Still have some time to night to listen in and have some fun.

Big Superbowl night so I will tune in and see if its a close game, not a big football fan.

Enjoy your game wings!

I finally broke down and purchased a new Ten Tec R4020 QRP radio and UPS delivered in late last week.

Here is a write up from introduction:

The R4020 is small in size, light weight, has provisions for optional built-in batteries, and is especially suitable for travel, picnics, and other outdoor activities. This is a Trail Friendly Radio.

First impressions is the overall super small size of the unit, 3-1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, weight without batteries is 15.8 oz. This transceiver is just begging for outdoor use. It looks like a solid build with sturdy knobs. So far the only time I powered it up was to get the unit to recognize my straight key, had to rewire my 3.5mm stereo plug.

I can already see the R4020 taking a trip to the Jersey shore or along the bay for some sunset operating. Just need to find a small portable antenna to come along for the ride. My Buddi-Pole might be to large to carry around. I was hoping to set up today in the yard and give it a test run but we are having overcast sky's and a very slight misty rain. After temps in the 90 deg + range all week the cooler 70 deg feels nice.

Time to go hook up an antenna and do some on air testing of this little rig.

Will keep you posted how I make out.