Yesterday was the perfect day to be out operating in a park, so I headed over to Valley Forge National Historical Park (US-0761, KFF-0761). I wanted to keep things simple, so I used my Elecraft KH1 and its whip antenna. While this setup has worked surprisingly well for me in the past, yesterday was not one of those times.
When I arrived at the park, I headed to a picnic table in the shade of some large trees. (Given my history with skin cancer, the sun is not my friend these days.) This was a spot I have used before with the KH1, so I was hoping for similar success.
I started out on 40M, using the AXE1 extender coil and a 33-foot counterpoise wire. I also used a Tufteln right-angle adapter with the whip. After quickly logging two contacts, things slowed way down. I spent 20 minutes of fruitless CQing, wondering if I should move on to another setup. Instead of bailing on my KH1 setup, I stubbornly pressed on.
Well, after 30 minutes more of trying various bands on the KH1, I had a paltry four QSOs in the log. It felt like I was beating my head against a wall, so I packed up the KH1 and headed back to my truck. I used my 12-foot base-loaded whip and TR-35 from the truck. I allotted myself 45 more minutes. If I couldn’t reach 10 contacts by then, I would just slink home wallowing in disappointment.
Fortunately, my trusty TR-35 and 12-foot whip saved the day. After 30 minutes, I logged another nine contacts on 40M and 20M. It was getting close to lunchtime and my short attention span was kicking in, so I packed up and headed home.
Yesterday just wasn’t a good day for a 45-inch antenna. Looking back, I should have switched setups sooner and saved myself some frustration. In the words of Don Schlitz, the famous songwriter who passed away recently: “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.”
72, Craig WB3GCK
WB3GCK QRP Amateur Radio 
Craig, I’m really surprised these short whips are so popular. They have 2 gotchas: very low radiation resistance and base loading. But sometimes convenience outweighs efficiency I guess. On a good day, when propagation is favorable I can see the attraction of operating /PM with an HF Handie-Talkie (or Handi-Morsie?). Kudos on your persistence!
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John, you’re right; they definitely have their limitations. For me, it’s sometimes fun to see what can be done with minimal equipment. Some days, it’s not so much fun. One of the best outings I’ve had, DX-wise, with using a little Elecraft AX1 whip on a window mount. But, band conditions aren’t always cooperative. 72, Craig
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