Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge K-0481

 

Since the weather is still cool here in NY I am using my new back of the seat table for this deployment. Werthiem is my first attempt at using the table for any deployment.

 

While I do like the convenience of the new table and the fact that it keeps me out of the weather, like anything else, the table is not perfect. First it's rather small in size and not rock solid. That is, when using the onboard KX3 QRPGUYS paddle kit, there is a slight up and down movement to the tray. 

 

Initially I was a bit flustered trying to work my first few contacts that way but after a short time I was aboe to compensate for the slight movement. Of couse using an alternative plug=in paddle would have resolved that probem. Another negative of the tray is that it would not be useful for a heavier or larger transceiver. 

 

That being said, I did make 19 contacts on this activation in about 40 minutes. I am always a bit surprised how well a roof mounted 20 meter Hamstick, 10 watts CW out of my KX3 actually performs. I swear, the KX3 ATU is pretty amazing addition to the KX line. Sometimes I think it would tune up wet paper.