Celebrating Veterans Day with a Successful QRP Activation at Pontiac Lake

Happy Veterans Day! Today, we pay tribute to the brave individuals who have served our country. And in the spirit of pushing limits and self-improvement, I embarked on a special amateur radio journey.

In preparation for some upcoming excursions, I decided it was time to test my most portable set-up to date. The goal was simple: achieve a full QRP activation, emphasizing a lightweight and compact footprint. The star of the show? The Xiegu X6100, paired with the dependable Packtenna End Fed Half Wave antenna, and a 40m extension. Adding a new flavor to my gear was the Packtenna 29’ Tall Carbon Fiber Mast, a recent acquisition I snagged last month when stocks replenished.

Today's field day took me to a familiar and beloved place: the K-3323 Pontiac Lake State Recreation area in Waterford, MI. The conditions were idyllic for radio adventures—a crisp 45 degrees Fahrenheit, a light veil of clouds, with generous sunshine. The park was abuzz with activity, a testament to its allure, as walkers, hikers, and dog enthusiasts enjoyed their day.

I set up camp in a picnic shelter by the beach. With the season changing, picnic tables had retreated into storage, making the shelter an optimal choice amidst the expansive views and open space.

The Xiegu X6100 has been part of my arsenal for a few months, initially destined for digital modes. Today, it proved its worth beyond that niche. It's a breeze to set up, a champ at conserving space, and diligently delivers the expected 10 watts with an external battery. It's not without its quirks—AM station interference and a menu system with a steep learning curve are noteworthy.

The activation faced a rocky start; the initial contacts were clear, but soon the airwaves fell silent to my ears. The culprit? My inadvertent adjustment of the RF gain while fiddling with squelch and volume. It was a practical lesson in field operations—always double-check your settings.

Despite the hiccup, the day ended on a high note with eleven confirmed QSOs. The highlight? A Veterans Day contact with the USS KIDD Amateur Radio Club, W5KID, out of Baton Rouge, LA—a serendipitous and meaningful exchange, made all the more sweet by the modest 10-watt transmission.

This experience was not just a nod to my commitment to amateur radio but also a fitting homage to our veterans. As the Michigan weather holds, I'm eager to continue this momentum and activate more parks. Stay tuned!

73,

K8JKU