Adding a socket to the vk3il pressure paddle pcb

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This is my second pressure paddle from the vk3il design, this one was purchased as part of a group buy. I went for the longer pcb this time to improve hand holding. (David has since produce an even simpler V2 design)

To improve pack ability I fitted a 3.5mm stereo socket to the end of the pcb in place of the attached cable. Naturally I now also carry a 3.5mm Aux cable for connecting to the radio.

Care was taking to avoid shorts to the pcb ground plane and a small dab of superglue was used to secure the socket to the pcb. Heat shrink has since been apply over the socket to provide some extra support and protection.

A light weight compact Doublet Antenna

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To overcome some of the complexities of counterpoise length and ground type when using a random end-fed wire in the field I have revisited the doublet antenna. The key criteria was to make an antenna that is as easy to pack and transport as the simple end-fed wire.

Doublet in action
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Soda Pop QRP transceiver

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Back in 2017 Steve KD1JV announced the first of the Soda Pop rigs. The Soda Pop is single band transceiver but was capable of operating of a wide frequency range. So, following some discussion on the forum Steve include extra pads to allow for the use of band modules should any one like to go down that path.

The finished Multi Band Soda Pop
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Portable power options

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Like most SOTA activators I started with a 3S style pack to power my radio’s. These packs are a great choice, affordable and light weight. They are however a little harder to pack and carry for aircraft travel and require a specialist (balance) charger when recharging thus adding bulk to any extended holiday plans including SOTA or Parks.

1500mAh LiFe 3S pack

Two things caused me to re-visit the options around battery packs, firstly the KX2 uses a 3 cell Li-ion pack which is difficult to locate an equivalent for in VK, and the failure of my 3S style pack.

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