The Vertical Antenna DXpedition Specialist

Kenny Silverman K2KW

A Lifelong Passion Takes Shape

Kenny Silverman, K2KW, didn’t start his journey into ham radio the way most do. In fact, his first experiences on the air were under a borrowed license, long before he held one of his own. A curious 13-year-old at summer camp, Kenny encountered the magic of Morse code under the tutelage of a retired ham operator, W3FBF. While the technical aspects were challenging, Kenny’s natural talent for CW was undeniable. It wasn’t long before he was on the air under the borrowed call sign of a friend’s sister. This unconventional start marked the beginning of what would become a 40-year odyssey across the globe, fueled by a love for radio and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

The Contesting Bug Bites

As Kenny matured, so did his interest in the competitive side of ham radio. The allure of QSL cards from distant lands and the idea of visiting these places in person ignited a passion for DXpeditions. His first foray into contesting took him to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he quickly realized the importance of experience in competitive operations. Despite his enthusiasm, Kenny found himself outpaced by more seasoned operators, a humbling experience that only fueled his desire to improve.

It was during a trip to Jamaica in 1998, for the ARRL DX CW contest, that Kenny’s competitive streak truly began to shine. Along with a team of talented operators, Kenny experimented with vertical antennas on the beach—a concept that would later become the hallmark of his Team Vertical. The success of this operation, culminating in a world record in the CQ Worldwide CW contest, cemented his reputation in the contesting community.

Vertical Antennas on the Beach: A Game-Changer

The 1998 Jamaica operation was a turning point for Kenny and his team. Conventional wisdom had long dictated the use of horizontal antennas for contesting, particularly for short-range contacts like those between Jamaica and the United States. However, Kenny’s experiments with vertical antennas told a different story. The verticals, positioned right by the ocean, consistently outperformed their horizontal counterparts, especially at low takeoff angles crucial for long-distance contacts.

This revelation led to the birth of Team Vertical, a group of like-minded operators dedicated to the use of vertical antennas in contesting. Their success wasn’t just a fluke; it was the result of meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and a willingness to challenge established norms. The lightweight, portable nature of the vertical antennas also made them ideal for DXpeditions, where ease of transport and setup are critical.

The Art of Planning: Location, Location, Location

One of the secrets to Kenny’s success is his painstaking attention to detail when choosing locations for his DXpeditions. Unlike many operators who might prioritize a picturesque vacation spot, Kenny’s primary focus is always on the contest. The north side of an island, with unobstructed paths to key regions like the United States, Europe, and Japan, is often ideal. This meticulous approach has led Kenny to some of the most remote and challenging locations, all in the pursuit of the perfect contest environment.

Kenny’s research doesn’t stop at geography. He scours websites like VRBO and Airbnb for potential rental properties, often contacting owners directly to ensure that the location is suitable for his antenna setups. He’s learned the hard way that not every “beachfront” property lives up to its name, and that sometimes, the difference between a successful operation and a frustrating one comes down to a few feet of sand.

Equipment Evolution: Lessons Learned in the Field

Over the years, Kenny’s approach to equipment has evolved alongside his growing experience. Early on, he learned the perils of packing radios in checked luggage, a lesson driven home by a smashed front panel during a trip to Fiji. Today, Kenny hand-carries all critical equipment, ensuring that his radios and accessories arrive intact.

The choice of radio is another area where Kenny’s experience shines through. While any small, portable radio might suffice for a beginner’s trip, Kenny emphasizes the importance of a high-performance receiver, especially in pileup situations. His go-to radio for many years has been the Elecraft K3, known for its excellent receiver performance in contest environments. The ability to discern weak signals in the midst of a pileup can be the difference between winning and losing, and Kenny’s equipment choices reflect his commitment to staying competitive.

The British Virgin Islands: A Case Study in Planning and Execution

One of Kenny’s most recent DXpeditions took him to Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands, where Team Vertical operated VP2VMM in the ARRL 10 Meter contest. This trip exemplifies Kenny’s methodical approach to DXpedition planning. After extensive research, he chose Anegada for its flat terrain, which allowed for excellent takeoff angles in all directions, including the crucial southern path to South America.

The location also featured a reef that minimized tidal variations, ensuring that his vertical antennas remained optimally positioned close to the water. For this contest, Kenny brought a combination of high-gain verticals and a horizontal Moxon antenna, carefully choosing each one based on its performance characteristics and the propagation conditions he expected to encounter.

Licensing: Navigating the Bureaucratic Maze

One of the less glamorous but equally important aspects of DXpeditions is navigating the licensing requirements of different countries. Kenny’s experience in this area is extensive, having obtained licenses in numerous countries across the globe. He strongly prefers obtaining a reciprocal license from the host country’s licensing authority, even when other options like CEPT or IARP might be available. The official documentation from the host country can be invaluable when dealing with customs officials, who may not be familiar with international amateur radio agreements.

Kenny also shared insights into the often-overlooked challenges of bringing equipment into foreign countries. Some, like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, have stringent requirements for importing radio gear, including bonds and paperwork that must be meticulously prepared in advance. In these cases, Kenny emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and communication with local operators who can provide guidance.

Logistics: Ensuring Nothing Is Left Behind

The logistics of a DXpedition can be daunting, especially when operating in remote locations where spare parts and replacement equipment are unavailable. Kenny’s approach to logistics is as meticulous as his location research. He maintains detailed checklists to ensure that every necessary piece of equipment, from radios to coax cables, is packed and ready to go.

Kenny’s emphasis on redundancy is also crucial. He never travels without spares for critical components like power supplies and radios. In the world of DXpeditions, Murphy’s Law is always in play, and having a backup plan can mean the difference between a successful operation and a wasted trip.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Contest DXpeditions

As Kenny continues to plan his next adventures, including a return to the British Virgin Islands and potential trips to Iceland and the southern hemisphere, his passion for DXpeditions shows no signs of waning. His approach to each trip—meticulous planning, careful equipment selection, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—serves as a guide for others who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

For those interested in undertaking their own contest DXpedition, Kenny’s story offers a roadmap to success. It’s a journey that requires patience, experience, and a willingness to learn from each operation. But for those who are up to the challenge, the rewards—both in terms of contest results and the personal satisfaction of a job well done—are well worth the effort.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Operators

Kenny Silverman’s story is more than just a tale of RF and antennas; it’s a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His journey from a curious teenager to a world-class contester and DXpeditioner is a source of inspiration for both new and veteran operators alike.

Through his experiences, Kenny has not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in ham radio but has also provided a blueprint for others to follow. Whether you’re a seasoned contester looking to up your game or a newcomer dreaming of your first DXpedition, Kenny’s story is a reminder that with the right mix of preparation, dedication, and a love for the hobby, the world is truly at your fingertips.

Watch the video interview with Kenny Silverman K2KW here.

Read more about the VP2VMM operation here on QRZ.

Read the 3830scores result for VP2VMM from the 2023 ARRL 10.