2009.01.21
Had a great contest. John and I entered as ac0gi in the MultiLimited class which made setup a little easier. Had some fun bending poles as we tried to errect the 6m/440 stack. Ended up a little shorter than we wanted after that but since 6m never opened it wasn't an issue. The 2m rotor gave us some fits which made it hard to track the rovers out to the east. There were two rovers which was nice. The trick to January appears to be being at the radio for as much time as possible so as to get every casual participant you can. These people pop on and never come back so you have to get them when you can. Highlights were the new 222 transverter which we were testing for the first time on ssb. Got two unsolicited "Great audio on this band" reports. Also, Alisha made a few contacts and is really starting to gain confidence and has the exchange down pretty well. Not long till she'll have the paitience to contest with us on roves.
2008.12.29
The 222 transverter has been tested and appears to be ready to go. Not sure which class we'll be competing in. Debating between MultiMulti and MultiLimited. The MultiMulti will let us use the upper bands, 1.2 and 3456 but the MultiLimited will remove us from direct competition with the local mega stations which we don't have a chance on. MultiLimited will also simplify the amount of antennas we end up getting up in the air. I put up the 6m loop this weekend, we may end up using the 6m beam but at least now if the snow dumps we've got some 6m signal on the air.
2008.12.09
I suffered an embolism in my left lung that took me out for a few weeks and may curb future roving activities. :( During the same week my new 3456 from DEMI arrived. The new 222 xverter from elecraft is all but done as well. I'm expecting to have six+ bands on the air for January.
2008.11.20
Still planning on working from home. I need to get the six beam up on the roof before major weather keeps me from doing so. I also need to fix a rotor problem. Updated band list to reflect home antennas and new equipment.
2008.09.15
For now, planning on working from home. Working on getting more antennas up in the air at the home QTH before things get too cold or wet to get on the roof.
2008.08.11
Planning in the works. May work from home or rove if weather is ok..