Last updated: 2009.01.21
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..
Band Power Mode Gear Antenna 50 170w ssb FT-857d+TeSys Amp Cushcraft A505S 144 180w ssb I910H+TeSys Amp Cushcraft 13B2 220 20w ssb Elecraft XV222 Directive Systems DSFO222-10RS 440 75w ssb I910H Gulf alpha 432 22el