This contest marked the first time that our multiop field operation
worked under the callsign K0SGI, which our club at work obtained just a
few months ago. Operators were Jason N0RPM, Glen KC0IYT, and Brent KD5EMB.
We operated from a city park in Eagan Minnesota, grid EN34ks. We had
identified this park as a good candidate by using the Radio Mobile
software package, and KC0IYT had scouted it out beforehand. The biggest
downside to the park is it is surrounded by houses and mature trees,
and doesn't provide a clear horizon view for microwave work (we had 10GHz
capability with us, courtesy of N0KP).
Band QSOs Grids Points Notes
------ ---- ----- ------ -----
50 MHz 50 21 50 706MkIIg, 3 el. homebrew
144 MHz 47 10 47 TS-2000, 12 el. K1FO homebuilt
222 MHz 14 4 28 DEM 222-28, 7 el. homebrew
432 MHz 22 5 44 TS-2000, 23 el. K1FO homebuilt
902 MHz 3 1 9 KK7B 9W xvtr, WA5VJB 9 el. homebrew
1296 MHz 5 1 15 DEM 1296-144, 24el Dir. Sys. Loop Yagi
---- ----- ------
141 42 193
Claimed Score: 42 x 193 = 8106
High points: First ARRL VHF contest where we had the 222 xvtr working
(after failed attempts in June and September 2003), and the first with
902 period. Hearing ZF1DC in EK99. The 6m opening to Washington at the
start of the contest. Actually being on the air at the start of the
contest, with a half-hour to spare. Eyeball QSO with KB0NES who stopped
by our QTH just to visit. More CW QSOs than ever before. Watching a bird
alight upon the 70cm beam, only to be startled and fly off when we called
CQ. The "portable ladder tower" which allowed us to hoist a lot of metal
into the air with remarkably little difficulty. Figuring out better antenna
matching/feed mechanicals and seeing them work hassle-free. Working some
distant grids before the bulk of higher-power locals showed up. KA0PQW
on CW 222 after a busted sideband attempt earlier in the day. Simultaneous
bidirectional handoff between the 2m and 6m stations. Finishing tear-down
both days with just a few minutes of twilight to spare. KC0IYT's brilliant
thinking to bring a shelter and sunshade. Determining the cause of our
resetting problem on 6m station (it was a poorly assembled PowerPole
connector -- the first one I had ever done a few years ago). Our
traditional post-contest supper at Perkins. The Radio Shack TV mast rotator
worked admirably, though not without a few annoying difficulties, and
helped us net N0DQS, KM0T, and W0AMT. Stations that stuck with us through
heavy QSB on 6 to complete, each time netting us a unique grid.
Low points: Not actually working ZF1DC. Mosquitos. Not completing with
K9MU on 222. Mild sunburn for KD5EMB. 6m and 2m loops yielded little
benefit. Forgetting to monitor 146.46 and 146.55 on Saturday. Mosquitos.
Often being able to hear stations who couldn't hear us (particularly rovers,
and not just on 6). Losing a lot of stations at QSY. No lines of sight
either direct or to downtown for 10GHz. Did I mention mosquitos? Bending
the conduit mast (6m and 220) on the first attempt to raise, causing us to
drop down to 20 feet from the planned 30 feet. Completely missing W9FZ/R.
Difficulty working across the Twin Cities on 902 and 1296.
What we'd do differently: Buy an extension cord so we could run off of
commercial power from the park picnic shelter less than 100 feet away.
Mount the 902 and 1296 beams at the top of the main mast instead of
the bottom (though we had good reasons this time around). KD5EMB will
take KC0IYT's offer of sunscreen seriously, even when he doesn't think
there's going to be a problem. Possibly camp in the park overnight
to avoid the extra teardown and setup (we later heard we missed a 6m
opening Sunday morning). Pre-label the cables for what bands they're
being used on.
Memorable quotes:
I think we should put the rotator on the omnis.
[This is] as exciting as working a dummy load.
Overall I'd have to say this was a very successful operation for us.
I don't think it netted us the most points we've ever seen, but we
demonstrated a significant improvement in our "field operations"
capability, with no major problems encountered. We also demonstrated
some smoother operation and skills, though we still have plenty of
room for improvement. There were far many more positive points to this
run than negative points, and a good time was had by all.
--
Brent Casavant http://www.angeltread.org/
KD5EMB -.- -.. ..... . -- -...
44 54'24"N 93 03'21"W 907FASL EN34lv
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