@ K1BKE 4A in NH, I uses my Verizon Mifi modem 3G EVDO modem ($20 on ebay)
an internet connection which fed a Wifi network of DD-WRT (free) powered
routers in AP and repeater bridge mode. The experienced hams loved having
packet spots, the new kids at the GOTA station REALLY loved logging on a
compiuter (and accessing social nets in their "free" time). I didn't think
of skimmer, but I should have! My Verizon is non-contract, 5GB limit, and
$50 per month (cancel any time).
I could not believe it... We used 4GB of data over the weekend (hmmm maybe
someone was downloading software in their spare time!)
All in all, great fun...
73, Gerry, W1VE ... 40m op at K1BKE (1074Qs on 40.. 3el wire beam @ 45' and
1/4-wave vertical w/4 radials.)
On Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 5:04 PM, Dave Hachadorian <k6ll@arrl.net> wrote:
> I'm spending the summer in Big Bear Lake, CA and operated with
> the local club on Field Day. Our FD location is not very good,
> so we do a lot of S&P, rather than CQ'ing. This year, I thought
> it would be fun to tap into a remote CW Skimmer to make the S&P
> less boring, especially late in the contest, when most of the
> stations are dupes. The only practical Internet access at the
> site is via the 3G Network, so I splurged $62 for a 3G
> radio/modem and one month of no-contract, prepaid, network
> access. It worked out great, and added a significant fun factor
> to the CW operation.
>
> The 3G Radio/modem was an Ovation MC760, purchased used for $42
> from EBay. It can be also be purchased new at Walmart, Radio
> Shack, Best Buy, etc.
>
> The 3G network provider for this device is Virgin Mobile's
> Broadband2go prepaid, no-contract service.
>
> Info on the MC760, Broadband2go plan rates, and coverage maps can
> be found here:
> http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/ovation-mc760.html
>
> I chose the 30 day, 500 MB $20 plan, not really knowing what the
> data volume of Skimmer spots would be. It turned out that over
> the entire Field Day period, data volume was only about 6 MB
> total. Next year I will purchase the $10, 100 MB plan, just
> before Field Day.
>
> The 3G link was totally solid for the entire FD period, even
> though the laptop was inside a metal RV, with the little USB
> stick surrounded by radio equipment and wires.
>
> After I got home from FD, I did an online speed test, and the
> download rate was 329 kbps, with an upload rate of 409 kbps,
> totally adequate for Skimmer spots, casual web surfing, and
> email.
>
> For a remote Skimmer, we connected to VE7CC-1 Telnet node, and
> limited spotter state to Utah only. Utah has two excellent
> Skimmers, located fairly close to our Southern California
> location. Some of the spots were barely audible, but not really
> workable from our weak signal, but the majority of them were very
> usable.
>
> In all, it turned out to be $62 well-spent, adding a lot to the
> enjoyment of FD. Next year, it will cost only $10.
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, CA
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> _______________________________________________
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