[Fourlanders] June Contest Plans

[Brian McCarthy]

  Here's the scoop from the 222 band captain, network schlep, log 
grinder and secretary for this wayward gaggle of miscreants:

Bob Lear wrote:

<snip>

>222:  Brian can post his plans, but he will have a new BIG amp for 222
>and gear wise we're OK here too.  He may use my 222 transverter.  The
>222 station will use only one KLM yagi for the contest and will use the
>new #2 tower trailer that was at the conference for all to see.  Brian
>also doesn't have a second op yet.
>
<snip>

I have a revised shipment date of May 12 from Steve, K1FO. He apologized 
for being a bit behind. The 222MHz LA-12 should arrive by Friday, May 
16. While many of you are fondling the new transverters for the K2 at 
Dayton, I will be getting the 222 heavy iron connected up to the dummy load.

I will be using the power supply inside a recently aquired Commander 
HF-2500 to run the Lunar Link amp. I will use the tubes from the HF-2500 
as well. I have been carefully testing the HF-2500 and have convinced 
myself that the high voltage meter on the front simply reads a bit low. 
Output power as read from a Bird wattmeter with peak reading PCB 
installed and a 2500w slug looks right for the input power levels that I 
have tossed at it.

I have a complete DEM sequencer and a Tohtsu CX-800N DPDT T/R relay. I 
will plan on borrowing Bob's 222 transverter.

I looked into pulling the EPROM from my FT-990. Unfortunately, Yaesu 
used a surface mount microprocessor with built-in RAM and ROM. I will 
not be able to reprogram the part. In looking for datasheets for the 
microprocessor, it appears to be long discontinued by Mitsubishi. I am 
going to cross my fingers and hope that Yaesu service can still do the 
"firmware upgrade", but it will not happen before the June contest. From 
what I remember of their lead times, it is unlikely I would have it back 
for the September contest. I will need to use a different radio in order 
to have Writelog rig control and to put the 222 freq' on the network 
automatically. I have one possiblility, I may need another option.

>BTW, Brian has a new 8 X 20 cargo trailer like Robins (but BIGGER) that
>will handle several operating positions.  We need to decide how to
>divide the stations most effectively between  Brians and Robins trailers
>and where they should be located.  Some of us talked in Huntsville and
>tried some possible parking layouts for the mountain-top.  There are
>many possibilities.  Let's hear your ideas.  You may have the ultimate
>solution and not even know it yet.  Do a sketch, scan it and send out
>for us to peruse.  Everyone knows pretty well how the top is laid out.
>  
>
<snip>

Bob, Neal, Robin and I did some brainstorming about arranging trailers 
and towers during breakfast after the conference. I have the drawing 
from that (not on a napkin). I will see if it is suitable for scanning 
and sharing with the group to kickstart this discussion.

>I've probably forgotten something and alienated everyone, but someones
>got to kick-start this operation.  Lets hear those plans soon.
>
>73 bob
>  
>
More soon,
Brian
NX9O