[VHFcontesting] One Missing Rover

[Joshua M. Arritt]

>
> On Monday 06 August 2007 18:36:01 Dave Agsten wrote:
>  
>> Until some VHF and UHF Contest rules are changed, I will not be out 
>> in the
>> rover. With high gas prices and deaf ears in Newington, it's just not 
>> worth
>> the effort to go out as a single op rover. There is a lot of work 
>> involved
>>     
Dave, et al.,

Can't argue the fuel costs, but I'll contest the work and ears -- Karl, 
K4TRT and I have been plotting the "foot rover" operation for a while to 
spite Exxon/Mobile, but it's likely going to be restricted to only 2 or 
3 grids.  (hihi).  We may debut this rove in next year's CQWW 'test.  
Film at 11.

Planning this operation got us to invest in some QRP power for trial 
runs.  While the Q count may be down from say, a system with 3 
alternators to power that kilowatt at 1296, we've found a great amount 
of operating pleasure using little FT-690R/290Rs (a 690RMkII is in the 
arsenal as well) at a blazing 2.5 watts with simple dipoles, halos, 
and/or short yagis.  The equipment is light-weight and ready to go 
places even the ol' Toyotasaurus Rex can't go.
I've operated in semi-serious VHF/UHF contests, with hundreds of watts 
and many elements, and enjoyed it immensely.  But I have to admit that 
there's quite a bit of fun to be had with a scaled-back operation too, 
and no matter how many or few stations you contact, they'll always 
appreciate the points.  You can't beat the simplicity of set-up and 
tear-down in such an op, especially when you don't have that "dedicated 
vehicle".  Plus, when you get that "great 59" signal report, and respond 
with "well, only 2 watts and a dipole at 8 feet", both parties in the Q 
can shine a bit.

We've demonstrated this brazen approach to mountaintopping/roving in 
Southwestern Virginia on several occasions, most recently during the 
CQWW VHF 'test.  A half-hearted 4-hour QRP operation from 4200' AMSL 
yielded over 50 Qs on 6, and about 20 on 2.  I'm certain there are other 
folks on the list who can attest to the fun available with the QRP option.

Bottom line: I'd rather hoof it with a single band, low power and crappy 
antennas for a few hours before giving up on a good chance to rove!  
How's that for "psycho-roving"?

 73,
    - Josh / KF4YLM