[VHFcontesting] FN55 this contest

[Paul N1BUG]

Good luck to all in the upcoming contest!

The short version is I expect to be on 144 and 222 as usual. No 6 
meters... MAYBE some 432.


The long version:

I suspect it will come as no great surprise that things are not 
quite up to speed at this station <grin>. The good news is the 6 
meter antenna is in its new home at 100 feet up. The bad news? It is 
fixed toward the northwest and cannot be rotated. The direction was 
chosen to mitigate any potential for wind damage to the antenna or 
rotator before it becomes fully operational. I would hate to have it 
ripped up before I get to use it! This may have been a good decision 
as we had a vicious wind storm a few weeks after the antenna went up 
(October). It was the highest wind I have ever seen at this QTH. I 
lost several large trees, including one that very nearly missed 
bringing down the 80 foot tower! Whew! I'm not quite sure when the 6 
meter project will get completed... I would guess a year, maybe two.

144 and 222 are working well, although I do have some problems with 
power line noise lately (ever since that violent wind storm). Look 
for me on those bands!

I had hoped to try 432 with the 8 yagi EME array this time, but may 
not bother. Murphy dropped by and kindly busted the azimuth 
indicator so I can't accurately aim the array. It probably wouldn't 
work too well for contesting anyway, being at very low height 
surrounded by trees and other antenna structures.

Despite appearances, I actually am making progress with the station. 
These two towers (80 feet and 100 feet) are a long time dream come 
true! There may yet come a contest when all four bands are playing well!

73,
Paul N1BUG FN55mf