[50mhz] Grid DXpedition - Questions

[Chris Boone]

Russell, does your 680S have the allmode squelch mod in it?? Makes 10 and 6
SSB/AM monitoring a blessing ;)
It can be adjusted to do about 25 or so out on 6 (easy adjustment with the
VR50 pot inside)....just slowly turn it up in the FM mode until the power
peaks...then turn the power level down until the wattmeter starts to show a
drop and leave it there.....some units can do ~40watts but I wouldn't
recommend running the brick above 30. The PAR OmniAngle is a good antenna
for rover and portable operation....easy to assemble and break down..Tie the
power to the battery or as close as possible at a stud point...fuse both
legs (+ AND -)...The radio will drain the battery over time....just keep an
eye on the battery voltage and crank it once in a while to recharge. If you
put the radio in FULL break in, the mic will key the radio in CW mode...have
done several CW contacts that way..no need for an external key or keyer.

Chris
WB5ITT
(the designer of the allmode squelch mod for the TS680...20yrs ago!)
EL39 (another rare grid on 6)

-----Original Message-----
From: 50mhz-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:50mhz-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Russell WN4VCH
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 9:00 PM
To: 50mhz at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [50mhz] Grid DXpedition - Questions


Hello:

After ten years of operating CW on HF, followed by 22 years QRT, I am
recently back in the hobby with a Kenwood TS-680S.  This is my first rig
with 6 meters so I am still learning about the band.

My work takes me at least quarterly to Grid Square DM87:  

http://www.vhfdx.net/callbook/gmap.php?Lan=E&Call=&Loc=DM87


I read in this article that DM87 is one of the 'Most Wanted' squares:

http://www.arrl.org/awards/ffma/Most_Wanted_Grid_Survey.pdf


I also work in DM88, between Lamar and Eads.


I am considering taking the rig on this trip and setting up a portable
station while there but have a few questions.  I will likely operate CW from
my truck.

1. What antenna do you recommend?  A dipole?  I am using a square loop at
home with very good results but it is bulky to carry.

2. Any suggestions for connecting the battery to the rig?  There is no power
where I work (in the field on a gas pipeline).

3. I have never operated portable - do I have to keep the vehicle running to
prevent the battery from draining?  The rig only transmits about 15 watts.

4. Assuming the band is open, do you think there are enough ops who need
DM87 to make it worth the effort?  I don't collect grid squares but it seems
like it would be fun to operate from a rare one.

Thanks.

Russell WN4VCH