[HBQRP] Field Day

[Dale Botkin]

So, did anyone else run 1B QRP operations for Field Day?  I was only able
to operate for a few hours.  Did manage to rack up a few QSOs on 20
meters.  I tried 40 as well, but it was so densely packed I managed only 1
or 2 contacts before fleeing back to 20.

Equipment used:

Yaesu FT-817 powered from a 12V 7AH SLA battery
PAC-12 antenna
just-completed Elecraft T1 antenna tuner
Kent TP-1 twin paddle
PicoKeyer
Pencil & paper for logging -- no computer used

I had plans to drag the laptop out and run PSK-31 as long as the battery
held out, but didn't have enough time.  I ended up with all but one
contact CW, one SSB.

Lessons learned:
* I need to get my gear organized better.  I ended up with more of some
things than I needed, but had to go back for a couple of other things.

* Every time I use the FT-817 I'm glad I put the narrow CW filter in.  The
rig would be useless for CW without it.  I just wish I'd had time to see
if there was any CW/SSB traffic on 6 or 2 meters.  For portable use,
though, the SLA is a must-have; the internal battery is pretty wimpy.

* The PAC-12 works great on 20 meters; I was able to get a response on the
first or second call most of the time.  On 40 it was much more difficult,
doubtless the antenna is way less efficient on 40 than on 20.

* 20 meters is usable way later than I thought.  I was still working 20M
stations until after 11 PM local time.

* Working stations running CW much faster than I can copy works wonders. 
Before FD I could comfortably copy at maybe 10-12 WPM.  I had to listen to
a stations' exchange several times before calling them, and if they asked
for a fill I probably wouldn't understand what they were sending.  Now I
have no trouble at 15 WPM, and probably faster.  I'm hoping to be
comfortable at 20 to 25 by next FD.

Hope everyone had a safe & fun 4th...  let's hear your QRP FD stories!

73,
Dale - N0XAS
-- 
It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.