[ILQSO] My ILQP experience...

[Dave Chasey]

Hi All,

I just joined the ILQP reflector.   I have seen a handful of messages and
looked at the archives a little bit.    I thought I would pass along my
experience with the ILQP.

I've been a ham for 30 years but I haven't done much contesting.   I also
wanted to try some type of solo "field day" like effort as well.  I
exchanged several emails with N9JF, NG9R, and K9LY who were all very helpful
and encouraging before and after the event! 

While emailing with NG9R he indicated that it was unlikely that he'd be able
to go to the four county intersection of VERM, CHAM, DOUG, EDGR where he had
intended to go and he encouraged me to go there if at all possible.  At the
last minute, four or five days before the QSO Party, my girlfriend (KC9ERM)
and I decided we'd be able to give it a shot.    It was a whirlwind of
getting 1/2 done projects finished, tested, and ready to go.    

We ended up getting permission from a farmer to set up on the corner of his
field about 35' north east of the intersection.    We put up a small shelter
and I used an 18' fishing pole with a vertical wire and 4 ground radials for
the antenna with an SGC antenna tuner.   I used my Icom 706MKIIg and a W8RRY
battery booster to power the setup.   I also used a laptop with Writelog for
logging.

Anyway, we had a fantastic time, and everything went pretty well for a first
attempt.    We hope to participate and do better in future years.

For those that worked me, Carol made a really nice color photo QSL card to
commemorate our first effort.    If anyone would like one, send me your card
and I'll send one back.    If someone creates a website for the 2004 ILQP I
have several digital pictures that I could send to be included.   

Also, thank you to RAMS and everyone that puts on the ILQP.   

Dave Chasey -- N9FN (ex WN9NBT)
wn9nbt at purdue.edu