[ILQSO] NVIS/cloudwarmers, & other stuff

[KI9A at aol.com]

Been reading about NVIS antennas the past few days, and it kinda tweeked my  
interest. Anyone using one? Since I haven't really figured out which to use, I 
 threw my spare G5RV up, at right angles to my existing dipole, and mounted 
it 7'  above ground. I put down a reflector on the ground.  Just now, on 40, I  
made contacts ranging from 250-600 miles. Seems the NVIS is a bit strong to  
Chicago thatn my 50' G5RV.  Central PA, no real difference, with the high  
antenna being a bit louder. WOW. Maybe this is my cure for working the close  
counties I always seem to not hear, even when directed via a spot.....who knows?  
I'll make a report after the contest. Anyone else have an idea for one??
 
Other stuff..
 
Normally I get up on the roof, and turn my 17 ele 2 meter yagi vertical, so  
I can catch my Dad ( AD9P ), on 2 FM, while they cruise around neighboring  
counties, looking at fall colors. This year, they are camping at Carlyle  Lake, 
in Clinton Co., and talked him into being portable...I don't see him doing  
anything close to a full effort, but, when he calls me on 2m, and tells me he is 
 on HF, I will spot him. Most likely 40 SSB only. Gonna be a bummer for me, 
lot  of times, they are my only Monroe, Madison, Randolph, Washington, & 
Clinton  county mults...nuts...
 
If you hear me on 40, and I am not in the middle of a pileup, I might ask  
for a quick sig test between the NVIS, and higher dipole..
 
73 & good luck!!
 
Chuck KI9A