[ILQSO] KJ9C a no-show this year

[James Funk]

Mobile ops are getting scarcer for several reasons (my perspective solely, no warranty):

Driving is expensive.  Guys like Mel who come from out of state probably drive a minimum of 300 miles by the time they leave home, drive an ILQP route and return to base.  IRS "rate" is 50 cents a mile.  Do the math.

Mobile operating is mentally demanding.  Even if you have a separate driver, an eight-hour stint, non-stop, while coping with band changes, logging and other strategy and I am worn out.  Eight hours is a long time to sit and not all that "healthy".  I usually get out once. I can't even imagine a QSO party of 12 hours or more!

We are all getting older.  Are there any "new" mobile operators?  Many new hams do not operate CW, though that's where the mobile contest opportunities are the best.

Problems arise when operating mobile (especially in a contest) that are potentially game-ending.  Antennas fail, get knocked off, develop shorts or opens.  Keyers fail.  Computers lock up.  Paddles get knocked off the seat. Okay, maybe these things only happen to other people?  Equipment redundancy is critical.

Finding "trouble-free locations" from which to run a particular county can be problematic.  Some routes are awful for line noise.  Some county lines do not offer a safe place to park.  Some otherwise enticing parking places involve line noise, traffic hazards, or uncooperative landowners (or persistently uncooperative law enforcement).

Add the wrinkle (and it is a WRINKLE) of trying to do this without a separate driver.  Now you get to do all of the above and drive in a safe manner and navigate.  Do you try to operate while in motion?  Or resign yourself to maybe half the counties covered and half the contacts and operate only when parked?

Okay, now that I'm depressed, back to your regularly scheduled programming....

73, Jim N9JF