[MAMS] April 2011 Microwave Activity Day, report

[Lloyd Ellsworth]

Since W9SZ Zack, was going to be on around 1PM. Modified my day to fit
in. Later rather than early. Drove 2 hours to Muskegon Beach EN63uf on
Lake Michigan. There about 11 AM CDT. Had 903 through 47 GHz with me.
On the way there, rain. There, sun started shining and it was very
windy. Big waves on the Lake. Lake level is very low this year. Set
up. Tried to copy the K3SIW beacons. Could not hear them. Contacted
K3SIW on 144.260. Yep, beacons up. Except 3.4. Trying a couple bands,
the conditions across the Lake, were very poor. Much weaker than
normal signals. 10 GHz decided to act up, and took a while to get
running. Did copy the W2UHI beacon on 10 GHz. Did look around the Lake
for any unsusual signals or reflections on it. None found. Good
example of why bring horns. Dishes are also lots of fun to aim in the
wind. Talked with W9SZ, and conditions, were really just too poor.

Last year, this time of year, also had really poor propagation across the Lake.

In my case, I had several big batteries, bungies and tie ropes, to
hold down the tall saw horse and tripod and dish. Biggest problem was
keeping the loop yagi's aimed. Plus set up in back of the pick up cap,
offered some wind and rain protection, and still be able to operate.

Meanwhile, enjoyed nice noon at the beach. Lunch. And watch the
surfers in wet suits surf Lake Michigan, and wind surf.

Today, with the rain and snow, tried a couple of random CQ's on 10
GHz. Nothing. Likely, the rain and the potential for rain scatter
would have been better today.

Sprints, will see what the weather and fuel prices are. Microwave
sprints, May 7, will see then, and make a decision about where
activity might be best. Likely it will be last minute.


73, Lloyd NE8I/r
EN74 etc