[MRCA] On Patrol Operation Report

[W2HX]

Thanks, Mike. All good info.  So far in the houses we've rented over the years, I've been able to string up a dipole or two and leave them up for the duration of the visit. Then its just a matter of firing up the radio. Having said that, I recently became aware of an antenna called transworld antenna (I am sure it bears to relationship to the daton transworld).  Here is the info on it;

http://www.twantennas.com/

they have a 10,12,15,17 and 20 meter version (tw2010) and also a 40 meter version (tw4040). Both versions share the same elements, you just swap out a center piece. Anyhow, I like that it is self-standing for quick setup and limited space.   It also seems to have excellent reviews on eham.  It is no substitute for a half-wave dipole up in the trees, but for a packable solution it might be interesting to add to the arsenal.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6869
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/8140
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?304885-Transworld-TW4040-and-TW2010-Compact-vertical-dipole-40-meters

I haven’t purchased it, but it might be on my list.

Thanks for the advice.
Eugene


-----Original Message-----
From: mstangelo at comcast.net [mailto:mstangelo at comcast.net] 
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2014 12:05 PM
To: W2HX
Cc: mrca at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [MRCA] On Patrol Operation Report

Eugene,

I like bringing a radio along with me on vacation. Here are some ideas I've learned over the years.

- I designed my "fly-away" bag to have the ability to set up and knock down the station withing 10 minutes so that I can utilize the free time when everyone else is preoccupied. Most of my free time is early in the morning as the family is getting ready for the day's activities and in the early evening after we've returned from the beach and getting ready for for dinner.

- I haven't had much success installing antennas inside buildings because of noise and shielding. I'm weary of installing antennas on structures or on trees so I provide my own supports. My favorite antenna is an outbacker whip with a mag mount base. I can mount the base on my car or on a table. I connect radials the the mount base. This antenna does a good job on 10 through 20 meters. I have a 40 meter wires that I can set up as a dipole or a vertical. I use a telescoping pole for support.

- Check out the HF Pack SSB calling frequencies, especially 18157.5 and 14342.5.

- I always have success making CW contacts, especially on the QRP frequencies. QRP operators also enjoy discussing rigs and portable setups.

- Be aware that you're being watched. Usually a curious kid notices me asks his parents about it. This is a good opportunity to explain amateur radio operation and promote the hobby. Bring a copy of your license with you.

Enjoy your vacation.

Mike N2MS

----- Original Message -----
From: W2HX <w2hx at w2hx.com>
To: mrca at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 04:04:47 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: [MRCA] On Patrol Operation Report

Hello friends,

I am on vacation in ocean isle beach, NC with the family.

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