[NLRS] KB9TLV/R Rover Trip reply (long)

[kf0q@arrl.net]

Hey John - sounds like a great time!  I wish you all the luck in the 
world on your first big rove!  Sorry I won't be able to do the 
contest this time out .. getting pulled a few different directions 
this year - couple of hockey games, 2 day scout camp, and a bicycle 
tour, etc (I had nothing to do with the schedule..).  Any way I 
thought you might like some tips for the rove.  (I am by no means an 
expert .. rather I have screwed up enough and have learned plenty 
from the mistakes!).  September is a great time to rove typically so 
hope the WX a good to you as well.

Rover tips:
1. Plan your route.  Calculate the time/s needed between points and 
be realistic.  Know when/where to fuel, eat etc.  Actually drive 
parts of the route and get a feel for what to expect.  Spend a decent 
amount of time in each grid.  Hopefully there is enough action to 
keep you going for at least an hour.. don't cut yourself short 
timewise.  If you choose not to publish a schedule - at least make 
one for yourself.  In the heat of the battle it can be easy to forget 
that next grid is at least 2 hours away etc.  If you feel that things 
are drying up in a grid consider leaving a few minutes early to make 
up time, or S&P (search and pounce) other parts of the bands (or 
different bands) and get more contacts in the log.

2. Be prepared
A.  plan on how many contacts you expect.  double that and have the 
tools available to log 400+or more contacts.  It can happen!  Bring 
plenty of paper logs, several pencils, clipboard, whatever you feel 
comfortable with.  
B.  Maps, compass, GPS all great tools to have.. bring 'em all.
C. Depending on how your gear is wired (hopefully with appropriate 
fusing) have spares along.  Bring plenty of tools, fuses and some 
feedline jumpers if you can.  Bring extra batteries too (my GPS eats 
'em up).

3. Gear
A. Anchor all rigs, amplifiers, keyers, etc so as to prevent them 
from jumping around.  Sometimes even tape works OK for the trip.  
Camping supplies are great too (velcro straps, elastic cords, 
whatever..)
B. Route feedlines through a rainproof gap in a rear window or 
similar.  (If you prepare for rain .. it most likely will not 
happen!)
C. Anchor antennas, masts appropriately as to handle the big wind.  
Rover antennas are truly an exercise in trade-offs.  Try to keep the 
antennas as far apart as allowable but avoid some unstable setup that 
will break.  Consider small yagis (best setup I have used) instead of 
bigger antennas.  (I have had really good results by just taking the 
rear portion of  a large antenna for a rove).  Bring a ladder if 
necessary to work on the stack.
D.  Bring a key!  (sometimes even the most rudimentary CW setup (or 
fist) is all it takes to get a contact in the log)  Whatever key you 
use should be tested* with all rigs and placed in a position you can 
use it in.

Final tips:
* Test everything before you leave.  Make sure that all gear does 
what you need.  Pre-program your calling frequencies etc in the rig/s 
so that you can move fast.  Consider using a tape recorder (another 
person to drive is nice too) to log on the fly.

I will probably think of many other things later on; most important 
though is to have fun!  Roving can be a real thrill...sometimes 
however things don't go as planned.  If the band seems dry up don't 
give up!  Many of the stations you find aren't necessarily in the 
contest - just looking for some grids.  If you find these folks try 
to keep them operating.  As you change grids it is really fun working 
them all over again.

Best of luck to you John and all the other folks out there this time 
out!

73,
Matt
KF0Q
EN44ea