[NLRS] KC0IYT/R Jan 04 VHF results

[goverby@charter.net]

Well, it's over.  My first time out as a rover was only partly successful.

RoverLog QSOs by Activated Grid:
Grid	QSOs
EN24	4
EN34	65
EN35	27

RoverLog Score Summary, Using new rover rules:
Band	QSOs	Value	QSOPts	Mults
50	15	1	15	2
144	45	1	45	5
432	21	2	42	4
903	7	4	28	1
1.2	8	4	32	2

Grids activated: 		3

Totals:	96		162	17

Claimed Score: 2754


Let me start with the good news: the antenna rack didn't come flying off of
the vehicle!  

My biggest mistake was not scouting operating locations in advance.  I got to
the EN24 area early, but it took a long time to find a location to operate
from.  Partly becaue I had so much trouble finding an operation location, I
decided to skip going to EN25 and instead tried to get more contacts from
EN24.  I wasn't comfortable going 70mph with the antenna rack, so I skipped
going to EN44/45 on Sunday and stayed in the metro area.  In retrospect, I
should have tried to keep my schedule to go to the EN34/33/44/43 corner.

It was a mistake to rely on my 6M beam.  The elements at full width hang over
the side of the car, and I never got it set up.  Sunday, I switched to a
dipole for 6m and at least gave out a few contacts that way.  My 2m beam had
it's own share of problems.  The long elements (over 3') use tubes in the
center.  On the way out, I lost half of the reflector (which was repairable)
and the first director cracked and I had to remove it to avoid losing it while
driving.  I ended up using my back-up 3 element beam for most of the contest.

Thanks to Donn, WA2VOI, for directions to an operating location in EN35.  I'm
sorry that I never worked you from there.

73,
Glen KC0IYT