[NLRS] June VHF Test Results

[jim.k0mhc]

Band..........QSOs........Grids
50..............33.............6
144.............55............9
222.............31............5
432.............30............5
902.............14............3
1296...........15............3
2304...........12............2
3456...........12............2
5760............8.............2
10368..........8.............2
Totals:........218..........39
13 grids activated
Clamed score: 23764

Well, the stacked, dual Moxon's on 6 meters didn't get off the ground. After 
assembling and tuning the array I discovered that the additional 7# 
(antenna, mast extension and phasing harness) added to the already 70# push 
up mast weight (moveable portion) was just too much weight to bench press 13 
times during the contest. Maybe I'll have to lift a few more bar bells 
before the next VHF contest.
I didn't have a chance to activate EN33 but did add EN22, 12 and 13 to my 
planned route.
Starting out in EN26xa again worked well as the gate to the cell site was 
open allowing for a somewhat higher and much flatter location. Set up in a 
drizzle and took down in a good rain.
EN36 was almost a wash out with torrential rains throughout the grid and 
trees all over the place. Finally made one contact with KC0REO before 
heading South to the Twin Cities.
The EN35ia-EN34ix sites in Minneapolis worked well as I could drive between 
them with my mast fully erected (25') and pick out which downtown Mpls. 
building I wanted to use on 5.7/10 GHz. However the chain link fence scatter 
was a bit of a problem on these bands.
Thanks to W0ZQ and W0AMT postings on the "Regional Rover Spots" web page 
http://reality.sgiweb.org/overby/ham/Rover-Sites/  I was able to check out 
EN24xx and EN25wb locations. Sorry for the short stays due to the rains.
Driving through EN24 towards my overnight stop at the Jackson I90 rest stop 
I made my first CW band sweep with KM0T while in motion. Not much traffic 
after midnight on state highway 60 but I'm not sure that I'd want to operate 
mobile CW very often.
I couldn't raise many other stations in EN 23, 22, 12, 13, 14 or 15 due to 
conditions and my relatively low gain on 2 meters (about 7dBi with a 6' 
LPDA). Thanks to Mike KM0T for keeping me awake while I scouted for good 
locations for use in August.
Arrived at EN16xa in time to finish the test with a flurry of contacts from 
this relatively good location.

HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Started the test ON-TIME and was able to scout for other locations 2 
hours before starting time.
2. The looper bands (902-3456) equipment box mounted to the rover antenna 
mast in order to shorten the coax transmission lines. I can't believe that 
830 mile route with a mix of gravel roads and ruts didn't jar something 
loose what with 4 transverters and 4 amplifiers, controllers, relays, etc. 
Sometimes you just have good luck. The shorter transmission lines paid off 
except on 3456 where I still have too much loss.
3. This time I only has one loose connection (cable plug-socket) which was 
finally wiggled into an operating position for the rest of the trip.
4. The aux. AC portable power generator together with Astron 70 amp AC-DC 
power supply supplied steady and stable power during longer operating times. 
This year I was able to operate with internal batteries (3 marine deep 
discharge) while in motion and for short stops on the low bands (50-432).
5. Sweeping K9MU, W0GHZ, N0KP and KM0T in several bands.
6. 5.7 and 10 GHz operations from my camera tripod with 200 mW.
7. Scouting many good operating locations.
8. Set-up and take-down times were under 10 minutes.

CHALLENGES:
1. 3456 antenna and transmission line losses
2. Improved mount for 5.7/10 GHz dish
3. Couldn't keep up with computer real-time logging. Back to paper I guess.
4. Console equipment layout/usability issues.
5. Lack of contacts into EN33!
6. Longer equipment warm up on upper bands to minimize drifting.
7. Improved antenna gain on low bands (144-432).
8. Viable timeline for August.

Thanks to all for the contacts.

73, Jim
K0MHC/R

"HAVE YOU FED A ROVER TODAY>"