[NLRS] Fwd: ARRL June VHF K0BBC/R Unlimited Rover LP - response

[W. S. Mitchell]

Although there were a few CW Qs, I wasn't familiar with the logging
software (N3FJP VHF), and ended up staying toward SSB.  I'm not sure
there are CW macros in N3FJP.  I've learned from my mobile operation
in the WIQP that a huge advantage of a macro set is not having to send
the thumb-twisting callsigns while bouncing around at 65 mph.  We are
looking into other logging software (including RoverLog) for next
time, to better use the CW opportunities.

We also made good use of having three ops: one would drive, one would
operate, and the third would navigate (keeping an eye on grid lines),
figure out where to point the beams while working a station up the
bands, handle all texting, and give an occasional call on 146.55

Matt took a video of the operation at Capitol Rock in Montana
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFlCTATEi64), as well as dashcam video
from the drive back to South Dakota from Capitol Rock
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djQh-OwVfJ0)

Next time, we (or at least I) will be more prepared for JT65 or meteor
scatter contacts.  Although we had the equipment to do meteor scatter
Sunday morning, we were under a big line of thunderstorms (severe
t-storm warnings just to our southeast) so we weren't out making Qs.

As Matt and Dave have said, it was a good time with good folks.  Aside
from the storms Sunday morning, the weather was great.

73,
  Bill
AE0EE



On Wed, Jun 17, 2015 at 12:53 PM,  <dave.w0zf at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Jim, cell coverage (especially data) is pretty spotty west of the Missouri , but we were able to get texts in and out most of the time. My Verizon phone worked more consistently than Matt's T Mobile but there were some times he had signal when I didn't .
>
> Used iAPRS on my iPhone for the first time since there are no vhf digipeaters out there, and it got through often enough to get a nice track. I updated the APRS message with our calling freq often through the trip, but I don't know whether anyone actually followed us on APRS or used that info.
>
> I'm looking at building a 30m APRS tracker for next time to reduce dependency on cell coverage.
>
> Overall, the operation was much smoother this time due to the K3 and integrated transverters. No juggling of multiple radios/mics, and consistent radio reporting of band/mode to the logger eliminates a lot of logging goofs when running a station up the bands.
>
> Bill's CW skills got us a few Qs that we would have otherwise missed- my CW is improving, but nowhere near Bill.
>
> Overall, a good time.
>
> 73 de W0ZF
>
>
>
> —
> Sent from Mailbox
>
> On Wed, Jun 17, 2015 at 8:29 AM, Jim Froemke <jim.k0mhc at earthlink.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Matt.
>> Sounds like you guys had a great time and good luck with your rove. It's
>> encouraging to see your continued investment in roving. I wasn't able to
>> participate this year but, will be on next June from either the fixed (EN26)
>> or rover (RRV) station. Keep up the good work! You may also want to look for
>> K6STS from Bismarck who has the VHF/UHF bands.
>> ***************snip*****
>> Those who followed us along via APRS and text messaging were able to swap
>> much needed mults on both sides of the QSO.
>> I encourage more users to swap contact information before the contest so
>> beams can be lined up more quickly and points earned by all.  Just ask K0AWU
>> how easy it is to "dial-a-multiplier."  A quick text message and we lined up
>> and worked him on four bands.
>> ***************snip*****
>> While in the SD boondocks, did you have sufficient cell coverage for texting
>> most of the time?
>> 73, Jim
>> K0MHC/rover
>> Lake Miltona, MN
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