[NLRS] ARRL VHF Contest this weekend

[Edward Van Cleave]

Will be operating FT8 on 6M during the contest this weekend, plus FT8 on 144.174 MHz and 432.5 MHz.  Rather than running up a score, am most interested in making contacts on 2M and 70cm, especially 70cm.

Relying upon those of you with big iron to copy my thirteen element dual band yagi (five elements on 2M, eight elements on 70cm, on a 5.5ft boom) installed on a tripod at 40ft situated in my third-floor apartment's screened-in porch.  The rigs are an IC-7610 running 100W on 6M into a 1.5 wavelength dipole, then an IC-9700 running 100W on 2M and 75W on 70cm.  The station performs well for what it is.  Did work the tropo openings on 2M into GA, AL, and FL this summer, as well as 6M DX.

Living in West Bloomington, my porch QTH overlooks the Nine Mile Creek wetland, but is literally blocked to the south by Norman Ridge which begins its rise immediately behind the apartment complex.  Have made contacts to the north, east, and west, no problem on 2M and 70cm.  Despite the blockage, have worked stations to the south.

Please listen for my CQs and good luck in the contest.

Ed, W0VC