[PaQSO] 2m FM Activity

[Jim]

There really is not magic to making 2m FM contacts
during the Party.  It�s just the same things: 
elevation helps, a clear shot in all directions,
tower, antennas, cable, preamp, amp, etc.

Here is another example.  At K3YTL for the VHF contest
we are at Ricketts Glen State Park typically in
FN11UH(near where LUZ, COL, and SUL come together.) 
>From there on 2m FM with a Ringo Ranger we have worked
people in Maryland.  Not difficult.  Have played with
beams, corner reflectors, etc.  It�s the whole system
though.  

My best story was being on a mountain working a mobile
60 miles away with 5 watts to a rubber duck.  The guy
said I was full scale!  Not bad, right?

The main issue is that you need to HAVE THE RADIO
ON!!!!  As I said, leave the radio on 146.55.  If
possible, program 49, 52, 55, and 58 in and scan.  Do
this for the whole contest.  

I just perused the YTL log for 2m FM last year.  The
station was located in Adams County.  The following
far shots were recorded: Luzerne, Lackawanna,
Columbia, Washington, Allegheny.  Also worked was
Delaware State, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and
West Virginia.  One ham was worked mobile with a 5/8
and 50w near Richmond, VA.  The only limiting factor
was that nobody has 2m FM on!  88 contacts with
minimal effort, not bad.  This was just a trial run. 
The group plans to be present in force this time
around!

I talked to the hams farther away in Luzerne and
Lackwanna Counties.  They were running barefoot radios
with verticals.  One even had an Isopole.  No big DX
machine antennas on their end.

Basically, keep the radios on.  Throw out a call
yourself on the hour or every so often.  May have to
turn beams if you have them to pinpoint YTL.  Or may
have to wait until YTL swings in your direction.  A
large station cannot hear you as well as you hear
them, you must be patient.  Sooner or later the
contacts will be made.  RUN HIGH POWER!

I also encourage all to participate in VHF outside of
the QSO, if you never leave HF, you don�t know what
you are missing.  I have contested with many superior
groups and have participated in history making events.
 It�s the challenge that is the allure!  This will be
the second time for me on HF this year only, so I
don't do much!

Jim
N3PBH 




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