[PaQSO] Rover operations

[John Getz]

Hi Tim:

I do a lot of rover operations.  I have a quick deploy 40/20 meter antenna 
that I can get set up in about 12 minutes and down in about 6 minutes.  I 
use a fishing pole to get a pull line over a tree limb.  I use many 
different types of locations.  My favorite is to find a side road that 
rarely has any traffic.  Then I can just pull off near a tree that is out in 
the open.  My second favorite is to find a cemetery as they
usually have a few trees and lots of open space.  Church parking lots are 
usually good on Saturdays as most have one big tree near the road and an 
empty parking lot.  For my first time in a new area, I like to drive to the 
furthest county while making notes and GPS marks of possible operating 
locations in they counties that I pass through.  That way I know my 
operating locations for the remaining counties.  I very seldom have anyone 
stop to ask what I am doing.  I like to put amateur radio signs in the rear 
windows on both sides.  That way if anyone looks as they drive by, they know 
what I am doing.

I'll be on for the TN contest on Sunday.  I won't be a rover as they don't 
have such a category.  I'll be operating as a mobile but, since I am by 
myself and will be operating while parked,  I'll still pre-pick my later 
operating locations as I drive to the first one.

I plan to operate as a multi-op rover in PA this year.  That will be a new 
experience as I've always been a "One Man Band"!

John Getz, AD8J (now roving out of Asheville, NC)