[SixClub] 6 Meters Mobile

[wg4ray at pecanpi.com]

As for how to determine what grid you're in, there are a number of ways to
handle that.  Some GPS units will directly read off maidenhead co-ordinates.
Failing that, the latitude and longitude can be quickly converted.  And if
you have one of those road atlases that have the latitude and longitude
pre-printed, you can spend an afternoon with a highlighter and a ruler and
add the grid squares; then reference to the map will give you the answer of
where you are even if you don't have a GPS unit.

No idea if you are planning on doing this parked, or a passenger, or are
going to attempt this while driving.  If the latter, by all means consider
something like a voice activated recorder that you can LATER transcribe into
your log.

Cheers
Gray
WG4RAY

-----Original Message-----
From: sixclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:sixclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Buck
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 08:01
To: 'World Wide Six Meter Club'
Subject: [SixClub] 6 Meters Mobile


Two days ago, I trimmed a 102 steel whip to 57 inches and mounted it on a
ball mount on the side of my mini-van.  (I am amazed at how many hams told
me I needed to trim it to the FM portion of the band and work there since it
has vertical polarization.)

Saturday was mostly a wash.  I heard very little and talked mostly to local
hams.  However, Saturday evening, I had a 57/57 QSO with a MN ham, the first
DX contact on that setup.  Band conditions were crappy compared to the
previous two weeks.  However, yesterday, Sunday, opened up pretty well.  I
mostly had to stay indoors and work, but when I was out, I was pretty much
able to QSO whomever I could hear.

I have learned, that with my particular setup, unless I have at least one
bar on the s-meter (I have an IC-706 MKII) don't bother returning to the
station unless he is /QRP.  Generally, anything less means if I have a
slight curve in the road, I'll lose the contact altogether.

I usually keep either a 40 or 20 meter whip on my car, but with the nature
of my job (lots of very short local trips), 6 meters seems to be a better
choice of bands as most QSOs are kept to brief exchanges.

Today I'll be putting a log-book in my car so I can record the QSOs.  I was
a little apprehensive about making too many contacts without logging them.

I also learned to tune around when the band is 'dead'.  I used to keep it on
.125 and listen for openings, but I found that when I tune around, I can
hear numerous QSOs going on even when .125 is vacant, or more accurately,
silent.

Speaking of which, I found that the locals, in particular, are good for
either keeping QSOs on .125 very short or quickly moving up in frequency.

I don't have a base antenna yet. I am in a restricted neighborhood so I will
have to make one and put it in the attic when I have time.  In the meantime,
I'll be operating mobile.

BTW, how do mobile travelers keep up with what grid they are in when taking
a trip?  It is easy to know what county I am in at any given time, but not
what grid.

Look for me in EM95.

73 for now
Buck
N4PGW


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