Field Day at Home
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Good Afternoon,
I took Wayne's advice and had a little fun during Field Day. I did want to work with other folks for a change but the cancellation at the very last minute did not allow me to find another group. So I worked about 220 contacts on 20, 40, and 80 meters using only CW with a solely search and pounce technique. I did get a couple hours of 40 contacts or more but I did take a number of hours off to do chores and to write some assembly language. It is my way of relaxing :) I ran the entire time on emergency power (1E) but ran from two rigs, two sets of paddles, and five separate antennas from three locations. The power jumped all over the place from 3 watts to 100 watts. Since I am not submitting any log this does not matter. I just have fun handing out points to others and seeing who I can hear. It is fun to test my CW skills against the fast and slow ops. There were a wide variety of fists as well ;) My goal was to beat what I did last year. I did that. I also wanted to work with a group of folks to get the full effect of the field day crowd. I did not get to do that. So a resolution for next year will be to start very early to find a group who will not bail out at the last minute. I also need to find a group who wants a CW operator. I was not successful with finding one in Oregon. Around here you have to be careful if you mention the mode. Too many folks are adamantly opposed to its use or even its existence. I had no idea of the depth of feeling until I mentioned how much fun I had running CW. I was never again welcome at that club! Now to ask a favor of folks in Washington, Northern California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, or Montana. Is there any group who would have me as a CW op for next year's Field Day? I am willing to travel with my radio and camping gear to work with a friendly group of folks. QRP or not, it does not matter to me. I just want to work CW. If there are others working voice and data modes that is fine. I simply want to find a group where I will not be shunned for mentioning my enjoyment of CW. I've met a great number of very nice folks while working CW and especially after I started the Elecraft CW Net. I am sure I can find a group in the Pacific Northwest who will have me for next year's Field Day outing. Take care, Kevin. KD5ONS P.S. Next week we will have both nets at their normal times and frequencies. KJR _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Kevin Rock wrote:
> Now to ask a favor of folks in Washington, Northern California, Idaho, > Nevada, Utah, or Montana. Is there any group who would have me as a > CW op for next year's Field Day? You're most welcome anywhere I'm doing FD, Kevin. Eric and I are both about 99% CW on FD. If you want to stick closer to your home QTH, you might check out the ARRL's FD scores database. I checked out the database for 2005, and sorted scores based on Oregon and a x5 power multiplier (QRP). Here's the link to all contest results: http://www.arrl.org/contests/results/ And here's what came up for Oregon/x5: # Call Score Cat. Group 1 W7LT 2,905 4AB Portland ARC 2 W7GLG 2,855 4AB Sisters Repeater Group 3 AD7L 2,390 1B1B 4 W7FC 2,290 1AB Solder Monkeys 5 K7ENO 975 2AB Keno ARC & Friends 6 AA7QU 910 1B2B Paul Bunyan Ham Club 7 KB7LJP 850 1B1B 8 KK1A 840 1B1B 9 AA7IH 810 1B1B Surely there are some CW ops in this group ;) You can sort on other sections or different criteria. The ARRL has provided a great tool. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Kevin Rock
Too bad you live so far away; I'm sure the club that I belong to would love
to have you as a CW op. As for those idiots you mentioned, I wouldn't want to belong to a club that felt like that about a perfectly valid mode of comunications. Matthew Pitts, N8OHU. (dreaming about building a K2/KPA100/KAT100 setup for mobile/emergency ops) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Kevin Rock
-----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Kevin Rock Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 4:23 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day at Home Kevin said: >Good Afternoon, >I took Wayne's advice and had a little fun during Field Day. I did want >to work with other folks for a change but ... Kevin, The same thing happened here. We had a credible threat of serious thunderstorms for the whole period, which did not develop at all. I don't blame the folks for being careful, but it would have been nice to have a back-up plan. So I wound up operating 1D from my basement. I made about 40 to 50 Q's on 80, 40 and 15. At least we gave some other hardy souls someone to talk to during the fray. I'm sure they appreciated our contacts. >Around here you have to be careful if you mention the mode. >Too many folks are adamantly opposed to its use or even >its existence. I had no idea of the depth of feeling until I mentioned >how much fun I had running CW. I was never again welcome at that club! Complete dolts, Kevin. Even if none of them cared for CW, why would they act like that? I'll bet if you got to know them, you'd discover a number of even more disturbing character traits. You don't need to be hanging with a crowd like that. Next year, I'll have my own "back-up plan". Regards, Vin KR2F K1-4 s/n: 1977 KX1 s/n: 1476 (under construction) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Kevin Rock
Rock you're a genius. I tried my first Field Day with a club and know
why I've stayed strictly away from it in 23 years of being licensed. Lots of watching others operate, watching computers (which have no place near a radio or anything fun) fail, freeze, and piss people off, watching a rat's nest of mutually not-always-compatible antennas get put up with varying degrees of success, and enough safety violations to make an OSHA officer crap their pants. Next time I'm staying home. 73 de Alex NS6Y. On Jun 25, 2006, at 1:23 PM, Kevin Rock wrote: > Good Afternoon, > > I took Wayne's advice and had a little fun during Field Day. I did > want to work with other folks for a change but the cancellation at > the very last minute did not allow me to find another group. So I > worked about 220 contacts on 20, 40, and 80 meters using only CW > with a solely search and pounce technique. I did get a couple > hours of 40 contacts or more but I did take a number of hours off > to do chores and to write some assembly language. It is my way of > relaxing :) > > I ran the entire time on emergency power (1E) but ran from two > rigs, two sets of paddles, and five separate antennas from three > locations. The power jumped all over the place from 3 watts to 100 > watts. Since I am not submitting any log this does not matter. I > just have fun handing out points to others and seeing who I can > hear. It is fun to test my CW skills against the fast and slow > ops. There were a wide variety of fists as well ;) > > My goal was to beat what I did last year. I did that. I also > wanted to work with a group of folks to get the full effect of the > field day crowd. I did not get to do that. So a resolution for > next year will be to start very early to find a group who will not > bail out at the last minute. I also need to find a group who wants > a CW operator. I was not successful with finding one in Oregon. > Around here you have to be careful if you mention the mode. Too > many folks are adamantly opposed to its use or even its existence. > I had no idea of the depth of feeling until I mentioned how much > fun I had running CW. I was never again welcome at that club! > > Now to ask a favor of folks in Washington, Northern California, > Idaho, Nevada, Utah, or Montana. Is there any group who would have > me as a CW op for next year's Field Day? I am willing to travel > with my radio and camping gear to work with a friendly group of > folks. QRP or not, it does not matter to me. I just want to work > CW. If there are others working voice and data modes that is > fine. I simply want to find a group where I will not be shunned > for mentioning my enjoyment of CW. > > I've met a great number of very nice folks while working CW and > especially after I started the Elecraft CW Net. I am sure I can > find a group in the Pacific Northwest who will have me for next > year's Field Day outing. > Take care, > Kevin. KD5ONS > > P.S. Next week we will have both nets at their normal times and > frequencies. > KJR > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Kevin,
I'm glad to hear you operated FD this weekend. I read your earlier message and was concerned, but didn't know what to say. We would have been glad to have your as part of our effort. We ran 2 SSB, 2 CW, and the GOTA and VHF+ stations that can go with this. I've been very happy with the local club and their FD operation. This was my first time with them since 2003 which was my first FD (I headed the GOTA effort that year). Military obligations had me in Hawaii for the 2004 operation and Ohio last year. I was able to find clubs to operate with in both cases. The hour I ran one of the stations in KH6 was my first experience under a pileup. I think I ran more QSOs in that hour than I had in my log at home after a year. When I was first licensed about 20 years ago, my elmer (W5NK) demonstrated operating techniques by having me watch him do a few QSOs as 1E (he ran from a battery). I didn't operate a FD until 2003. I was really looking forward to it and had a blast. This was also quite necessary as I didn't get a HF radio until 6 month later. And I only been really active for the last six months. Before that, I did a limited effort in contests and many Public Service events. I also did a deployment to Mississippi in the aftermath of Katrina. Sorry for the long winded response. My points are: 1. I'm glad to hear you operated (I'm sorry I don't yet have the skill to work you.) 2. Find another group. A club can be a great source of support and ideas. I probably wouldn't be as active without the local club. 3. There is room for solo and group operations. I respectfully disagree with those suggesting avoiding groups. 4. I have a K1 and look forward to working you on the ECN. 73, -- Clark B. Wierda N8CBW (SSB/Digital operator for W8UM/W8PGW 4A MI effort) _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Kevin Rock
I used the K2 at 5W with either the built-in battery or the Radio Shack
Power-Up system. Conditions weren't that great, but most people could hear me OK. I made QSO's on 80, 40, 20, 15, and a few on 10. It's nice having all bands in one little box. Tnx to all who strained their ears to copy me. 72, John W2XS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Kevin Rock
I had quite a bit of fun from home as well. I made QSOs on 20 and 40. Here
is the setup... http://www.leelynn.com/images/NK1N_FD2006_Station.jpg http://www.leelynn.com/images/NK1N_FD2006_Antenna.jpg It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "armchair copy". :-) 72, Glen, NK1N ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Rock" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 4:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day at Home > Good Afternoon, > > I took Wayne's advice and had a little fun during Field Day. I did want > to work with other folks for a change but the cancellation at the very > last minute did not allow me to find another group. So I worked about 220 > contacts on 20, 40, and 80 meters using only CW with a solely search and > pounce technique. I did get a couple hours of 40 contacts or more but I > did take a number of hours off to do chores and to write some assembly > language. It is my way of relaxing :) > > I ran the entire time on emergency power (1E) but ran from two rigs, two > sets of paddles, and five separate antennas from three locations. The > power jumped all over the place from 3 watts to 100 watts. Since I am not > submitting any log this does not matter. I just have fun handing out > points to others and seeing who I can hear. It is fun to test my CW > skills against the fast and slow ops. There were a wide variety of fists > as well ;) > > My goal was to beat what I did last year. I did that. I also wanted to > work with a group of folks to get the full effect of the field day crowd. > I did not get to do that. So a resolution for next year will be to start > very early to find a group who will not bail out at the last minute. I > also need to find a group who wants a CW operator. I was not successful > with finding one in Oregon. Around here you have to be careful if you > mention the mode. Too many folks are adamantly opposed to its use or even > its existence. I had no idea of the depth of feeling until I mentioned > how much fun I had running CW. I was never again welcome at that club! > > Now to ask a favor of folks in Washington, Northern California, Idaho, > Nevada, Utah, or Montana. Is there any group who would have me as a CW op > for next year's Field Day? I am willing to travel with my radio and > camping gear to work with a friendly group of folks. QRP or not, it does > not matter to me. I just want to work CW. If there are others working > voice and data modes that is fine. I simply want to find a group where I > will not be shunned for mentioning my enjoyment of CW. > > I've met a great number of very nice folks while working CW and especially > after I started the Elecraft CW Net. I am sure I can find a group in the > Pacific Northwest who will have me for next year's Field Day outing. > Take care, > Kevin. KD5ONS > > P.S. Next week we will have both nets at their normal times and > frequencies. > KJR > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Alexandra Carter
Thanks for the encouragement! Actually, I feel this is a valuable
learning experience: (1) Bring your own gear and be familiar with its use in the field through practice, that way you'll always have a rig to plop yourself down in front of and operate - yours. (2) Bring salt and pepper for the burgers, and mayo too, sriracha perhaps too, just to see if anyone tries it (super hot sauce found in all vietnamese noodle shops) (3) Be good at code - If I were more up to speed on code, I'd have felt confident to just wait in the very short line to get on the CW station. Problem is, while I've been putting in work on it and getting better, I just wasn't "there" yet. (4) Nice simple antennas work great, think long hunks of wire + tall trees = happiness. (5) Computers are NOT your friends!! I signed up to do the digital station (psk31) because I can type better than most in the group and at least it's one thing I can do. Computers crapped out both for logging and I think when the one guy who set up the PSK31 station went home, the station went with him, at sundown. At the SSB station, same story, computer problems and unreliability. The GOTA station started humming right along once their computer died and they started a proper paper log. Learn to write well, quickly and cleanly, look up "directed script" or whatever it's called that the old time CW ops used. It can be transferred into a logging program that checks for dupes etc later, but in the 24-hour time window of FD, computers only slow ya down. Now, I actually don't have any Elecraft rigs right now. It's a long story. if I build yet ANOTHER KX1 I'll prolly just get the stock one and the internal tuner, and not mess with additional bands. I could always add them later, but keep it really simple at first. And I'll probably just use my own paddle - I have one of the little American Morse jobs and it's neat. Also, a Vibroplex Code-Mite straight key which looks like a toy but isn't, it's a very nice, sturdy, good- feeling little key. Oh, and I have an IC-7000 I just got. 73 de Alex NS6Y. On Jun 25, 2006, at 4:05 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: > > Howdy Alex: > > I gave up on participating in club Field Day efforts many years ago > precisely because of the points you raised. > > But don't give up on Field Day altogether.....you are a QRP'er > which makes you a special breed....take your QRP gear out to the > field and have fun. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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On Sun, 25 Jun 2006 17:45:12 -0700, Alexandra Carter
<[hidden email]> wrote: > Thanks for the encouragement! Actually, I feel this is a valuable > learning experience: > > (1) Bring your own gear and be familiar with its use in the field > through practice, that way you'll always have a rig to plop yourself > down in front of and operate - yours. > > (2) Bring salt and pepper for the burgers, and mayo too, sriracha > perhaps too, just to see if anyone tries it (super hot sauce found in > all vietnamese noodle shops) > > (3) Be good at code - If I were more up to speed on code, I'd have felt > confident to just wait in the very short line to get on the CW station. > Problem is, while I've been putting in work on it and getting better, I > just wasn't "there" yet. > > (4) Nice simple antennas work great, think long hunks of wire + tall > trees = happiness. > > (5) Computers are NOT your friends!! I signed up to do the digital > station (psk31) because I can type better than most in the group and at > least it's one thing I can do. Computers crapped out both for logging > and I think when the one guy who set up the PSK31 station went home, the > station went with him, at sundown. At the SSB station, same story, > computer problems and unreliability. The GOTA station started humming > right along once their computer died and they started a proper paper > log. Learn to write well, quickly and cleanly, look up "directed script" > or whatever it's called that the old time CW ops used. It can be > transferred into a logging program that checks for dupes etc later, but > in the 24-hour time window of FD, computers only slow ya down. > > Now, I actually don't have any Elecraft rigs right now. It's a long > story. if I build yet ANOTHER KX1 I'll prolly just get the stock one and > the internal tuner, and not mess with additional bands. I could always > add them later, but keep it really simple at first. And I'll probably > just use my own paddle - I have one of the little American Morse jobs > and it's neat. Also, a Vibroplex Code-Mite straight key which looks like > a toy but isn't, it's a very nice, sturdy, good-feeling little key. > > Oh, and I have an IC-7000 I just got. > > 73 de Alex NS6Y. > > On Jun 25, 2006, at 4:05 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: >> >> Howdy Alex: >> >> I gave up on participating in club Field Day efforts many years ago >> precisely because of the points you raised. >> >> But don't give up on Field Day altogether.....you are a QRP'er which >> makes you a special breed....take your QRP gear out to the field and >> have fun. > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: > http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Alexandra Carter
I've learned to be ready for operation under short notice. I prefer the
small HF rigs, low power, and wire antennas. Since CW is so darn efficient (and I am lazy ;) it is simple to carry the required gear in a day pack. Since I had missed out on my group thing I simply called my friend N7NLU (QRPTTF buddy) and asked about his inverted V. He smoked me during QRPTTF because he could both hear and be heard much better than I could. But he told me to go with a long wire against a counter poise instead simply for ease of setup and teardown. That was good advice. I could move from one location to another without much problem. The biggest difficulty was finding a comfy tree to sit against and log contacts. Since I design and build computers for a living I don't use them for amateur radio. I like to get away from work while I am relaxing! So my paper logging has become second nature. I do it each week for two nets so why change? It is easy enough to transfer to my database later; but I enjoy the tactile pleasure of a pen or pencil on paper. I keep all of the printouts from work because I don't like to see one side of perfectly good paper go to waste. I use the back side to copy code (read scribble here) and keep my log sheets. FD is pretty simple: grab their call sign, get their designator (1A, 1E, etc) and their state while you are waiting in the queue. Then all you need to do is give your info and send any fills required. Log the time and frequency and on to the next victim. The nets run a little differently. I get to chat with them a bit and find out about their kids, their weather, both get and give an RST, and wish them well for the following week. My rate for ECN is much lower due to the chatty nature of the venue. FD was not the same as ECN. The range of experience of the senders was much broader. Fists ranged from very, very good to 'I think I will wait a year to work this op' ;) I don't mind miskeying, heck I do enough of that myself! What I cannot figure out is folks who send in one long character. Makes it very tough. Some of the folks I worked had very sticky paddles too. There was one op who just could not get his tamed. It kept sending for long after we had exchanged information and I was tuning to the next spot on the dial. But field conditions can be dirty which causes all sorts of odd things to happen with close spaced paddles. I like to take two of them just in case one goes awry during a contact. Then, during a pause where I copy in my head, I switch instruments and move on. A good whack often dislodges the offending bit of crud so you can move back to set 0 when time permits. Hopefully I'll get out in the field again soon. The weather has broken. It has broken big time in Oregon. Today it is over 85 at 2000 feet. I cannot imagine what it is like in downtown Hillsboro. I was told it may hit 100 today and again tomorrow. If it were not for the fir and hemlock forest around me it would be much hotter. As it is Sam is lying in a daze in the front yard. Hopefully the coyotes will not awaken any time soon to eat him! I am not quite as warm as he is but I don't have three inches of fur to contend with. I would hose him down if he wouldn't freak out :) Good thing it cools off rapidly when the sun sets or sleeping would be difficult. Until next week and next year. See you on the air, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator on a break) On Sun, 25 Jun 2006 17:45:12 -0700, Alexandra Carter <[hidden email]> wrote: > Thanks for the encouragement! Actually, I feel this is a valuable > learning experience: > > (1) Bring your own gear and be familiar with its use in the field > through practice, that way you'll always have a rig to plop yourself > down in front of and operate - yours. > > (2) Bring salt and pepper for the burgers, and mayo too, sriracha > perhaps too, just to see if anyone tries it (super hot sauce found in > all vietnamese noodle shops) > > (3) Be good at code - If I were more up to speed on code, I'd have felt > confident to just wait in the very short line to get on the CW station. > Problem is, while I've been putting in work on it and getting better, I > just wasn't "there" yet. > > (4) Nice simple antennas work great, think long hunks of wire + tall > trees = happiness. > > (5) Computers are NOT your friends!! I signed up to do the digital > station (psk31) because I can type better than most in the group and at > least it's one thing I can do. Computers crapped out both for logging > and I think when the one guy who set up the PSK31 station went home, the > station went with him, at sundown. At the SSB station, same story, > computer problems and unreliability. The GOTA station started humming > right along once their computer died and they started a proper paper > log. Learn to write well, quickly and cleanly, look up "directed script" > or whatever it's called that the old time CW ops used. It can be > transferred into a logging program that checks for dupes etc later, but > in the 24-hour time window of FD, computers only slow ya down. > > Now, I actually don't have any Elecraft rigs right now. It's a long > story. if I build yet ANOTHER KX1 I'll prolly just get the stock one and > the internal tuner, and not mess with additional bands. I could always > add them later, but keep it really simple at first. And I'll probably > just use my own paddle - I have one of the little American Morse jobs > and it's neat. Also, a Vibroplex Code-Mite straight key which looks like > a toy but isn't, it's a very nice, sturdy, good-feeling little key. > > Oh, and I have an IC-7000 I just got. > > 73 de Alex NS6Y. > > On Jun 25, 2006, at 4:05 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: >> >> Howdy Alex: >> >> I gave up on participating in club Field Day efforts many years ago >> precisely because of the points you raised. >> >> But don't give up on Field Day altogether.....you are a QRP'er which >> makes you a special breed....take your QRP gear out to the field and >> have fun. > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: > http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Alexandra Carter
I used to do FD with a local club but the CW operation was dominated by
several ops who didn't want anyone to operate who might run at a slower rate.. About the time I rediscovered QRP I also discovered how much fun FD can be with just one other CW op. We take turns logging and operating and have a great time. And our setup (K2 with KAT2 and 270-foot horizontal loop) is simple and fast. Unfortunately, no Field Day here this year because the national forest is closed to all entry due to extreme fire danger. 72, Bruce N7CEE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by John W2XS
I made about 100 contacts with around 3-4 hours of operating the K1 on a 135' dipole
fed with 450 ohm line. 80/40/20 and 15. Worked about 2/3rds of the ARRL sections. 73, Sandy W5TVW ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Meade" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 7:30 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Field Day at Home | I used the K2 at 5W with either the built-in battery or the Radio Shack | Power-Up system. Conditions weren't that great, but most people could hear | me OK. I made QSO's on 80, 40, 20, 15, and a few on 10. It's nice having | all bands in one little box. | | Tnx to all who strained their ears to copy me. | | 72, John W2XS | | | _______________________________________________ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: [hidden email] | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.4/375 - Release Date: 6/25/2006 | | _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Glen Johnstone
Nice setup Glen!
It's great to see so many Elecraft radios made it on the air for Field Day. My hometown group gave up participating in FD this year so I decided that I was going to take my Honda generator, put up a tent and put up a temporary antenna on my own property to try to capture the spirit and intent of the operation alone. It is definitely worth doing. I am now comfortable going camping with my wife with the knowledge of how to assemble a three room Coleman tent that I gained over the weekend! I wonder if we send photos of ourselves operating our Elecrafts to Elecraft perhaps they could find the time to update their photos web page to include pics of Elecrafts rigs operating Field Day 2006? My K2-TA-100 ran flawlessly throughout the weekend with 238 QSO's made on CW, 9 on PKS31 and 49 on SSB. The antenna was a 40M inverted V set up just for FD using one of those bright orange kite telescoping masts. That was the easiest antenna I have ever put up. I used tie-wraps to hold the coax against the tubing to distribute its weight and to prevent collapse of the sections should they decide to slip down at any time. I then tied the ends of the inverted vee with fishing line to the surrounding tree branches. One end of the V passed by my tent only 10 ft away from the radio. Hours before FD started I made some changes to my KPA-100. Not once did I have any problem with the radio resetting or breaking into oscillation on 40M which was my mainstay for the contest with over 200 QSO's taking place on that band alone. My K2/100/AT-100 integrated system is now 100% functional and a pleasure to use. Not sure who to contact at Elecraft but it sure would be nice to see everyone's pics from FD. Feel free to e-mail yours to me off the list...I'd love to see everyone's setup. Sitting in Glen's chair sure must have been a lot more comfortable than my operating position in a humid tent in the rain. Field day operating may have been less comfortable for me but certainly it was no less pleasurable in any way thanks to the guys at Elecraft! 8-) 73 de Tom K2TA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Glen Johnstone" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 8:43 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Field Day at Home >I had quite a bit of fun from home as well. I made QSOs on 20 and 40. >Here > is the setup... > > http://www.leelynn.com/images/NK1N_FD2006_Station.jpg > http://www.leelynn.com/images/NK1N_FD2006_Antenna.jpg > > It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "armchair copy". :-) > > 72, > Glen, NK1N > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kevin Rock" <[hidden email]> > To: <[hidden email]> > Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 4:23 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] Field Day at Home > > >> Good Afternoon, >> >> I took Wayne's advice and had a little fun during Field Day. I did want >> to work with other folks for a change but the cancellation at the very >> last minute did not allow me to find another group. So I worked about >> 220 contacts on 20, 40, and 80 meters using only CW with a solely search >> and pounce technique. I did get a couple hours of 40 contacts or more >> but I did take a number of hours off to do chores and to write some >> assembly language. It is my way of relaxing :) >> >> I ran the entire time on emergency power (1E) but ran from two rigs, two >> sets of paddles, and five separate antennas from three locations. The >> power jumped all over the place from 3 watts to 100 watts. Since I am >> not submitting any log this does not matter. I just have fun handing out >> points to others and seeing who I can hear. It is fun to test my CW >> skills against the fast and slow ops. There were a wide variety of fists >> as well ;) >> >> My goal was to beat what I did last year. I did that. I also wanted to >> work with a group of folks to get the full effect of the field day crowd. >> I did not get to do that. So a resolution for next year will be to start >> very early to find a group who will not bail out at the last minute. I >> also need to find a group who wants a CW operator. I was not successful >> with finding one in Oregon. Around here you have to be careful if you >> mention the mode. Too many folks are adamantly opposed to its use or >> even its existence. I had no idea of the depth of feeling until I >> mentioned how much fun I had running CW. I was never again welcome at >> that club! >> >> Now to ask a favor of folks in Washington, Northern California, Idaho, >> Nevada, Utah, or Montana. Is there any group who would have me as a CW >> op for next year's Field Day? I am willing to travel with my radio and >> camping gear to work with a friendly group of folks. QRP or not, it does >> not matter to me. I just want to work CW. If there are others working >> voice and data modes that is fine. I simply want to find a group where I >> will not be shunned for mentioning my enjoyment of CW. >> >> I've met a great number of very nice folks while working CW and >> especially after I started the Elecraft CW Net. I am sure I can find a >> group in the Pacific Northwest who will have me for next year's Field Day >> outing. >> Take care, >> Kevin. KD5ONS >> >> P.S. Next week we will have both nets at their normal times and >> frequencies. >> KJR >> _______________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Post to: [hidden email] >> You must be a subscriber to post to the list. >> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Bruce Grubbs
Fellow Elecrafters:
At the KS1R Field Day operation we had a bunch of 5 wpm operators who wanted to try their hand at CW on our GOTA station. They were very disappointed because they could not find any slow stations, and the 20+ wpm CW that most Field Day operators were running simply overwhelmed them. Nevertheless, they are interested in improving their overall on the air proficiency in CW. Are there particular frequencies where slow code operators who want to talk to other slow code operators hang out? 73, Steve AA4AK _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Steve,
Have them join FISTS and request a Code Buddy. The Code Buddy program couples an experienced operator with the newly ordained Morse fan. They setup a sched and plan certain time periods for practice. Good luck! 73 DE KB9BVN ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen W. Kercel" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 5:22 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Slow Code Watering Holes? > Fellow Elecrafters: > > At the KS1R Field Day operation we had a bunch of 5 wpm operators who > wanted to try their hand at CW on our GOTA station. They were very > disappointed because they could not find any slow stations, and the > 20+ wpm CW that most Field Day operators were running simply > overwhelmed them. Nevertheless, they are interested in improving > their overall on the air proficiency in CW. > > Are there particular frequencies where slow code operators who want > to talk to other slow code operators hang out? > > 73, > > Steve > AA4AK > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Stephen W. Kercel
Steve,
Besides the obvious point of operating in the Novice portions, there are slow speed nets, some of which are actual traffic handling nets, and some of them are just nets for the sake of training folks to get their speed up. http://www.qsl.net/ki8du/netsked_6.htm Also, FISTS (www.fists.org) has a code buddy program where you can be "adopted" in a sense by someone who will sked with you and talk for some time at whatever speed you can handle. Plus, operating on the FISTS frequencies, folks will almost always find a friendly CW op who will QRS to whatever they feel comfortable at. I can probably find more info, but I will have to dig for it. Best of luck. Vin KR2F K1-4 s/n:1977 KX1 s/n:1476 under construction -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Stephen W. Kercel Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 5:23 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Slow Code Watering Holes? Fellow Elecrafters: At the KS1R Field Day operation we had ... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Stephen W. Kercel
Try these too. http://www.3905ccn.com/netsched.htm http://www.w4uvh.net/nets2you.html Plus, F.I.S.T.S. has their own nets. The schedules are viewable on their website www.fists.org Vin KR2F -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Stephen W. Kercel Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 5:23 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Slow Code Watering Holes? Fellow Elecrafters: At the KS1R Field Day operation we had a bunch of 5 wpm operators who wanted to try their hand at CW on our GOTA station. They were very disappointed because they could not find any slow stations, and the 20+ wpm CW that most Field Day operators were running simply overwhelmed them. Nevertheless, they are interested in improving their overall on the air proficiency in CW. Are there particular frequencies where slow code operators who want to talk to other slow code operators hang out? 73, Steve AA4AK _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
QRE: Slow Code Watering Holes?
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In reply to this post by Brian Murrey-2
Every Ham worth the name (IMHO) who would answer their QRS CQ would be a FB
"code buddy". It's too bad we no longer have the Novice license and bands, because it gave everyone a place to congregate while developing CW skills. But since we don't it should be no surprise to hear a slow signal almost anywhere. Now, it's rather impolite to answer someone who just sent a CQ at 25 wpm at 5 wpm and expect him (or her) to QRS. However, I often run across a very slowly sent CQ and I'll usually stop and answer at his/her speed, just as I used to spend time in the Novice bands when they were busier. And I think it's my obligation to reply at the other station's speed, when he/she is sending slower than I am. For me, Ham radio is all about having fun. The best way I've ever found to have fun, no matter what I'm doing, is to help other people have fun too. Maybe I'm just out of date, but the world of Ham radio I was introduced to in the 1950's stressed cooperation over competition. I still cringe when I see the term "radiosporting" since sports virtually always put competition first. (At least the way I played football did, Hi!) And that includes most of the contests. It's just darn impolite to expect a lot of callers to a very slow signal when almost everyone out there is trying to rack up a lot of QSOs. Some people seem to practice "contesting" even when there is no contest. Their CW skills don't involve being able to do more than complete a high-speed exchange of name, RST and QTH followed by "73 dit-dit". They remind me that "Novice" operators come in all guises. Some never learn anything else because it doesn't interest them just as some Hams will never touch a key. The good news is that there are a lot of operators on the CW bands who feel as I do; It shows up loud and clear in their on-air habits. Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In a message dated 6/26/06 6:16:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes: > It's too bad we no longer have the Novice license and bands, > because it gave everyone a place to congregate while developing CW skills. > ??? Yes, the Novice license was closed to new issues back in 2000. But the "Novice bands" still exist! And while FCC no longer issues Tech Plus licenses, if a Tech passes Element 1, s/he gets access to those bands. So in effect we still have a form of the Novice. If a newcomer passes Element 1 and Element 2, the licensed issued is a Technician but the licensee has "Novice" HF privileges (plus all VHF/UHF). An informal organization caled SKCC has been promoting CW activity by making their "watering holes" in the 80 and 40 meter "Novice" bands (3720 and 7120). 73 de Jim, N2EY SKCC #307 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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