Radios and Rockets 10/3/15

VLOG 9-28-15 Rainy Day

KK4DIV bicycle portable ops

Today, my wife and I had the day off and the kids had the day off from school. The weather was warm, but not too hot, which is a welcome change from this scorching summer. We decided to go on a bicycle ride to Kinsaul park in Lynn Haven a couple of miles from the house. I loaded up my Yaesu FT-817 and my chameleon CHA F-LOOP on my bike, Carla loaded up the dog, Gracie, in the bike trailer, and we all headed toward the park.

My ride

the odometer upon arrival 2.5 miles to the park. Not bad for any RaDAR ops via bicycle mobile. Once at the park, I set up under the pavilion and tried to make a few contacts while the kids played and Carla walked the dog.

Carla and Anna relaxing while I set up.

My setup

A beautiful day

Gracie the Italian greyhound

I heard a couple of dx stations, Spain and Croatia on 17 meters. They had quite a pile up going, so no luck there. I tuned to 40 meters and tried to check in to southCARS on 7.251. I was heard, but was unable to get a good enough copy for me to count as a contact. Finally I had some luck on 7.225 with N4N, special event station for convoy on the air. I did not have a strong signal report, but I was happy to make the contact. All signals I heard were up and down today. Don't think conditions were the best today, so I was happy with what I got. By this time everyone was getting hungry so we headed back to the house.

I will say it was a great day to be out and operating portable. The weather could not have been better. It was nice to spend time and share radio ops with the family.

Upcoming weekend QRP radio event 9/27/15

Recommendation: Pofung/Baofeng BF-F8HP