Spring RaDAR contest results April 5, 2014

Radar contest log from April 5, 2014

73 --Bob KK4DIV

April RaDAR event

I was slapped in the face today by a bit of inspiration...read on...

Today, April 5th was the spring RaDAR (Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio) contest. I operated /PM or pedestrian mobile, meaning I was in motion, carrying my gear in a backpack and walking along with my deployed antenna. I was using my Yaesu FT-817nd without the tuner today. I had just got a new 2700mA*hr internal battery pack and was hoping to do the whole contest from the internal pack. For the antenna, first off, I started out using the MFJ 1899T.

But as I tried to make several contacts to no avail, I decided to move up to my other antenna system. This is a Buddipole long telescoping whip and Wolf River Silver Bullet 1000 coil mounted to a camera tripod.

The camera tripod legs were extended in length, but they were folded in so I could walk and transmit. Once I get to my first location, I can unfold the legs and set the antenna down for a rest for the operator and attempt to make a few more contacts (as seen in the picture to the right).

From locator EM60RW, my first deployed location, I made 5 contacts on 20 meters. You can see the dogwood trees blooming in the background, it was a beautiful outing.

First was Dennis, KB0SFP, located in Cross Timbers, Minnesota. He was also pedestrian mobile operating 8W out of an Icom 703.

My second contact immediately followed with Del, KD4B. Del was also participating in the RaDAR event and was using a KX3 at 5W. His locator was FM06RA.

Next up was Barry, WA5DTK, operating from Goliad State Park in Texas. He could not believe I was operating 5 watts.

My fourth contact was Larry, WA0JZK. He was participating in the Missouri QSO party and was located in Springfield, MO.

My last contact for my first deployment location was club station W0MA, The Boeing Employees Amateur Radio Society, also participating in the Missouri QSO party. I was given a strong 5/9 report.

Now that I had made my first 5 contacts, I moved 1 km to my second location. Finally reaching my destination, I tried to make 5 more contacts. But, from my location, the bands had died, and it was not to be. It wasn't without trying, though. I spent much time calling CQ RaDAR. I spent the rest of my time at the second location making only one more contact just minutes before the contest was over. W1AW/3 in Pennsylvania.

During this down time, this is where my inspiration hit. I had to figure a way to free myself from carrying this antenna around while keeping it deployed. I decided to put together a true /pm pack. It had to be something simple, and borrowing an idea from someone in the local club, I began coming up with a plan. I knew I had some scrap wood at home that would come in handy. Once I got home, I went to measuring and cutting and this is what I came up with.

Simple and functional. Only thing not in the picture is the counterpoise for the antenna that will have to be added. I plan to keep the radio separate from the backpack and use the strap that comes with the FT-817 around my neck to make it easy to tune around.

So, that's what I've got. It was a great day. I made some contacts, updated my deployment system, and even found out the new battery pack had no problem lasting the entire contest. Win, win and WIN!!

Till next time, 73

--Bob, KK4DIV

KK4DIV/p RaDAR report 2/16/2014

It was another beautiful day here in NW Florida, so I packed up the RaDAR gear in the backpack and headed to the woods. I operated from 3 locations, my main goals being to map out a route for possible future RaDAR contests, check distances traveled between points, and practice my "rapid deployment" and breakdown of my station. I decided to forgo my usual comforts of a small table and chair in favor of ultra portability.

My total distance hiked was 2.3km, which is a bit shy of what I would need to operate 3 locations (needing 1km between operating points), but like I said, my goal was to measure distances and practice setup. So, after today's operations, I do have a pretty good idea of distances and can finalize my route on the next excursion.

I made 3 contacts, one from each operating location, and were as follows:

20 meters on 14.300.0, the Maritime Mobile Service Net, I checked in with W0WFH in Missouri.

17 Meters on 18.140.0 I heard W1AW/p-6 calling from California. Got a 59 signal report and he was a strong 59 as well.

20 meters on 14.300.0, another check in with the Maritime Mobile Service Net. This time net control was WA5CNB in Texas.

I had a great time today, getting out and hiking in the woods. It is always nice to get away into a peaceful environment such as this. It was great exercise, and great practice for the upcoming RaDAR event in April.

73, all and hope to catch you on the air.

de Bob KK4DIV

Testing continues on the MFJ-1899T

I recently purchased a MFJ-1899T telescoping antenna for my Yaesu FT-817 to use on my portable ops excursions. I haven't had much luck with it in the 2 or 3 outings, but I was still holding out hopes that it will find a place in my portable radio bag. Now I know that this is a seriously compromised antenna, but hey...I want this antenna to work since it would be a perfect fit for what I do. So, when I got off work today an hour early, I thought it might be a good chance to get out in the yard and give it another go before darkness fell.

I tuned around the 20 and 10 meters, not hearing much. I even tried to call cq a few times, but no luck. Then I tuned to 15 meters. Ah...I finally heard some chatter around 21.280MHz. A faint station calling CQ DX, not strong, but it was the first I had heard. After a few minutes of listening, the band must have gotten a little better, I could clearly copy PY5EW located in south Brazil. I tried calling a few times, but he just couldn't copy me, so I gave it a break. I listened a few more minutes, hearing other people making the contact I wanted to make. I was about to switch antennas for a wire antenna when I thought I'd give it another chance (I really want this antenna to work). I called out my call sign, KK4DIV, and to my surprise, he came back KK4D?. I had him! After a few more tries back and forth he was able to read my call sign and give me a 5/5 signal report (he was 5/9).

I was pleased, to say the least, to make a contact to Brazil on 5 watts and a seriously compromised antenna system. Well, I am going to keep trying this antenna out, and if I can repeat what I did this afternoon, It surely will find a home in my bag and be used on a regular basis.

40/20/17/10 Meter Multi-Band Dipole.

This is the multi band dipole I built.  I calculated the lengths of wire at the center of the band, so my SWR is pretty flat there, and at most the SWR only reaches about 2.2:1.  My only mistake, that I know of is 10 meters.  I cut the wires a little short, and am unable to tune the lower part of the band (below 28.450 MHz).  Other than that, I am pleased with my creation. It took about a day to have this made up, and it is an easy project I think anyone can tackle.