An hour of Portable Ops from Kinsaul Park, Lynn Haven, FL EM70EG00

Saturday, May 14th, I knew at least one club member was going out to the park to participate in the Second Saturday Sprint (please see the G+ community: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/104840420363990807712 or this youtube video: https://youtu.be/Eo2nwwhfjAs). Not having much to do myself, and since I had already cut the grass earlier in the morning, I loaded up my radio gear and headed out to the park as well. I didn't participate in the sprint, but I did set up and make a few contacts while I was there.

When I arrived at the park, Greg, N4KGL, and Cory, N4UVR were already there. Cory was set up and running PSK, and Greg had just set up his station as well. I socialized a little, talking to Cory and Greg. Cory had set up his homebrew magnetic loop as well as a vertical whip/coil antenna.

Greg was running his Elecraft KX3 and a Bravo 7K for an antenna.

My setup was a Yaesu FT817nd running 5 watts on internal battery and the Chameleon F-Loop antenna. I can't brag enough on this antenna for ease of setup, portability, and performance for it's size. The folks at Chameleon have themselves a winner with this one.

Even though I did not spend a lot of time on the radio, I did manage to make a few contacts on 20 meters for the little time I was at the park. First was K4RC, the Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club in Williamsburg, VA. They were operating National Parks on the Air from park designation AA14 which is the Jamestown National Historic Site. Next was W5HB in Winslow, AR. He was participating in the Arkansas QSO party. And, lastly, was WA0DX, the Ottumwa Amateur Radio Club in Ottumwa, IA. He had activated an island for the US Islands on the Air awards program. He was at IA010, Turkey Island.

Overall, I had a good day at the park. The weather was great although a little windy. I would have had some video, but the wind pretty much wiped out the audio. Until next time, everyone...73!! --Bob KK4DIV

Channel Update 4/23/2016: Cameras, Baluns, and New Equipment

Panama City Tailgate 041616

The Panama City Amateur Radio Club hosted the spring tailgate at the clubhouse.  The weather was slightly overcast and warmed up to around 70 degrees F, although I could have done with out the gusty breezes.  There were many members in attendance as well as hams from the surrounding areas.  It was a great chance to catch up with folks that I normally get to chat with only on the radio.  I brought my stepson, Michael, along. He assisted me with setting up my radio gear and participated in the fox hunt we had in the park next to the clubhouse.  Several people were there selling, some had set up radio gear and operated portable outdoors.  There was pulled pork, baked beans, chips and soft drinks for lunch and we provided testing at 1pm for anyone wanting to get their license or upgrade their license.



It was a great time.  Here is a short video showing a little of what went on.

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