From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Mon May 5 14:46:49 1997 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id OAA27256 for ; Mon, 5 May 1997 14:46:48 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <35136-49900>; Mon, 5 May 1997 14:40:09 -0400 Received: from nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.26]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <34883-39912>; Mon, 5 May 1997 14:36:42 -0400 Received: from mail-03.telis.org (mail-03.telis.org [204.71.75.216]) by nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id OAA136786 for ; Mon, 5 May 1997 14:36:21 -0400 Received: from doug.dpol.k12.ca.us ([205.225.71.73]) by mail-03.telis.org (8.8.5/8.8.5) with SMTP id LAA14879 for ; Mon, 5 May 1997 11:32:31 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19970505113238.006c686c@telis.org> Date: Mon, 05 May 1997 11:32:38 -0700 Reply-To: ki6ds@dpol.k12.ca.us Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Doug Hendricks To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: A Plan for Operating QRP Field Events. Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Sender: ki6ds@telis.org X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.1 (32) X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO I just came back from operating another QRP Field event, QRP to the Field. Four of us, Ron Stark, KU7Y, Bob Follett, AB7ST, Paul Harden, NA5N, and myself, Doug, KI6DS, went to Area 51 in Nevada where we set up three stations, 20 and 40 CW and 20 SSB. There were some things that I learned from the experience that I would like to share with you. It really helps to go out with a group of guys. This is the second QRP Expedition that I have been on, and I thorougly enjoyed both of them. The common denominator on both has been that QRPers are great to be around, and are very friendly people. Throw in the fact that you have a common interest, and it is bound to be a fun time. Prior planning is very important, and it helps tremendously to have someone who can drive to the area that you are visiting with a vehicle that can bring the large items that are a pain to haul on an airplane. Bob Follett did it this time, and Paul Harden, Tom Whalen and Jay Miller did it for the Riley Expedition. Four operators are just about ideal for a QRP Field set up. I would advise you to only go CW though, and this is based on my experience for the past 3 years. If it is a large contest, like Field Day or Sweepstakes, then yes you will be able to make plenty of contacts QRP SSB. But, in a small QRP contest, most of the ops will be on CW, and it is far easier to make contacts with CW than SSB especially with field type antennas. I have tried SSB the past two years, and will not do it again, at least in small QRP Field contests. I would also suggest that you have 2 stations on the air at the same time, 20 and 40 meters, and the guys agree ahead of time that they will work one hour on and one hour off, alternating bands. This way, you will have two guys operating and the other two can visit about QRP and solve all the major problems of the world. On the other hand, if there are only two of you on the outing, a good technique (perfected by Paul Harden and Tim Pettibone) is to operate for an hour, milking the band, and then switch rigs, to work the new ones who have shown up on the other band. Switching bands every hour will help to ensure that you have plenty of guys to call, and it keeps you from getting bored hearing the same old calls over and over again. Antennas are very important for QRP stations, and the very best solution when you take on things into consideration is in my opinion the SLV with the W6MMA coil. This antenna is fast and easy to set up, easy to transport, self supporting (you don't need trees), works all bands, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Plus I have found it to work very well. You will need food and drinks. I suggest that you take twice what you think you will need, as you will probably have visitors and it is nice to be a good host. Plus, you don't want to run out. Jim Cates also came up with a good suggestion. The night before you are to leave for your QRP Expedition, do the following. Set up your station and make a contact from your front yard. This way you will know that you have everything needed for your trip. Now, this is the key. After you have made the contact, pack everything and place it in the vehicle. Do not do anything else until you have finished packing everything. I have made lists and checked them off, told my wife to remind me, and several other measures, and I always forget something. Jim's idea seems like a winner to me. The most important thing though is to have fun. That is what this hobby is supposed to be about, and it sure has been for me. Listen for KI6DS the next contest, and I hope to get you in the log. 72, Doug, KI6DS