07/01/2005 | N8ZH For our battery-powered, QRP CW station, Field Day was a great father and son operating experience with 12 year old David (KC8WGA) logging more than half our 120 QSOs.

The entire rig was transported in a large cooler which also housed a fully charged 79 ampHr AGM battery. Set-up in the Hungerford Lake Recreation Area (Newaygo County, Michigan) was incredibly fast and easy. We picked a spot near the horse trails and pit toilet (talk about a public place). Our Yo-yo Vee antenna was pulled up a tree and tuned to a nearly flat SWR on both 40m and 15m in a matter of minutes. The rest of the rig included a Ten-Tec Argonaut V, MFJ mobile tuner, and Bencher keyer.

Most of our contacts were on 40m with a smattering on 15m. Using the tuner, we were able to log a few 20m QSOs. In all, we worked 34 states and 1 Canadian province.

At night, we slid the rig into our tent and used a Petzl Tikkina LED headlamp for illumination (a recommendation from my eldest son, Ken, in the USAF). It provided plenty of hands-free lighting and was simply fabulous. Our only problem was space. We figure we lost a few QSOs while we tried to switch operating positions inside the tent. Next year, we have to have better choreography!

73,

Jon -- N8ZH