07/10/2005 | W0EB Operated 1B from "Twin Bridges State Park" in Northeast Oklahoma. The heat was ridiculous, with temps in the mid to high 90's and very little wind. Dwight, N3ARU and I operated under our own calls, with me running CW and he running SSB. My rig was an Elecraft K2 powered by a Solar panel and deep cycle marine battery, running 5 watts to an inverted U antenna up almost 100 feet in the trees. The antenna was launched with an air operated "Spud Gun" constructed for me by Keith, K0OP. Good fun, good food, not too many mosquitoes.

Most activity was on 20 and 15 meters with 15 being really hot. It stayed open well into the evening, and KH6J was booming in at S9 or better right up to 9:30 p.m. when us old guys turned in for the night. KP2AA was also in there on 15 but not quite as strong. Both were easily worked with the QRP setup.

N3ARU was running an SGC SG-2020 on SSB, also powered by a Solar/Battery combo. His antenna setup was a PAC-12 Vertical and an Outbacker vertical with the SGC autotuner. Dwight supplied the tent.
We were co-located with other members of the 4 State QRP Group. Tom, N2UHC - Ed, WG5F and Dave W0CH plus others that came and went operated under W0CH's call They all ran combinations of battery and battery plus solar. The only dependence on the mains were my fan and Ed's air conditioner in his camper. My fan was way too small, but it did supply some relief from the mid-day heat, and was really welcome in the tent after shutdown. -- W0EB