06/25/2007 | N7DLV I participated during Field Day in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie Natonal Forest along Forest Servce Road #70 near Greenwater Wa. I use a primitive, but popular campsite for my Field Day site. I had planned to set up a complete portable station with various antennas for operation on 80 through 10 meters. I also had planned two different demonstration modes for some extra bonus ponts.

For the second time in 13 years, I was unable to use this location. Someone had beat me to the campsite! As a result, I operated 1C instead of 1B.

My mobile set up uses a full sized CB whip, base loaded with a B&W Airdux coil. The coil has taps for 15, 20 & 40 meters. I use only the whip for 10 meters and use the entire coil for 80. Even on 80 meters the SWR is a bit high and an antenna tuner is needed. I'll be making some minor changes to lower the SWR on 80.

The antenna is tall. I have traveled the roads with ths set up, and it does comply with the rules for mobile operation during Field Day.

I set up the mobile station about 150 yards East of the campsite, along Forest Service Road #70. Though I didn't make as many contacts as I had hoped, I still had a good time and even showed some visitors the station.

I had a very memorable conversation with a retired Army Korean War veteren. He told me he used to be a Ham Radio operator and he would run phone patches for his Army buddies. I told him that when I was in the Navy, I did the same, and the main rule I had was that officers had to get in line with he enlisted men. It was first come frst served regardless of rank. He laughed and said he had the same rule. We chatted for what seemed like at least an hour reminiscing about the fun we had running phone patches for our buddies.

I made a special QSL card for Field Day 2007. If you worked N7DLV during Field Day 2007 and would like one, send a SASE to N7DLV. I'll confirm the contact and will send you a QSL card. -- N7DLV