07/03/2007 | N3GVL This year I decided to operate solo (1B) near Sardinia, Ohio, with my father (N38 56.34 W83 45.26). The previous 2 years were spent operating with the Anne Arundel Radio Club in MD. I started planning about 3 months in advance to get everything in order. Shipping my gear out to Ohio was a little nerve racking but everything worked out great.
I used my 857D on a marine battery with a 20M and 40M dipole. My Dad built a 20' PVC mast which was easy to setup. He even made some modifications so after field day I could attach a mag mount or use some U-bolts to attach a J-pole or other vertical - way to go Dad!
Weather was excellent but it sprinkled at night which put me right to sleep. I made about 75 QSOs, most on PSK31 but I also landed a handful of phone contacts as well.
Overall, I wouldn't change a thing about this year's FD. I'm very proud of my first FD attempt with my Dad. What's most important to me was spending time with my family and building some cool ham stuff with my Dad. Andrew -- N3GVL