2003 ARRL Field Day
07/02/2003 |
N8CPA
A last minute physical problem meant a Class D operation, rather than the planned E. Though I prefer Class A, and can tolerate E, Field Day is always fun regardless of class. And--look ma--no mike!
Like last year, I setup the IC-735 for CW, using an AEA MorseMachine--someone needs to manufacture those again! I used a TS-50 for Packet. The TS-50 fed my old reliable R-7 What was different than last year was that I connected the CW rig to an inverted VEE with a shorted leg--Murphy struck in winter disguised as a wind storm. I had tested the "stunted VEE" in various state QSO parties before Field Day.
I used the same computer arrangement as last year. My desktop served as my data terminal; my laptop faced the CW position and was used for logging (N3FJP Field Day 2.1). I would answer any packet connections by rotating left. I synchronized both computers to WWV before event start. And that's how I spent my 2003 Field Day.
Though I enjoy making contacts under any condition, I'm not really fond of Class D FD operation. I must have had to delete 50 Qs of similar class. I never got one response to my packet beacon. On Sunday morning during a lull in CW actvity, I answered a RTTY CQ FD but, since he was also Class D, had to delete my single digital contact from the log.
Don't take this as a plea to change the rules of Class D operation. The rules are fine just as they are. And the bonuses should go to those who set up and operate in Spartan conditions, or as Class F--the best FD rule change to date.
The final tally was 247 Qs, all CW. Among the contacts were TI3TLS and CO0US. Now how long is it I have to wait for NovSS? -- N8CPA
Like last year, I setup the IC-735 for CW, using an AEA MorseMachine--someone needs to manufacture those again! I used a TS-50 for Packet. The TS-50 fed my old reliable R-7 What was different than last year was that I connected the CW rig to an inverted VEE with a shorted leg--Murphy struck in winter disguised as a wind storm. I had tested the "stunted VEE" in various state QSO parties before Field Day.
I used the same computer arrangement as last year. My desktop served as my data terminal; my laptop faced the CW position and was used for logging (N3FJP Field Day 2.1). I would answer any packet connections by rotating left. I synchronized both computers to WWV before event start. And that's how I spent my 2003 Field Day.
Though I enjoy making contacts under any condition, I'm not really fond of Class D FD operation. I must have had to delete 50 Qs of similar class. I never got one response to my packet beacon. On Sunday morning during a lull in CW actvity, I answered a RTTY CQ FD but, since he was also Class D, had to delete my single digital contact from the log.
Don't take this as a plea to change the rules of Class D operation. The rules are fine just as they are. And the bonuses should go to those who set up and operate in Spartan conditions, or as Class F--the best FD rule change to date.
The final tally was 247 Qs, all CW. Among the contacts were TI3TLS and CO0US. Now how long is it I have to wait for NovSS? -- N8CPA
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