06/26/2005 | KD7KME This was my first real effort at Field Day since becoming licensed in 2000. My Dad (KD7MAS) and I (KD7KME) camped out on the Mogollon Rim in the central Arizona mountains, a welcome change from the 115 degree heat.

We had our share of problems, the solving of which I suppose is what Field Day is all about. The biggest problem was RF interference from the generator, which we solved by some makeshift shielding and putting it as far away as possible with the vehicle in between. We also had a hard time being heard in the contest conditions with my outbacker vertical on the ground and my Dad's 6 meter "slinky" antenna. Next year we plan to put a couple of tuned dipoles up in the trees, move to somewhat higher ground, and use a cleaner power source.

We only made 11 contacts in the 5 hours we operated, but the learning experience was invaluable. And with the bonuses for emergency power, copying the bulletin, SSTV demonstration, and submitting via the web we made a respectable first showing of 478 points in the 2B 2-op category. Watch out for us next year! -- KD7KME