08/15/2006 | W3CCX/R Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mt Airy VHF Radio Club, we used the club call as a rover. Operated 222 thru 24GHz and covered 4 local grids, generating about 86K points. Any stations wishing to receive a special 50th Anniversary QSL card from the Pack Rats should send theirs to sec'y K3EGE. Started out in FM19 in the commuter parking lot in Havre de Grace, MD, and almost as soon as I arrived the state trooper was there asking me for my permit. After explanations and reading my PR brochure, checking my driver's and FCC license, and taking pictures of me, the rigs and van, and my QSL card, he decided I could stay and he gave me the number to call for the next time--of which there will be none, as the spot is not really great for UHF. Trees surrounded the spot, and although it was easy to work from there thru 1296, no Q's on the higher bands.
Moved on to the 4 corner intersection of FM19-29 and FN10-20 and was able to add many more QSOs, including several thru 24GHz from those spots on the rolling hills of PA. had to watch carefully for the horse-and-buggies at night in Amish country. The bands remained quite active all evening, but needed to get some ZZZs. Spent Sunday in FN20 close to home from 3 different spots to maximize exposure in all compass directions, and propagation to the north into New England was especially good.
Thanks to all the fixed stations with whom we were able to complete on all bands from all activiated grids, and also to the many rovers who are in the log. This was the best UHF score in my memory, despite loss of the 1296 amp in the beginning of the contest. Luckily I was able to add the old spare amp on Sunday am. My highlight was completing 4 excellent 24GHz QSOs. 73, Rick -- K1DS