08/16/2006 | N0UK/R Excepting the drive home from South Dakota at the end of last year's 10GHz Cumulatives, this was the first time I had ever roved during a contest.

My time was rather limited so all I managed was a true MINI Rove, activating five grids; EN35, 34, 24, 23, and 33. Partly for the same reason, but also due to limited real estate, I chose to limit myself to just three bands - I did say it was a MINI Rove!

Antennas for 432 and 1296 were bolted to the roof rack atop Alice (the MINI Cooper). Sure got some funny looks ducking and diving along the country lanes of Southern Minnesota!

The roof of the MINI is mostly glass and running 60W into a beam that's only 24 inches from the radio I found was a surefire way of being plagued by RF feedback, at least on 23cms. Still, careful alignment of the microphone in my left hand close top the rig on the passenger seat, and holding my right hand 1 inch above the antenna changeover relay netted me three grids on that band. I'll need to get the looper higher next time.

Conversely the 100W on 432 and 4 watts on 10368 played very well. Best DX on 70cms was to either EN01 or EN41, both around 500km distant. On 3cms, best DX was around 200km.

What an idyllic way to spend a sunny Summer's afternoon, out enjoying the wonder's of Nature, and playing radio at the same time. Excellent fun and a new facet of contesting that I will certainly engage in the future.

By the way - you'd be amazed at how much you can pack into a small space if you really mean business :-) -- N0UK