11/23/2006 | N4YQ I decided to do something I've been wanting to do since I bought my FT-817 5 years ago. I've searched over the last year for a good high spot and finally found one about 2 months ago. The location was about 850 feet over average terrain for the area, just a few clicks from the highest spot in the state of Alabama. I talked my Dad KG4ADS into going with me, and I operated sweepstakes from a tent with battery power.

We got there about 1PM CST, lucked out with a couple of good shots with the EZhang and got an 80M inverted V up about 90ft. We then got the campsite up and I was operating by about 4PM Saturday, so missed the first hour of the contest. The signals were huge on 20, 40 and 80 meters so it took a little while for things to get settled down to operate S&P QRP. I think had I had a headset I would have been able to run a time or two on 40 and 80. I think I learned enough this go around to double my score the next time I do this type of operation again. I think the next contest like this may be ARRL DX CW. -- N4YQ