06/26/2007 | KC8JPZ/R This contest was a blast! I operated KC8JPZ/R with Jim, KC8JPZ. I took all the pictures so I figured I would post some up here on the soapbox for everyone.

This contest was our first running the Vantenna as a team. We ran 6m, 2m, and 70cm. Our 6m rig was Jim's FT-857D at 100w and a 3 element beam up 30'. Our 2m and 70cm rig was my TS-2000, Teletec bricks (175w on 2m and 150w on 70cm), and 13ele on 2m at 30' and 21ele on 70cm at 25'. We ran off of a 2200w generator. It held up pretty well throughout the weekend, but when I would key up on 2m CW you could hear it chugging away with the code HI (roughly 35a - 25 brick and 10 rig).

The first place we went was Gary, W8GTS's farm on a ridge top in EM89. Our elevation was about 1100', I forget exactly. We operated here from about 2000 sat to 0800 sun. Then we hit the sack.

The second place we went to was Mike, KB8GHW's ranch in EN80. Again, the elevation was about 1100' even though we were well north of the hills. We operated here from about 1400 sun to about 0030 mon.

We would like to thank all those that made our expidition possible: Gary, W8GTS, for his wonderful location on the ridge and the great experience on the farm. Mike, KB8GHW, for his location, food, and great time. Steve, KA1VHF, for his generosity in letting us use the amps. Last but not least - all the stations we worked on the bands!

We are looking forward to operating in the September VHF contest as well. -- KC8QVO