06/25/2007 | N9OQT Field Day offers the chance to try out new operating locations, equipment, personnel, and processes - and this year was no exception. For FD 2007 we operated one station at Clinton Lake State Park in DeWitt, Illinois. Utilizing our Yaesu FT-847 and Outbacker antenna we operated Voice and PSK31 on 20 and 40 meters.

It worked out really well as we rotated shifts between operators Patrick (N9OQT) and Mary (W9MAP). We were able to put in about 20 hours of operation, and were happy with the number and quality of contacts we made.

We didn't have any technical difficulties (for a change!), despite thunderstorms and deluging rain for most of the weekend. We shut-down temporarily during some intense lightning but we were determined to keep going. To control the flooding Patrick drove 20 miles to the store to pick up some tarps to cover our operations tent and, of course, the rain let up after he bought the tarps! We had several visitors, and would have had more if not for the inclement weather. Overall, we were happy with the event ... and we're putting in an early request for sunshine for 2008!

We look forward to FD 2008 and lessons and experiences gain from another Field Day. -- W9MAP