06/28/2007 | W8WN I had just repackaged some of my radio equipment (HF/VHF/PS/Pactor modem, etc) in a small 19" rack-mount travel case for possible emergency work (I was in MS following Hurricane Katrina , and we had a local flood last September that knocked out all communications).

This was the first opportunity to try it out, but everything was ready. (Famous last words!)

I threw two pieces of zip cord out for quick emergency antennas for 20 & 40.
I then discovered that several cables were missing.
Next, the HF rig was mounted wrong and I couldn't plug the mike in.
The mini key paddles tried to fall apart.
Wrong value fuse installed, which soon blew.
The computer control program for the rig was making RF noise, something not not observed previously.
Control line from the Pactor modem became intermittent.
The 2-meter mag-mount, which had worked last year when set on the metal support bars of the tent camper, didn't work there this time. There was no place to lay the mikes.
The HB LED light kept falling down.

I didn't try to make many contacts as this was to be a test to be sure that everything worked and that I could get out with the system. I thought it was completely finished, ready for emergency use!

Well, it urned out to be a very good test! Hi. (Several problems have already corrected).

At least the 75-watt solar panel did well & kept me on the air in spite of clouds & rain once I got thru the first 5 hours of problems!

73, Shelby, W8WN, KY -- W8WN