09/24/2008 | K4GUN/R That was so much fun. I'm really enjoying this aspect of the hobby and each time, I keep learning more about how to make the most of things. Back in June, 21 of my multipliers were e-skip on 6 meters. This time, there was no e-skip yet I only had 8 fewer mults than June and was without a single Es and almost no tropo skip. The difference was in route planning, operating plans, a few technical changes and LOT more learning.

The rove started in FN21 where I found a small multi-op group at the place I had planned. They were late getting started so I got some operating time in before they overpowered me and sent me moving. From this spot near the Poconos in PA, I made a few stops at the corner of FN10 11 20 and 21 before moving Southwest to the PA/MD border.

Sunday morning had me operating in a couple of rest stops and parking lots until hitting Hogback Overlook on Skyline Drive in FM08. I worked everybody I could from this ridge. The Q rate dropped to where I decided we would be better off moving. Instead of following my planned route, I took a 3 hour detour down to FM07 and 17 near Charlottesville and Richmond. This was key to the success of this contest. It was here that I picked up all bands in FM07, 06 and 17.

Sunday night finished up at a Park and Ride lot near my home in FM18. It was here that I picked up what might have been my only tropo contacts in FN30 and 32.

One big change I made for this contest was to raise and lower the antennas at each stop. In June, I set the stack to 13' above ground and both drove and operated at this level. I damaged the 6 meter moxon due to this but it got me on the air fast at each stop. This time, I nested them at about 11' while moving and extended the top to about 24' while stopped. It added only a few minutes to each stop and I think it made a difference.

The only problem was on 222. The transverter would sometimes just stop transmitting. I could hear VERY well but couldn't be heard. In order to continue to work that band, I hooked by little Yaesu HT to my 8 element yagi and made a few FM contacts.

One last comment is about my logger. Since June, K4LIG went from being my girlfriend to being my fiance'. We work very well together. She even got brave enough to pick up the mic a few times. She's learned the cadence of the QSOs and I think made almost no logging errors. She's really improved and enjoyed herself a lot.

Thanks to all who worked with me before, during and after this effort. I'm here to stay in the Limited Rover class. -- K4GUN