02/07/2009 | N6NB/R These rover expeditions have continued to grow as the rules evolved. By January, 2009, we had eight complete 10-band stations available, and all eight were on the road. It has taken many years of work to build these stations.

W6TE/R (with WA6LUT part of the time) and W6YLZ/R were in the unlimited category in which it's both feasible and generally considered acceptable to "grid circle." In the original category, grid circling is not a good strategy (with only a limited number of QSOs allowed with any other rover, the savvy way to use those Qs is for multipliers--not to work anyone more than once in a given grid square). We had four rovers in the original category: AF6O/R, KK6KK/R (with KG6TOA), N6NB/R and W6XD/R. None of us did ANY grid circling in the original category. This time we also had a talented newcomer in the limited rover category: Carrie Tai, now W6TAI. The eighth rover station was used by N6TEB, who bought a new Ford diesel truck shortly before the contest and hadn't yet had time to install his own excellent station in his new truck. Dave met us at the Bissell (Mojave) convergence and worked us on 10 bands there, but he did not travel on from there with us.

In any contest, having talented, dedicated operators is crucial--and the people listed here are all of that and more. Several are well-known radio amateurs who have been contesting as long as I have (over 50 years). Several are also outstanding engineers who have made major technical contributions to these roving expeditions. All of them enjoy getting on the air and working DX. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with these people, both newcomers and veterans.

In this contest, we visited 12 grid squares and were blessed with postcard-perfect weather: high temperatures in the 70s and 80s under clear, blue skies. As usual, activity was lower here than in many other areas of the country; we try to make the most of what we have. All things considered, VHF SS '09 went really well. Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to work us. We look forward to working you again in June. -- N6NB