What a difference outside antennas make....The last two years I operated CW only as 1E ENY with a battery powered 5 watts to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. After many months of planning and a few weeks of action, I finally got some antennas, all homebrew including the quad mount tower, up in time to test during the field day weekend.

The 40/20 meter fan dipole performed well on 40 with 119 Q's - so so on 20 and 15 with 30 and 16 Q's, respectively. The 2-element phased quad for 10 meters (graphite golf shaft spreader arms) produced 5 Q's and is waiting patiently for improved band conditions. The improved antenna farm along with a new rig allowed for an increased number of contacts from years past - still working CW only 1E ENY with battery power at 5 watts.

All of the contacts were hunt and pounce, except for one (and I can't remember who that was, but thank you for the call). Thanks to everyone that exchanged reports with me and keep up the great work - you are what makes this such an enjoyable hobby. Who knows, next time you hear me, I might be louder - NQ2W is a work in progress.

73,

Will

NQ2W