06/17/2002 | K2QO My QRP portable operation gets a little better with each contest. This time out I used a larger WA5JVB 11-el Yagi for 432 and an 8-el Cubex quad on 2M. Both boosted my signal over smaller units in previous attempts. The rig was my Yaesu FT-817 at full power (4-5W). A borrowed 222FM rig and small beam netted me only 3 contacts. Many ops told me that they did not have 222FM, only SSB/CW. It is obviously time to buy/build a 222 transverter!

My locations was on a hilltop in FN02nu, S-E of Attica, NY. Very nice site but there was poor line of sight to the south. With clear weather you can see Buffalo, Rochester and maybe Toronto on a really good day.

For me, the VHF+ contests are the most fun events of the year. Before the log is sent in I am already working on my setup for the next one! It is time to look forward to the CQ VHF, ARRL UHF and the next real biggie, the ARRL September QSO party. See you all then.

72/73, Mark -- K2QO