06/29/2016 | K3NP I've been inactive for 7 years, but 2 old buddies (Bob K4NJN and Paul KB4GYT) talked me into coming out for FD this year. We operated from the garage of a friend's vacation home on Lake Murray, SC and made about 330 contacts, mostly on 40 meters. We used a Kenwood TS-480AT to a dipole in the trees, and a marine battery and flexible solar panels for power. Much to my surprise, I had fun, and even worked some 40m CW in the evening after some coaching from Paul. I've never worked CW much at all, let alone in a contest type environment. I am amazed I could actually do it at 20wpm. The last time I copied that fast was for a license exam! End result: good times, and I am getting back into the hobby. I have since bought a used HF rig from Paul and an inexpensive 2m/440 HT online. I am back in the game! 73, Andy K3NP -- K3NP