Cruise Moab 2011 Ham Tasks

[MDH33]

Is it the Larsen NMO150? If so, I've run my Larsen 2/70 NMO into the garage, into trees, into parking garages for a while now (probably 5 or 6 years) and it's been bulletproof. Remember that my VHF antenna is right in the middle of the roof of my cab and I don't give it much thought at all. It smacks into stuff all the time. After the first summer with the Comet I used before the Larsen I was fixing mechanical problems. I still have the antenna, but don't trust it not to suddenly just flop over, the 'fold-over' feature was poorly conceived on it. Nice thing about Larsen is that they don't change designs much and parts are replaceable.

I went with a comet sbb25 2M antenna. I wanted a diamond, which is what I had previously, but they were sold out in the longer length 5/8 wave versions. This comet has the fold over like you mention and is noticeably thinner, but it was also 1/2 the cost. We'll see how it works I guess. I can always upgrade later.


So, any final decision on a meeting spot for Sunday?

 

[Red_Chili]

PM sent.

 

[MDH33]

Ham (Yaesu FT2900R), antenna (Comet SBB25), and aux speaker (Motorola) installed in the 40. Aux speaker is Soooo much louder than the radio speaker! I'll finally be able to hear my radio over the super swampers while on the highway.

If anyone wants to test for distance on simplex, I'll be outside all day Saturday and I'll leave the radio on 146.460.

See you Sunday.

 

[MDH33]

I talked to Nakman this morning between Evergreen and Broomfield, and Stephen who was on Alameda. Not bad for simplex.

 

[Groucho]

I may not be there. I got stuck down at my BIL house. Well see. Not happy with the XYL about ut, but better than a ticket...

 

[rhyary]

Roger roger.
May be only with the hamstick if it is raining.
Otherwise I hope to put up the dipole.

 

[rhyary]

Called CQ on 40 and 17.
On 17 someone answered, but coudnt make the the reply. It was 1-1.
I only had the hamstick on. To windy to set up the portable dipole.

 

[MDH33]

Thanks again guys! The Ham seems to be working great. I think the FT2900R will hold up to the dusty 40 interior better than the FT8800R. Looking forward to getting out and trying it in Moab.

 

[Inukshuk]

Just finished moving my Larsen 150 to the roof. I'll doe a routing thread later - I went out the driver side rear pillar vent. Worked great.

Hoping to test it out simplex, with someone this week.

 

[rhyary]

Well, at least you heard me on the hamstick so this is definitely progress.....
I heard a station 1-1 but couldn't make anything out of it.
But if you heard me, I bet if I had the Buddipole up we would have a successful QSO.
I'll do my best to CQ better.
Definitely still learning lingo.

7 3

 

[Inukshuk]

I'm listening on 146.460 generally everyday around 7AM and 5PM, today is no different. If you want to try at a different time, I can fire up a QTH VHF station, too.

OK. I'm not usually around the radio those hours but maybe can tomorrow AM.

I caught the connection 730 net on my way home, checked in and noted the new antenna and they said I was loud and clear.

 

[nuclearlemon]

2. buy/build and install good antenna, using a mag mount small antenna now
!

i've found lakewood company had decent affordable antennas and a decent selection of mount. i used a magnet mount on the fender of the pig with their $27 nmo mount hi gain antenna in moab a couple years ago and at med power was having a perfectly clear conversation with barb miller...she was in town at the condo and i was up on porcupine rim. i'm not much of a technical person, but being able to actually hear how clear she came in and knowing the distance, i was very impressed.

now i've got the same small antenna, plus a 5/8 wave. nmo is really nice because it's quick to change antennas.

 

[MDH33]

If anyone wants to try a QSO and check for RST prior to CM, I'll be working on the rig all day tomorrow and will have the Ham on 146.460. I'm up in Evergreen and was able to talk to many locations in the Denver Metro area last weekend. Shout out.

 

[Inukshuk]

9AM Sunday anyone able to jump on their HAM and see if we can talk simplex as a radio check. I'm open to almost any other time as well. Thanks

I want to try with both antennas I have to see differences.

I was able to talk to K0NAK over the CO Connection earlier today. He was near Vail. He said I was faint.

 

[wesintl]

I could probably jump on at 9am

 

[Inukshuk]

I could probably jump on at 9am

I'll check here in the AM and then get on.

If you are still at the same place in the ranch, its 14.5 miles. That's a good test.

 

[Hulk]

I'll turn on my home unit with J-Pole antenna. Maybe I'll hear you at 9:00 a.m.

 

[Inukshuk]

Roger that

 

[Inukshuk]

Big thanks to W0REK, W0RDY and KD0GEG for successful QSL on 146.460 at 09:00 (in English that means "Big thanks to Wes, Matt and Brian for making contact at 9:00 AM this morning")

I was up at 32nd and Tennyson - a high spot. Wes was 15.5 miles away, Matt - 13.8 and Brian 10.6. Both my antennas worked on all power levels.

 

[PhatFJ]

Big thanks to W0REK, W0RDY and KD0GEG for successful QSL on 146.460 at 09:00 (in English that means "Big thanks to Wes, Matt and Brian for making contact at 9:00 AM this morning")

I was up at 32nd and Tennyson - a high spot. Wes was 15.5 miles away, Matt - 13.8 and Brian 10.6. Both my antennas worked on all power levels.

No problem Daniel, it was great to talk to you! I wanted to check out my new antenna mount and feed on the truck as well.. We will see you in Moab