03/22/2006 | K0SF Jim, N0UR, did one heck of a nice job for operating the station for the first time. He overcame adversity easily:

He had never operated the station nor a Yaesu FT1KMPMK V before. He ran unassisted (no packet), he got around the S9+15 dB power line noise that kicked in Thursday before the contest, and he dealt with the SWR fold-back that reduced the MK V transmit power when off the tuned point (remote antenna tuner).

On Saturday during daylight, I re-strung the 860' two wire beverage, and logged the ANC-4 noise settings. This allowed him to hear Eu and everywhere in general with a lower noise floor. He also became comfortable with the remote antenna tuner such that he could null SWR across the band and run the full 150W. I had Mark, K0KX visit Friday night to verify the station power output.

Jim: Great job and you're certainly invited next year !

73,

Steve -- K0SF