06/17/2006 | KI7JA This was a great contest with the openings to the East Coast, and great participation, this contest is one to remember. With the exception of some rig problems, this contest was exceptional.

Running only 10w PEP in the QRP portable category, it is difficult to get through sometimes, but I managed to make several double hop contacts. I made contacts in several EM and EN grids, as well as an FN grid.

On Friday, on the way to the portable site in CN94, Central Oregon, 6 Meters opened to Mexico and the Gulf Coast states. I worked XE2MX in DM11, and XE1AO in DK89 running a Halo antenna on my truck and about 70w.

The 6 Meter opening before the contest began caused me to start an hour and a half late. I had to stop working stations on 6m and set up the rest of the antennas. A couple of highlights for me, were working K7MDL/VE7/R in DN09 on 2 Meters, and working K7YO in CN85 on 1296 over the Cascade Mountains. All in all, this will go down as one of the best I have ever operated in. Hope everyone else had fun as well. Best 73's and see you in September.

Bruce,

p.s. To the guy who thinks that QRP Portable means "Battery Power Only", here are the rules for VHF contests from the ARRL VHF rules page.


2.2.Single Operator Portable:

2.2.1. Ten (10) W PEP output or less.

2.2.2.Portable power source.

2.2.3.Portable equipment and antennas.

2.2.4.Single Operator Portable stations must operate from a location other than a permanent station location.

2.2.5.Single Operator Portable stations may not change locations during the contest period outside of the original 500-meter diameter permitted circle.

-- KI7JA