September 20& 21, 2025 ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest
Although, the 10 GHz and Up contest isn't quite over as I compose this blog, the writing muse is here and my 8 month old granddaughter is napping, so, I'm taking advantage of the time. This year SLAMS has had a few setbacks due to some medical issues, time commitments and equipment difficulties. But it's hard to keep a few good hams down for long.
Herbert AF4JF, Harry WA0CNS and Jim KK0U may want to share their experiences in the contest. As for me, KO0Z, I only participated in the contest on Saturday for about one hour. My stepson's wife had a medical emergency which required me to put on my "grandpa hat" to watch my granddaughter, but I was able to test out my 10 GHz rig. Previously, before the contest I installed a new dish, feedhorn arm extender and mini hardline to the external relay.
On Saturday, 9-20 I set up at MidRivers Mall west parking lot (EM48qt) to listen for Herbert AF4JF and Harry WA0CNS transmissions from Pere Marquette State Park in IL (EM48rx). Jim KK0U joined me at MidRivers.
While waiting for Herbert and Harry to set-up, I copied the WB9PNU beacon via rainscatter from DePaul Hospital's roof which is about 12 miles away. The beacon sounds good. I copied the beacon telemetry at 10:03 CDT: 4 watts out, voltage 12.3 DC, enclosure temp of 98 F and PA temp of 100 F. Around 11:00 am, we were ready. I transmitted to Herbert but he couldn't hear me. Jim was able to hear me, but he was only 10 ft away. Herbert's signal was 599 +. We were only less than 13 miles apart. Herbert and Harry were able to copy Jim with strong signals.
Obviously, I have some work to do. I suspect my external relay may be the culprit. Drats! At least the receive side of my rig works! I wish I would have been able to accompany Jim from there. Our original plan was to travel along I-70 every ten miles or so to work EM48rx. However, unexpected grandpa duty required me to get back home pronto. I must admit, having a rig with little output made quitting the contest early easier to swallow.
Now, I need check out that external relay. Hopefully, that is my transmit issue.
AF4JF's rig up and running at EM48rx near Eagle Roost.
Pere Marquette State Park, IL EM48rx
Harry WA0CNS back on the air from EM48rx
WB9PNU/b heard from EM48qt via rainscatter from MidRiverss Mall.
No comments:
Post a Comment