Mt Pilchuck Radio Trip

On Thursday, Bob - AD7BP, Tess and I went to the mountains to play with Radios. We drove up to my favorite place on Mt Pilchuck (at 2500') and set up our stations. The road was a bad as usual with large chuck holes and rocks, which helps keep traffic out of the area.

For Radios, Bob had his FT-817 and I had mine.

Station Setup

We set up the Shade or Rain shelter as the weather was uncertain, We then put up my 36' vertical. Bob strung up a long wire into the top of a small tree. He was ready and on the air within a few minutes.

Bob on PSK

The bands were quiet, but Bob snagged a nice PSK QSO and several other. I was not so lucky, but one local 6m contact. I did try my hand at SSB and CW on several bands.

Calling CQ

Bob's Longwire

As shown, Bob's long wire went from the tree top down to tuner on the table, and a short counterpoise laid out on the ground.

The Loop

Bob also tried his Loop, but I do not think he had much luck.

Two Rangers stopped by while patrolling the area. We had a nice chat, and they through Tess's Ball for her, which is always a real treat for her.

Tess - Waiting to play Ball

It was a good trip, I am ready to go again.

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WA7LAW Field Day 2011

Here are some of the WA7LAW Field Day 2011 Photos, at GRID: CN87UW99VR

Paul - KD7EJI

at the Antique 40m CW Station
Unseen to the Right is the GOTA Station

Although, Paul is not the owner of the above Antique Equipment, he is the; owner / operator / program-director, of a micro power Old-Time AM Broadcast Band Radio Station, see: http://www.radio1610.us/.

The Main Operations Tent and Antennas

The main tent was the center of operations, with most antenna connection and operating stations. A Generator and Solar Cells provided the power.

Outside, a Bar-B-Que and treats were setup for Lunch and late night meals.

Off photo, to the left, are the 2m Talk-in Station, the GOTA Station, the Antique 40m CW Station and several other QRP Stations, each with their own antennas.

In the main tent, cross band interference was a bit of a problem, but many people were working to resolve the issue.

In the Main Tent

Left is the 20m PSK Station
Right is the 40m SSB Station

In the Main Tent

Bob - AD7BP Checking Out the Operation
Left is the 20m SSB Station
Right is the 15m 90w CW Station

Bob - AD7BP
with his Pedestrian 20m Mag Loop

Bob showed me his 20m Mag Loop, I was really impressed, it was easy to tune by listening for max volume, and then the Ft-817 reported a very Low SWR on transmit. The Loop can be turned quickly to maximize the received signal.

Unfortunately, we did not have much time to use or play with the Loop.

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