Last evening on the air for me from /VE3. I'll be on 20m and will try to stay around the upper portion of 070.

Matt

W5MMW/VE3

On Aug 23, 2017 13:33, "W5MMW Matt Manjos" <matt@...> wrote:

Thanks! I spent some extra time adjusting the OCFD to not only low swr but also where X=0. I think the height is also helping.

I'll be on 20m for at least another hour today. Probably back on later tonight after that.

Matt

On Aug 23, 2017 09:39, "'ljl2002@...' joe_molon@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

Matt,

Saw you working FL so you were getting out OK.  Looked like a good Q from here.

Will be watching for you.  Hopefully I will be able to get through this time.

CUL

73

Joe

KA1PPV  #1482

On Wednesday, August 23, 2017 12:06 AM, "W5MMW Matt Manjos matt@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

:) Thanks! I've been surprised how well it's actually worked out being forced into QRP. I am used to operating with a buddipole from a porch in the middle of a bunch of concrete apartment buildings, so being out in the open with an OCFD strung up at about 50 feet is a huge improvement.

Worked a good number during the SEQP yesterday. Going to try to get on the air each day this week.

On the bright side, RX is still fine on the radio and at least I'm not totally dead in the water. Just have to make a warranty case with icom once I get back.

Thanks again for the report!

73

W5MMW

On Mon, Aug 21, 2017 at 9:19 AM, 'ljl2002@...' joe_molon@... [070] <070@...> wrote:

 

Hey Matt,

So it won't go over 7 watts?  I don't see the problem.  That's about 5 db better that me.

Seriously though I know full well how frustrating it is when your equipment lets you down at a critical time.  The bright side is that I have seen your signal several times but the conditions here have been absolutely awful on 20m so I haven't gotten through yet but I will keep trying.  I would like to capture at least one APE this season.  I have seen several running around in the RF jungle but no luck yet.

GL

Joe

KA1PPV  #1482

On Sunday, August 20, 2017 9:59 PM, "W5MMW Matt Manjos matt@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

Some bad news... it seems the finals on my almost brand new IC-7200 are toast. Only my second time taking it out since picking it up in June and it refuses to transmit above 8 or so watts :( The rig jumps from <1.1 SWR to ∞ and powers down if I tease the power past 8W. I get the same symptoms with 3 different known-working antenna setups, on multiple bands.

The silver lining is that it seems to be functional if I keep it below 7W. So it looks like I'll be working QRP for the rest of my APE plans (as long as the rig holds up).

Hoping to be on the air most of the day tomorrow (and during the SEQP). Not sure if the radio is actually sending 7W, but that's what it will be set to, going into either a buddipole or a OCFD depending on the band.

Cheers - 73

W5MMW #2552

On Sat, Aug 19, 2017 at 12:33 PM, W5MMW Matt Manjos <matt@...> wrote:

W5MMW/VE3 coming on the air in a few minutes. 20m band.

Matt

On Aug 4, 2017 16:04, "W5MMW Matt Manjos" <matt@...> wrote:

Just wanted to announce my plans to operate an August PSK Expedition while portable from Renfrew, Ontario, Canada.

I will be on the air as W5MMW/VE3 from grid FN15 starting Saturday, August 19th and running until Saturday, August 26th.

I'm planning on focusing on 20m during the day, 40m at night and occasionally 6m, but I can tune and operate on everything from 80 - 6 so I'm definitely open to a Sked if you need that grid on a particular band.

Likewise, please don't hesitate to reach out for a Sked if you'd like! I am hoping to be on the air each day for at least a few hours (mostly in the afternoon, Eastern time zone). Some operation will be done from pontoon boat! Pictures at https://qrz.com/db/W5MMW/VE3

I am also planning on being on the air running PSK during the Solar Eclipse QSO Party (August 21).

I will QSL as W5MMW/VE3 (pse include suffix) to LoTW and eQSL and will be handling Paper QSL cards from my QTH in Redwood City, CA. No SASE necessary, and I'll be printing special cards for this APE.

Thanks! 73

Matt - PODXS #2552

W5MMW

Thanks! I spent some extra time adjusting the OCFD to not only low swr but also where X=0. I think the height is also helping.

I'll be on 20m for at least another hour today. Probably back on later tonight after that.

Matt

On Aug 23, 2017 09:39, "'ljl2002@...' joe_molon@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

Matt,

Saw you working FL so you were getting out OK.  Looked like a good Q from here.

Will be watching for you.  Hopefully I will be able to get through this time.

CUL

73

Joe

KA1PPV  #1482

On Wednesday, August 23, 2017 12:06 AM, "W5MMW Matt Manjos matt@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

:) Thanks! I've been surprised how well it's actually worked out being forced into QRP. I am used to operating with a buddipole from a porch in the middle of a bunch of concrete apartment buildings, so being out in the open with an OCFD strung up at about 50 feet is a huge improvement.

Worked a good number during the SEQP yesterday. Going to try to get on the air each day this week.

On the bright side, RX is still fine on the radio and at least I'm not totally dead in the water. Just have to make a warranty case with icom once I get back.

Thanks again for the report!

73

W5MMW

On Mon, Aug 21, 2017 at 9:19 AM, 'ljl2002@...' joe_molon@... [070] <070@...> wrote:

 

Hey Matt,

So it won't go over 7 watts?  I don't see the problem.  That's about 5 db better that me.

Seriously though I know full well how frustrating it is when your equipment lets you down at a critical time.  The bright side is that I have seen your signal several times but the conditions here have been absolutely awful on 20m so I haven't gotten through yet but I will keep trying.  I would like to capture at least one APE this season.  I have seen several running around in the RF jungle but no luck yet.

GL

Joe

KA1PPV  #1482

On Sunday, August 20, 2017 9:59 PM, "W5MMW Matt Manjos matt@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

Some bad news... it seems the finals on my almost brand new IC-7200 are toast. Only my second time taking it out since picking it up in June and it refuses to transmit above 8 or so watts :( The rig jumps from <1.1 SWR to ∞ and powers down if I tease the power past 8W. I get the same symptoms with 3 different known-working antenna setups, on multiple bands.

The silver lining is that it seems to be functional if I keep it below 7W. So it looks like I'll be working QRP for the rest of my APE plans (as long as the rig holds up).

Hoping to be on the air most of the day tomorrow (and during the SEQP). Not sure if the radio is actually sending 7W, but that's what it will be set to, going into either a buddipole or a OCFD depending on the band.

Cheers - 73

W5MMW #2552

On Sat, Aug 19, 2017 at 12:33 PM, W5MMW Matt Manjos <matt@...> wrote:

W5MMW/VE3 coming on the air in a few minutes. 20m band.

Matt

On Aug 4, 2017 16:04, "W5MMW Matt Manjos" <matt@...> wrote:

Just wanted to announce my plans to operate an August PSK Expedition while portable from Renfrew, Ontario, Canada.

I will be on the air as W5MMW/VE3 from grid FN15 starting Saturday, August 19th and running until Saturday, August 26th.

I'm planning on focusing on 20m during the day, 40m at night and occasionally 6m, but I can tune and operate on everything from 80 - 6 so I'm definitely open to a Sked if you need that grid on a particular band.

Likewise, please don't hesitate to reach out for a Sked if you'd like! I am hoping to be on the air each day for at least a few hours (mostly in the afternoon, Eastern time zone). Some operation will be done from pontoon boat! Pictures at https://qrz.com/db/W5MMW/VE3

I am also planning on being on the air running PSK during the Solar Eclipse QSO Party (August 21).

I will QSL as W5MMW/VE3 (pse include suffix) to LoTW and eQSL and will be handling Paper QSL cards from my QTH in Redwood City, CA. No SASE necessary, and I'll be printing special cards for this APE.

Thanks! 73

Matt - PODXS #2552

W5MMW

 

The bands are not user friendly here in MS so far today .... but will keep checking throughout the day

 

JEFF WALSH

W3WMU

#1673

BUBBAWOOD

WORLDWIDE HEADQUARTERS

STURGIS, MS.

On Saturday, August 26, 2017 7:50 AM, "stan robinson robinstan@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

Good Morning!!

A good day yesterday in spite of questionable propagation. We had 86 QSOs on 20m, 30m, 40m, and 80m. mostly 20m. We already have several 3 Band APE Hunter Certificate winners. Even Matt, "APE in the Boonies", W5MMW/VE3 earned his Cert. Another APE to APE first for the Pontoon Portable boys.

Starting this morning on 40m and 20m. Look for "KC9UR Pontoon Portable".

73,Stan

W9SMR

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of stan robinson robinstan@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 5:25 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: Re: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE - On the Air

 

Bob to 30m  10,140 +2,000Hz

Stan back on 40m  7,070 +2,000Hz

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of stan robinson robinstan@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 4:13 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: Re: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE - On the Air

 

Finally figured out the problem with the Half-square. Muskrats must have chewed thru switch control cable. Now working OK.

Operation switching to Bob on 20m. Stan will call on 17m 18,100 +2,000 HZ and check-call on 6m on the half hours. 40m looks promising as we hear SSB but see no traces. Will check back again.

Look for us. Got 18 in the log on 20m so far.

73,

Stan

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of stan robinson robinstan@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 2:29 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: Re: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE - On the Air

 

WE finally got the antennas up and tuned.

Saw PropNet from EL99 on 6m. Will call on the half-hours around 50,290 +2,000 Hz.

Otherwise, look for KC9UR on 20m 14,070 +2,000 Hz

 

Bob tuning up for 17m. If we can find a hole around the FT8 signals..

Worked first ever APE to APE using Pontoon Portable to Pontoon Portable stations. Tnx Matt, W5MMW/VE3

Off we go, 73,

Stan

W9SMR

Bob

KC9UR

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of v32hoosier@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 6:38 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE

 

Yahoo decided to bury the announcement I posted yesterday into an old thread from years past, so I'm re-posting it:

The KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE has been spotted thrashing about northeast Indiana preparing to get on the air this Friday afternoon, Aug 25th, and continuing through Sunday morning, Aug 27th.  Stan (W9SMR) and I are looking forward to our 5th consecutive APE from beautiful Round Lake, and to reconnecting with hunters of years past as well as working as many new PSKers as possible (last year's contact total exceeded 200).  As in previous years, we're offering a custom QSL card and also a nice certificate to the persistent hunters who work us on three or more bands.  We will be operating two stations on 80 thru 6 meters, propagation permitting.  We'll post updates to this forum when we get on the air.

Happy hunting!

Stan (W9SMR) and Bob (KC9UR)

 

Well today had its ups and downs on propagation.  Morning seemed poor and it improved in the afternoon.  At first I thought today was going to be a washout on trying to activate DM86, with no traces showing up when the XYL and I left the hotel in Dumas, TX.  Started calling while in DM95 with no responses.  When I crossed over into DM86 I saw NU4C, Paul on the waterfall and made contact.  The conditions were spotty, but good enough to put him in the log.  A bit later N9AVY, Jerry answered my call and he was in the log. Then I worked N8FL, Alan and then N4GBK, Bill.  Worked a total of 8 stations from the grid.  Visited the Capulin Volcano NM which has a great view.  We could see the mountains in CO form there, some still had snow on them.  Headed down the road toward Raton, NM for lunch and was just going to shut down when N9AVY showed up on the waterfall and Jerry got to work me in DM76.  After lunch we went down to the wildlife refuge and did some bird watching.  One of the best views was a golden eagle.  Started back up I25 toward Pueblo and called a lot for DM76, but not much action.  

I am happy with my first mobile digital adventure.  One thing I found is that can be hard to type if the roads are bouncy.  We will be in Dillon, CO for the next week.  I will post when we are starting back on the road.  

Thanks to all who had the patience to work my lower powered station. 

73

Dick

KC3EF

On Fri, Aug 25, 2017 at 1:54 PM, Richard Rohrer <kc3ef1@...> wrote:

Just finished lunch in Raton NM, DM76.  Heading South to DM75 and then bacm thru DM76.

Dick

KC3EF

On Aug 25, 2017 10:05 AM, "Jerry n9avy@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

When I worked at 1435 Z  Dick said he was in Dalhart  Texas....   must have moved...

 

Jerry  N9AVY

---

From: "Bill Garwood n4gbk@... [070]" <070@...>
To: "070@..." <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: [070] August Trip

 

Worked him a short while ago.  He's in DM86 New Mexico.  Conditions not good but we made a QSO. 14.070 + 2000

Also, seeing R9CQ Asiatic Russia fairly strong right now at about 14.070 + 1500.

Happy Radio!

Bill N4GBK  FM16 eastern NC

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of kc3ef1@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 12:48:33 AM
To: 070@...
Subject: [070] August Trip

 

 

I will be in DM86 around 13:00 gmt.  I will start calling when I hit the border for the square.  Probably trying around 14.072 to keep above other users.  Center frequency of 14.070.5 with 1.5 khz offset.  Also possibility of DM75 and DM76.

73

Dick

KC3EF/M

Just finished lunch in Raton NM, DM76.  Heading South to DM75 and then bacm thru DM76.

Dick

KC3EF

On Aug 25, 2017 10:05 AM, "Jerry n9avy@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

When I worked at 1435 Z  Dick said he was in Dalhart  Texas....   must have moved...

 

Jerry  N9AVY

---

From: "Bill Garwood n4gbk@... [070]" <070@...>
To: "070@..." <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: [070] August Trip

 

Worked him a short while ago.  He's in DM86 New Mexico.  Conditions not good but we made a QSO. 14.070 + 2000

Also, seeing R9CQ Asiatic Russia fairly strong right now at about 14.070 + 1500.

Happy Radio!

Bill N4GBK  FM16 eastern NC

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of kc3ef1@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 12:48:33 AM
To: 070@...
Subject: [070] August Trip

 

 

I will be in DM86 around 13:00 gmt.  I will start calling when I hit the border for the square.  Probably trying around 14.072 to keep above other users.  Center frequency of 14.070.5 with 1.5 khz offset.  Also possibility of DM75 and DM76.

73

Dick

KC3EF/M

 

The frame has been filled ! .....now we go for the icing on the cake chasing u 2 APEs on the other frequencies .....

JEFF WALSH

W3WMU

#1673

BUBBAWOOD

WORLDWIDE HEADQUARTERS

STURGIS, MS.

On Friday, August 25, 2017 4:26 PM, "stan robinson robinstan@... [070]" <070@...> wrote:

 

Bob to 30m  10,140 +2,000Hz

Stan back on 40m  7,070 +2,000Hz

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of stan robinson robinstan@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 4:13 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: Re: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE - On the Air

 

Finally figured out the problem with the Half-square. Muskrats must have chewed thru switch control cable. Now working OK.

Operation switching to Bob on 20m. Stan will call on 17m 18,100 +2,000 HZ and check-call on 6m on the half hours. 40m looks promising as we hear SSB but see no traces. Will check back again.

Look for us. Got 18 in the log on 20m so far.

73,

Stan

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of stan robinson robinstan@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 2:29 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: Re: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE - On the Air

 

WE finally got the antennas up and tuned.

Saw PropNet from EL99 on 6m. Will call on the half-hours around 50,290 +2,000 Hz.

Otherwise, look for KC9UR on 20m 14,070 +2,000 Hz

 

Bob tuning up for 17m. If we can find a hole around the FT8 signals..

Worked first ever APE to APE using Pontoon Portable to Pontoon Portable stations. Tnx Matt, W5MMW/VE3

Off we go, 73,

Stan

W9SMR

Bob

KC9UR

---

From: 070@... <070@...> on behalf of v32hoosier@... [070] <070@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 6:38 PM
To: 070@...
Subject: [070] 2017 KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE

 

Yahoo decided to bury the announcement I posted yesterday into an old thread from years past, so I'm re-posting it:

The KC9UR Pontoon Portable APE has been spotted thrashing about northeast Indiana preparing to get on the air this Friday afternoon, Aug 25th, and continuing through Sunday morning, Aug 27th.  Stan (W9SMR) and I are looking forward to our 5th consecutive APE from beautiful Round Lake, and to reconnecting with hunters of years past as well as working as many new PSKers as possible (last year's contact total exceeded 200).  As in previous years, we're offering a custom QSL card and also a nice certificate to the persistent hunters who work us on three or more bands.  We will be operating two stations on 80 thru 6 meters, propagation permitting.  We'll post updates to this forum when we get on the air.

Happy hunting!

Stan (W9SMR) and Bob (KC9UR)