April RaDAR event

I was slapped in the face today by a bit of inspiration...read on...

Today, April 5th was the spring RaDAR (Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio) contest. I operated /PM or pedestrian mobile, meaning I was in motion, carrying my gear in a backpack and walking along with my deployed antenna. I was using my Yaesu FT-817nd without the tuner today. I had just got a new 2700mA*hr internal battery pack and was hoping to do the whole contest from the internal pack. For the antenna, first off, I started out using the MFJ 1899T.

But as I tried to make several contacts to no avail, I decided to move up to my other antenna system. This is a Buddipole long telescoping whip and Wolf River Silver Bullet 1000 coil mounted to a camera tripod.

The camera tripod legs were extended in length, but they were folded in so I could walk and transmit. Once I get to my first location, I can unfold the legs and set the antenna down for a rest for the operator and attempt to make a few more contacts (as seen in the picture to the right).

From locator EM60RW, my first deployed location, I made 5 contacts on 20 meters. You can see the dogwood trees blooming in the background, it was a beautiful outing.

First was Dennis, KB0SFP, located in Cross Timbers, Minnesota. He was also pedestrian mobile operating 8W out of an Icom 703.

My second contact immediately followed with Del, KD4B. Del was also participating in the RaDAR event and was using a KX3 at 5W. His locator was FM06RA.

Next up was Barry, WA5DTK, operating from Goliad State Park in Texas. He could not believe I was operating 5 watts.

My fourth contact was Larry, WA0JZK. He was participating in the Missouri QSO party and was located in Springfield, MO.

My last contact for my first deployment location was club station W0MA, The Boeing Employees Amateur Radio Society, also participating in the Missouri QSO party. I was given a strong 5/9 report.

Now that I had made my first 5 contacts, I moved 1 km to my second location. Finally reaching my destination, I tried to make 5 more contacts. But, from my location, the bands had died, and it was not to be. It wasn't without trying, though. I spent much time calling CQ RaDAR. I spent the rest of my time at the second location making only one more contact just minutes before the contest was over. W1AW/3 in Pennsylvania.

During this down time, this is where my inspiration hit. I had to figure a way to free myself from carrying this antenna around while keeping it deployed. I decided to put together a true /pm pack. It had to be something simple, and borrowing an idea from someone in the local club, I began coming up with a plan. I knew I had some scrap wood at home that would come in handy. Once I got home, I went to measuring and cutting and this is what I came up with.

Simple and functional. Only thing not in the picture is the counterpoise for the antenna that will have to be added. I plan to keep the radio separate from the backpack and use the strap that comes with the FT-817 around my neck to make it easy to tune around.

So, that's what I've got. It was a great day. I made some contacts, updated my deployment system, and even found out the new battery pack had no problem lasting the entire contest. Win, win and WIN!!

Till next time, 73

--Bob, KK4DIV