National Field Day 2016
We all met at around 12am to install. With the help of many
members we installed an inverted V at 10metres and the
tent of Martin’s like a wigwam which went up very easily by
14:30. Wx overcast but no rain and little wind, perfect.
Operators were G4DDX, G4BYE,G4GNK and G0MDR
We used clubs IC756pro11 and PSU, collapsible table and as the rig would not tune all bands my MFJ Versatuner which had input for 400ohm ribbon feeder. The use of a 6-1 balun did not work on all bands. On 160 the rig seemed dead so unable to use. Also Phil had brought along a CW decoder and display which provided an interesting sideshow, though I think one could not rely on it in a contest.
We normally operate 5w but due to poor conditions we decided to go up to 50w putting us in another section but as we only intended to operate about 8 hrs this did not matter.
Possibly due to the increased power we had a few minor problems with the computer so we have to look forward to allowing for this in future contests. It was noticeable that very few G stations were heard, mostly EU skip.
I started the contest operating for 1 hour, then Phil for ½ hour, the Fred and then Tom for 1hour. This was roughly followed all evening with slight variations to the end when I finished on 200 at 00:30.
With planning we broke down easily by 01:30 due to the easy tent.
The generator ran with no problems and was topped up once
though not sure it was needed. I got home and put trailer in
garage, unpacked car of things that mattered and go to bed at
01:45.
The best WX for years. Thanks everyone for the photos.
