Dear Folks:

In a couple of weeks, I am leaving for the summer to work as a seasonal ranger for the National Park Service at Capulin Volcano National Monument.  The only ham equipment I am taking with me is that which is suitable for portable operation, i.e., an Elecraft K2 with a Buddipole, and I have an Alinco DJ-G5T with an Arrow Antenna.  Capulin is located either in DM 76 or DM 86 (more likely the former) as it really is in an isolated spot.

I've made several thousand satellite QSO's over the years but only one using the HT with the Arrow.  Most of the time, I've used my FT-736R (recently replaced by an IC 9700 to M2 CP antennas on the roof with preamps).  If I get on the birds using this setup, I'll be confined to (considering the current lineup of FM birds) SO-50, AO-27 and maybe AO-91 (if it keeps operating in daylight).  I have a few questions that I'm hoping that you can help me with.

1)  I am assuming that DM76 and DM 86 are desireable grids?  I certainly don't have them.

2)  I know a lot of portable operators record their passes for logging purposes later.  Is the voice memo recorder on my iPhone sufficiently sensitive, particularly to pick up both ends of the QSO?

3)  I have been uploading to LOTW for several years now.  How accurate does the time entered into the log have to be to ensure a mutual confirmation on LOTW?  In other words, do I have to have it within +/- 5 minutes?  I'm just thinking that I won't be able to be very precise with the time of a QSO if I'm relying on a recording.

4)  Are there any other suggestions people might have for me given my planned setup?  I would try and announce my presence prior to a pass via this board, but my internet access (I'll be living in the park) will be spotty.

Thanks for any help and advice you can give me.

73 de Bernie, KF0QS

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