Hello Alan WA4SCA and John K8YSE,
Thank you both for the SO-50 contacts at the Raleigh Hamfest (RARSFest)! I appreciate your sharp ears and return calls. It made the demo successful. The location wasn't great (tall metal buildings!) but the biggest problem was a setting on my radio that I FINALLY figured out.
Somehow, some way at Dry Tortugas the 2M uplink on my FT-817 had been changed from the rear SO-239 (which I use with the Elk) to the front BNC connector...it explains why I had no success on the boat ride from the island to Key West and why I couldn't work anybody during my first pass attempt on AO-27 today. Glad to figure that bugger out! I had the 435 band going to the right connector, but since the 2M band was "hidden" because of split memory channels it took me a while to figure it out. I was transmitting into a BNC connector without any antenna--hi hi.
The hamfest was well attended with many out of town hams in the area because of the Easter weekend. The weather was great (warm), and the RARS club is always a great host. They donate the booth (with power) and take good care of us. Thanks go to Chuck K4HF and RARS!
73,
Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]