Kevin,
Fortunately our portable operations are for leisure and lives aren't at stake when our communications fail. Last night, I left on a journey and as usual brought along some satellite gear. My plan for the week is to activate some grids south and west of Amarillo, TX while making my business rounds.
Two hours down the road, I stopped to make my first pass. Using my usual setup, I was completely unable to hear a pass of SO-50 and then AO-51. Not being able to hear AO-51 spelled trouble since it was a good pass of 30 degrees elevation. Recognizing a problem was only the first step. When I arrived at my destination last night, I was able to deduce the problem to a short patch cord between my downlink antenna and diplexer.
I carry a minimal set of backup equipment. This allowed me to make some contacts previously scheduled this morning on the 10:40 UTC pass of AO-51. I don't have a backup patch cord with me but I will probably stop in Oklahoma City and source a substitute.
And now for the rest of the story... This is all for fun but a little preparation and backup gear can make a world of difference when "Murphy" strikes! I learned something else to add to my backup supplies for the next trip.
73 Clayton W5PFG
On Sun, Sep 18, 2011 at 1:17 PM, Kevin Deane [email protected] wrote:
So just for gossip sake....Long story short the 6 Meter beam with the G5RV Jr. came crashing down on top of the satellite array of all places. So that takes out my chances for any Magic Band contacts this trip, the 2-Meter beam is functional, so I might try and fix the stand for that and try some SSB Birds. The 70cm beam came out unscathed so I still have ears, I have been goin in with a magmount so thats all good.
The more than one grid thing seems like a real pain so I am just pullin over off the road like I did this morning. Honestly in my opinion you can only be in one place at time anyway!
Looks like we'll be here for a couple more days at Jim's property, DN21 is right up the road and we'll hit the others on the way back. Anyway most everyone should get some grids if they need'em!
No matter where you go there you are! :)
Kevin KF7MYK
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