I set up at my daughter’s place, the Rillo Ranch, in DM85xk. From July 3 to July 5, I managed to log 235 VHF QSOs on both six and two meters.

Six Meters

I made 230 QSOs on six meters using FT8, MSK144, and Q65. My log contains 109 grids, but 23 stations didn’t provide their grids during the QSO. The log also includes a few duplicates.

K5ND backseat driver in DM85 — Backseat operating position for K5ND

I was running an IC-7100 into a Tokyo Hy-Power HL-166V at 160 watts with an M2 3-element Yagi. Unfortunately, the amp tended to activate its overdrive protection circuitry in FT8 and Q65, even with the output knob on the rig set to 0%. It did work on MSK144. Despite this, even with roughly 80 watts out, I was still able to work over 200 stations.

For July 3 and 4, the propagation was exceptional, and I was also able to contact several very short-distance stations, primarily using Q65-30A, and at one point, using Q65-60C. I was on the air early on July 5 and worked a few stations, but the band was mostly quiet later in the day.

Two Meters

I made only 5 QSOs on two meters, with one on FT8 and the rest on MSK144. I operated the IC-7100 into a Tokyo Hy-Power HL-200V/50 at 200 watts, driving an M2 9-element Yagi. I had a few more tries at meteor scatter contacts but no luck. I didn’t hear any of the two-meter Es that occurred on the fourth.

Slack Coordination

The VHF Chat Slack channel worked well for coordinating QSOs, mostly on MSK144. It also helped avoid other rare grid rovers. However, it was difficult to keep up with all the chat while trying to operate the radio. My attempt at creating a paper list of requested QSOs was helpful, but some were missed, and there were others I just couldn’t hear.

Overall Thoughts and Plans

I had thought about trying the CQ VHF SSB/CW contest on July 5, but I was too tired and didn’t hear much in the morning before I packed up.

I plan to get on the air for the CQ VHF Digital contest on July 19. Rather than drive again to my EM01 location, I’m considering operating from home. We’ll see if my energy level picks up enough to get back on the road.

I also have a number of equipment troubleshooting challenges. It should be fun.