"Have fun with the new equipment"
As usual, we
started on Friday loading the van sponsored by DL2ALF's QRL. Gerhard, Mattias
and Harti could spread the whole equipment beneath blue skies. It was only 2m :
that's why we finished loading very fast. A quick check with the list : nothing
forgotten. An big innovation : we ordered some doughnuts in advance because we
failed the last times :-).
We started the trip on Saturday 0600UT to the "Schneekopf", the weather was
windy with temperatures of abt. 12deg : means warm clothing.
"We have to setup only one band!" The OM's from Gotha started with the main
mast. The OM's from Greiz had the longer trip and arrived somewhat later.
Together we finished the setup of our 4 x 11el Flexa and our 2 x 2M5WL Mē
antennas. It was quiet an easy job because we could rely on the documentation
made last year. Inside the shack we did some optimization concerning the table,
the "armstrong" rotor access and the wiring (see pictures). On 1230UT we
finished the setup and tests without pressure.
The weather was quiet during the evening and the night except one short shiver
on 0100UT.
The time remaining to the contest we were checking the new equipment (TS-950 +
high performance transverter by DB6NT as running station + IC-746 as 2nd Rx))
and the audio switch box in our new configuration. The 2nd OP had the chance to
switch between 1st Rx only, 2nd Rx only and "stereo" and could operate the 2nd
Rx independently. So he could either support the first OP on our "home
frequency" or search the band for new stations or look for the competitors or
both. His Rx was always cross connected to the alternate antenna thanks to our
antenna switch circuit.
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All OP's were fully satisfied with the new setup and the
resulting capabilities.
Because of the technical data given by a TS-950 no mathematical increase of
IP3 was expected, but we found an impressive enhancement in reality which is
estimated between 5-10db by the crew.
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The contest started very fine with 120 QSO's per hour and at least we could
claim 1077 QSO's and 105 squares.
The weather remained quiet on Sunday although we had some rain during the
packing activities. But on 1600UT we finished with sunshine and were on our way
back home.
See some additional pictures and the logs after Sep 22th.
Thanks to all for the points and hpe cuagn in October.
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Details I : A feedthrough is making a antenna cable loop needless. |
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Detail II : This small construction allows antenna rotation > 360°. |
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See the newe equipment on top of the TS-950. |
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