DISPATCH FROM IRAQ: JOINING THE CROWD ON 40 METERS

Operating from Iraq while on duty as a DoD contractor supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, I learned quickly that 40 meters is jammed with Russian-speaking stations. It’s very crowded in the 100khz that is allocated for this region.
I have worked a lot of Europe but now that I have a vertical, I hope to work more of the United States. There are several Iraq stations up and running now.

I’m using an Elecraft K2/100 with the KAT100, FT897 with integral tuner, K1 with antenna tuning unit, and KX1 with 30 meters and KXAT1.

My modes of operation are mostly CW and SSB. I will be adding PSK capabilities when I am able to get the equipment to interface my rigs and computer.

I hope to be able to participate in some of the ARS activities while in-country and would like to add lots of ARS members to my log.

Am hoping that everyone in ARS keeps an ear out for me.

Dwayne Barbee, YI9RVT, poses beside the Lion of Babylon near the Southern Palace of King Nebuchadnezzar II in Iraq.

Gear assembled for amateur radio operation at YI9RVT in Al-Kut, Iraq.

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Dwayne Barbee, YI9RVT, is a paramedic and ARS member on duty in Al-Kut, Iraq which is about 100 kilometers east-southeast of Baghdad and about 45 kilometers from the Iran border. He has been in Iraq since late October and has been operating as YI9RVT since January 25. Dwayne also holds the callsign KE4RVT, and when not on assignment in Iraq lives in Woodstock, GA.



	DISPATCH FROM IRAQ: Joining the Crowd on 40 Meters
		By Dwayne Barbee, YI9RVT Special to The ARS Sojourner
Operating from Iraq while on duty as a DoD contractor supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, I learned quickly that 40 meters is jammed with Russian-speaking stations. It’s very crowded in the 100khz that is allocated for this region. I have worked a lot of Europe but now that I have a vertical, I hope to work more of the United States. There are several Iraq stations up and running now. I’m using an Elecraft K2/100 with the KAT100, FT897 with integral tuner, K1 with antenna tuning unit, and KX1 with 30 meters and KXAT1. My modes of operation are mostly CW and SSB. I will be adding PSK capabilities when I am able to get the equipment to interface my rigs and computer. I hope to be able to participate in some of the ARS activities while in-country and would like to add lots of ARS members to my log. Am hoping that everyone in ARS keeps an ear out for me. Dwayne Barbee, YI9RVT, poses beside the Lion of Babylon near the Southern Palace of King Nebuchadnezzar II in Iraq. Gear assembled for amateur radio operation at YI9RVT in Al-Kut, Iraq. * * * * * * * * * * Dwayne Barbee, YI9RVT, is a paramedic and ARS member on duty in Al-Kut, Iraq which is about 100 kilometers east-southeast of Baghdad and about 45 kilometers from the Iran border. He has been in Iraq since late October and has been operating as YI9RVT since January 25. Dwayne also holds the callsign KE4RVT, and when not on assignment in Iraq lives in Woodstock, GA.