Soapbox for the 2000 Flight of the Bumblebees
Thanks, ARS, for sponsoring this event! Conditions weren't so great on 20M, but I had a good time. Tried a slightly different approach to QRP for the Flight; throttled my Cubic/Swan ASTRO 150 back to five watts and used that from home. The antenna was my 30 foot aluminum foil doublet in the attic. One of these days, I'll have to get a Bumblebee number!
From Ken, VE3ELA
As I was travelling on vacation, for this event I operated from Bic Provincial Park, on the south shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River in the province of Quebec. It's a beautiful setting with hiking and biking trails criss-crossing the interior, and a protected marine wilderness bay. I chose to hike up to Pic Champlain with my heavily laden backpack. About three-quarters of the way to the top, at the side of the trail was placed a sitting (resting!) bench. It served well as an operating table, too. From this vantage point one could gaze below and observe tiny sailboats enjoying the excellent sailing conditions on the river.
Surprisingly, my signal was not being heard very well by the other Bumblebee stations. Though I made few contacts during the contest, I spent some time talking with others trekking this trail. Many spoke French and didn't understand English very well, and my French is not too good, but we managed to communicate. They were curious about my antenna and gear, and the dits and dahs overheard. One passerby commented "You're doing it the hard way, have you not heard of the internet?" To which I replied "Yeah, but it's not nearly as much fun!"
From Arthur, W6AGS
Did not beat last years score but was a fun day nonethelass. Will have some photos to link from my web site at http://www.qsl.net/w6ags which will happen in the not too distant future. There were some very strong signals from my operating QTH on Wheeler Ridge, at 8850 feet, in the Mokelumne Wilderness Area in the Stanislaus National Forest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Especially notable were AK7Y, N0SXX, and K7TQ.
From Atsushi, W7/JR1NKN
MX-21S, my first HF rig, still works very well even after a decade.
I was excited to have QSOs with W1, W4 and W5. Unfortunately I had
no QSO with W6 this time. Since it's a hot summer day, LM317 voltage
regulator got too hot under the sun and halted by its thermal
protection. It took several minutes to recover. In spite of QRP
equipments, I had to consider their temperature. It's funny.
From Rick, KQ6NO
Was signed up to be a bee, but due to circumstances wasn't able
to get outdoors. Conditions didn't seem too great, QRN pretty bad on both
40 & 20. Had fun anyway, though.
Next year hope to be a bee again for real.
From Ed, WE6W
Upon arrival at the Standish-Hickey campgrounds on the south fork
of
the Eel River, our camping friends were surprized when I sneaked off
at 9:15 AM for the pre-contest hike. After 45 minutes I found the tiny
trail was not going to get any wider! I tossed the golfball with
string taped on and it went 66 feet straight up. Today I'd use
a end-fed 40 meter vetical! (So that's how antennas are decided upon :-)
The K2 and ZM-2 fit nicely on a downed log and that's where I sat for
the next 4 hours. I worked 20 QSO's total at 5 watts and got out
of erecting the camping tents!
Thank you Adventure Radio Society!
From Joe, KK5NA
BumbleBee #4 buzzed out into in the 100 degree plus heat here in
Arlington,
Texas and found the shade of a large Pecan tree in Red Kane Park during
Sunday
afternoon's Flight.
Members of NORTEX QRP and RACC QRP clubs combined to work as Bee #4. We got
started a little late but plenty of bees out there. As always this was one
of the most fun events of the year. 47 contacts/36-20M, 11-15M/28 Bees.
From John, VE3JC
I was unable to stray far afield this year, so I decided to again
do FOBB bicycle
mobile. Unfortunately, there was only a 1 1/2 break in the steady rains, so
that
was the limit of my activity. Used the K2 this year, at 5 Watts. Hope for
better
weather next year!
From Dee, K7UD
Super time working FOBB from the Grand Canyon National Park.
Beautiful WX and great condx! Many thanks to all the ops I worked
(especially Arnie Olean, K0ZK, for hanging in there when it got tough). Our
whole sojourn was blessed by the radio gods ... we even passed through
Bumblebee, Arizona on the way!
From Bruce, KL7H
KL7H/C6A set up on the beautiful shore of Crescent Bay near Lumber Cay
to activate BB #101... Transportation was via Kayak... Used my "Tubby" set
up for this contest... Icom 706, 25 Amp battery, 10 Watt solar panel, and
1/4 wave vertical... Lots of activity on 20m and lots of fun and sun...
Already looking forward to next years event... Thanks to all the
participants !!!
From Bruce, N7CEE
I operated from Paris Lake, 11,200 feet, in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, California (DM07pg), during a six day backpack trip through the
Humphreys Basin region. I used a Sierra, an 8xAA alkaline battery pack, a
homemade paddle, and a ZM-2 feeding an end fed 66 foot wire up 20 feet, with
a 33 foot counterpoise. Conditions on 20 and 15 were very poor, with signals
in and out of the noise. Each contact was a lot of work on both ends- I'm
impressed with the skill of QRP operators! I'm glad I got the chance to be a
Bee in such a gorgeous setting about 20 miles from the nearest power line.
From Bill, N2WG
Used K2 and 155 foot wire up 32 feet on the sound at Wrightsville
Beach, NC. Made one contact and enter storm (much lightning). When I got
back on the air, rain showers made for a tough day. Had a lot of fun
though.
From Ben, KA8LLE
Another great FOBB, QRN and QSB bad here but managed to work
17Q's from the shack (10 BB's). Used the 706 MKII turned down to 3 watts.
Took an hour and a half off to cut grass and then worked the last 30 min.
Had a great time, looking forward to doing it again next year.
From Wes, AC5K
Chased away by thunderstorms, just like last year!
From Doc, K0EVZ
Location = Ft. Lincoln, ND, on west bank of Missouri River south of Mandan, ND.
Setup = K2 at 5 watts to an Inverted WYE held up by an SD-20 fishing pole.
Kevin Anderson K9IUA was along for the day, and assisted with the antenna. He is living in Lincoln, ND, for a year while his XYL is doing her graduate studies.
Thanks to all who dropped by :-).
From Jerry, N9AW
Condx not very cooperative on 15 mtrs, nothing heard on 10. As usual the workhorse band was 20 mtrs from here in Cheesehead country. Thanks to all for the fine QSOs and fun.
From Chuck, AD6GI
Score improved over last year; but, still much tuning to be made.
My thanks to all the operators for their fine ears and patience with
my sending. See you agin next year.
Many thanks to ARS for a fine contest.
From Dave, W9SUL
Tried for contacts on all bands available. 15m was a new band for me this year and spent a lot of time there... NO JOY. Bob - N4BP/BB was pounding into Minnesota... but he couldn't hear my 2 watts. I even yelled in his direction. Heard a few others "faintly" on 15m.
Did get 2 QSOs on 40m... but 20m was the bread-and-butter band here.
From Ken, N2CQ
Bee #5 Landing at Redbank Battlefield Historical Park, Gloucester Co., NJ.
Weather reports brought me to a local QTH for easy bailout on
heavy storms. It came in the last hour before the BOOMERS came and
yes, I did bail out. Equipment used were OHR 100A on 40, NW20,
and Green Mountain 15. Fan dipole for 20 & 40 up 30'.
I called Russ several times on 15 but
a longer range antenna is called for next time. I'd say the condx
here was poor and the lowest bee score for me so far. N7SR Had the
strongest and steady signal heard all day long.
Thanks for the QSOs and the fun Bumblebee Flight!
From Bob, W4ED
Plan A, scrubbed due to WX on trail (Appalachian Trail near Woody Gap).
Plan B, good for about three hours with a few rain delays. But lightning
cut it short. Static level was high, which seemed to be a common problem.
We set up at a camp site near Lake Lanier. Took my wife along, she read
a novel and relaxed while I "worked" QRP CQ and S/P.
Like others have already reported, most activity was on 20m, some on 15m.
I called CQ on 10m and 40m but never heard a peep. Had a good time
as usual & really like operating on such pleasant turf. All but two
QSOs were with other BBs.
Rig = K2, key = hmbr TFR , ant = 22' vertical, log = paper & pencil, etc.
From Ron, KI0II
The "BB" plan for 2000 was to participate in a sailboat race and the Flight of
the Bumble Bees at the same time. I had been given permission by the
Race Committe to transmit and recieve radio signals not available to all other
race participants, so this is going to be really different, right? Well due to
very hot and dry weather this year resulting in low water levels the OYC canceled
the race. Sure couldn't let that spoil a great weekend, so continued with the
"sailboat mobile" BB effort and had a ball.
The best antenna was a simple 20 meter EFHW hanging from the mast resulting in
a lot signals. Conditions seemed to favor the western portion of the USA with
a mid west or east coast station popping in once in a while. 10 and 15 meters
did not provide more than a few contacts and 20 meters was very busy in the last
hour with the QRP-L Fox hunt below .060 and the every increasing "digital"
signals above .060, making holding a frequency impossible.
WX was great, the water was warm, the breeze was just right but there was a
surprise I hadn't counted on. The Ten Tec Argo has a pretty effective NB, but
when a swarm of Jet Skis decide to hover in the area there is a lot loose "dits"
flying around. Sounded like everyone was from "5" land.
It was a great weekend of sailing and playing radio. Doesn't get much better
than that. Thanks to ARS for FOBB 2000.
From Rich, AA8IV
Rain and thunderstorms came and went during the Flight of the Bumblebees. My hike was to an outdoor shelter facing the lake at lakeview park. My trusty K-2 and Vern's P-1 did a fine job and enjoyed hearing all my friends on the bands. Ten meters was dead. Fifteen not much better although I got one (N4BP). Twenty Meters was the one today. Gary (N0SXX) came in the strongest at the end of the flight and many stations called as the weather came blowing in (Rain gage had over 5 inches that 24 hours) A lot of fun. Lets do it again
From Dale, KB0VCC
The torrential Rain and the forecasted threat of lightning forced me to modify my plans from the Pequawket Fire Tower on Kearsarge North (Intervale/Chatham, NH) to Foss Mountain (Eaton, NH). Though the WX was very disheartening the lightning stayed at a distance, which IS an improvement over last year. The rain nearly knocked me out of the game but I salvaged the last 90 minutes of the contest. Under heavy drizzle and fog, I made a few contacts, avoided lightning and even a bear threat. Despite all challanges, I'd consider the event a success from my end, and am anxiously anticipating next year’s.
From San, K9YT
I had a nice learning experience in this year's BB. I had to make it a short session because I had to drive downtown to pick up my wife and kid at the University Memorial Union Bus stop right in middle of the BB time window.
I took my English Cocker Spaniel Reggie with me in the car to the park. The rig was a SST-20 and a high power Hustler whip. It was very hot and humid and I parked in the corner of the Garner Park parking lot a little after the contest started, where there was not much of a breeze. Dogs are not allowed to roam around in Garner Park, but it is located on a high hill.
http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/parks/Parks_Gen/park%20address.pdf
I had a 16' fishing pole whip I could have replaced the Hustler whip with, but since it looked like it was going to rain I mistakenly forwent the better antenna.
After about 45 minutes and only 6 contacts, Reggie looked a little toasted so I headed home to let him cool off. It was raining on and off. By the time Reggie cooled off, it was time to head downtown. I listened while I was parked waiting but did not hear any new stations on 20 meters.
I hope next year, I can give the BB the time it deserves.
From Steve, N7SR
Operated from Lebanon Hills Regional Park south of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Humidity and temperature were high and the mosquitoes were out. My tent saved me. Park rangers arrived half way through, looking confused and wary. They left wondering at the great diversity of experiences with which people find to entertain themselves. Used a HW-9 and 140 foot delta loop oriented toward East-West.. What great fun!
From Cameron, KT3A
Was visited by a real killer bee. I thought someone started a chainsaw!
Rig was Sierra at less than a watt to an end fed half wave vertical, matching was with the NJ Rainbow tuner. Location was Rocky Ridge, a York County Park.
I hiked about 2 miles in to a site on the ridge.
From Paul, AA4XX
WJ4P and I, along with Randy's son Aaron, kayaked out to Isla Bonita near Bear
Island, NC for this year's BB event. We got out to the island around 11AM and
had our station set up by noon. Storm clouds hung in the Western sky most of
day, and Murphy sent us a thunderstorm midway thru the test.
Surprisingly, conditions on 20M were not very good from our seaside location,
as we never worked a single West Coast station during the entire contest. WJ4P's
K2 performed flawlessly, as did our phased verticals, but the propagation just
wasn't there for us this time.
One of the highlights was working HP1AC on 15M, as well as KL7H/C6A on 20M.
We had smooth water and helpful tidal currents on both legs of the kayak trip,
which made for easy paddling. Thanks to all the operators who made this an
enjoyable contest.
From John, W6ZIP
Had a really trying time with the SWR on my experimental open wire-fed dipole and just did not have the copy on alot of stations. Was very happy to participate though. Look for me after I build the K-1 to go with my ZM-2!
From Neil, W0YSE
The xyl got my 44' long multiband CF dipole about 45' up into the trees
with the slingshot. Then she got stung by a bee!! Wouldn't ya know!! But the
dipole worked great at that height. Wish I had trees like that around my city
lot. It was hot and dusty at 9000 feet but I had a great time in the contest.
From Terry, K4KKJP
A large and persistent thunderstorm in NW Fla. during all day Sunday produced more qrn than qsos in the BB Sprint for me. Still had fun working all the bees we could copy through Mother Nature's rath. Ran a full 5 watts to the old Omni-D and Mosley Mini-33 beam at 30 ft. Nothing heard on 10m and 15 was rather poor but qrp prevailed non-the less!
From Rick, KF4AR
I had a great time. This was the first BB event in 3 years that I wasn't forced to
QRT due to severe thunderstorms. Although the condx were not so great, it was
lots of fun. I can't wait until next year.
Thanks to all the folks I worked.
From Jim, AL7FS
I only lasted for the first three hours of the contest as conditions were very tough from up here in Alaska. Most contacts were in the Pacific Northwest but I was pleased to pick up W9SUL(MN), N9AW(WI), and two from AZ, AK7Y and K7UD. I tried hard to work W0YSE, N0SXX, N5JB, N7RVD, VE6KBS and N0UR. Typically, the stations I didn't work always were coming back to 579 callers and I couldn't compete with that very effectively.
As usual, it was lots of fun. Thank you to everyone for the effort and the contacts.
From Steve, KI0MZ
While I was not a bee I did drive to a scenic location at Daniels Park Colorado and set up my portable station. Enjoyed the fresh air and managed to get a nice tan in addition to the fun of operating the contest
From Alfred, N4ARW
This was my first QRP contest, but it will not be my last. I had fun even though I had to stop a couple of times because of storms in this area. I used a Heathkit HW-99, MFJ-969 tuner and a G5RV antenna. The next time I will use my beam antenna. A friend came in during the last hour and I think we will make a team because he thought it was fun also.
From Herb, K2HPV
First chance to try my NEW Argonaut 509. Really impressed with the receiver. Happy I made the purchase.
From Sam, AE4GX
Well the slingshot took a few extra tries this time but success was at hand. I got my 44ft Doublet (30 ft open wire) up in a slightly inverted Vee shape facing NW/SE. My new NORCAL Balanced Line Tuner (BLT) tuned 20 mtrs quickly and I ran a 30 ft of coax to the operating location. My homebrew "Georgia" Sierra (highly MODed Norcal Sierra) was putting out about 1W and the signals were strong. As expected the thunder storms rolled in so I had to QRT early to avoid any unwanted electrical charges. I managed to get 8 QSOs including KL7H/C6A/BB in the Bahamas. This is the first contest that I haven't used my Parking Lot Portable Vertical so I can't give any comparisons.
From Derek, WF4I
Bob, AE4IC, and I operated from Mt. Mitchell State Park, NC (elev. ~6600 ft.). We used my Sierra and Bob's K2. Our antennas were 20M and 40M dipoles up 25 - 30 feet.
Propagation left much to be desired. 20M was the band of choice. Surprisingly, we didn't hear much activity on 40M - possibly due to the intense QRN at our location on the mountain top. QSB was the rule on 15M - signals peaking then almost dropping out.
It was interesting working from a location where the weather changes so dramatically - warm and sunny one minute, cool and raining the next. Still, it was great to escape the heat of summer; it was about 20 degrees cooler there than back at home and the view, when breaks in the clouds permitted, was spectacular.
From Richard, GW3CWI
Rather quiet from Europe. Read a full account of my contest entry together with photographs at www.qsl.net/g3cwi Follow the links for Adventure Radio. See you next year!
From Tom, KQ6DV
Jeff Grudin, AC6KW (BB#14), and I (BB#34) operated atop the Santa Rosalia Ridge,in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos, CA. Elevation approx. 2,500 ft. It was hot and buggy. The large red ants were especially intimidating. Band conditions seemed to be mediocre. I love this event, but I'm starting to wonder if it shouldn't be held later in the evening when the bands tend to come alive. I used my DSW 20 and Jeff his K-2.
From Harvey, N6MM
I finally got a QSO on 10m during the Bumblebee Flight thanks to Cam, N6GA completing his 10m module for his Sierra. I worked N6GA on all four bands and K6VNX on three. K6VNX and I could not stretch the groundwave enough to make it on 10m.
15m did not really show much activity until the last hour (2000Z) of the activity rather than at the beginning as was the case last year. Not too many east coast stations worked this year compared to previous years.
Rig was a modified Sierra at four to five watts and dipoles for 40m, 20m and 10m (40m dipole used on 15m). Power was a 4 Ah gel cell with a flexible solar panel that can be carried easily on my backpack. Filtering added to the solar panel's charger module successfully eliminated the RFI experienced last year. Location was Mt. Pinos, CA a little over 8000 feet AMSL with a 360 degree view.
Thanks to the chap who quickly and efficiently advised me when I landed on the fox's frequency. At least I then knew where to look for the fox at the end of the Flight of the Bumblebees, and I managed a QSO with the fox as well.
73 and thanks for another great QRP activity.
From Don, NK5A
First time in this contests. Fun. I need to be a Bee next year.
Rig was my new K2 and the antenna was a Force 12 C4 at 40 ft.
I had to read the rules again as I forgot that I can work anyone
not just Bees.
From Greg, AK7Y
Another great BB fest. Had to QRT after only 3 hours due to gathering storm clouds. Used my new end-fed 1/2 wave vertical with in-line Zepp type phasing section to achieve 50 ohm feed point with no tuner to tote to the mountain top.
From Randy, K7TQ
A fine way to spend a Sunday morning and afternoon. Worked many familiar calls,
although I didn't always remember them immediately. 20 m seemed good overall
with only a few ups and downs. Worked from AK to ME.
From Cam, N6GA
Soapbox -- Nothing very interesting or outrageous about my BB effort except for the fact
that I convinced my wife to come along. She had a great time! Looks like
there'll be more camping/radio adventures in our future.
The bands seemed a little below par, as evidenced by the fact that I couldn't
raise N4BP on 20 Meters. And who was the dude running a KW? You'd have thought
he could at least QRP down to 100 W.
As always, it's great to hear the bands humming with BBs!
From Gary, N0SXX
Had a great time! Wx in Colorado was perfect for Bumblebees (mebbe a lil hot).
Worked from a campground in Pike Natl Forest that was in the middle of a big
fire in 1997. Since then, it has only been accessible by foot and was about a
two mile hike in. Ground folage has grown back in but the forest is just a
bunch of blackened trees. I hauled in my 33' kanga pole as well as an 18'
telescoping aluminum mast so I got my dipole up in the air close to 50'.
Used the Sierra and made contacts on 20 meter only. Checked 15 and 40 a
couple times but heard no activity. Total of 66 Q's, 28 BB's and 24 different
states/provinces.
From Seab, AA1MY
Well... THAT was.... interesting. Gambled on the weather giving me a break like
it did yesterday, chose the "easy" route up Mt Beacon 'cuz just getting over
pneumonia. Lost the weather bet and got some crispy clear lessons while getting:
a.) soaked to the skin, from the inside. Rain gear holds moisture in both
directions. Very warm, humid, hiking in the rain should be done naked.
b.) Near heat exhausted. (see (a.) above, substitute "heat" for "moisture".
c.) Blistered heels & toes from wet cotton sox in "water-proof" hiking boots.
Hiking boots hold water in, too, and really fill up when stuff runs down your
legs into them. Going up blisters the heel, going down does the toe bonz.
d.) No Q's. Clouds socked in, visibility to maybe 50-75' ahead, and way less
vertically. No use to go all the way to the site at the top. No chance to
sling-shot antenna supports over trees... couldn't see them. End-fed bare wire
over a bush along the trail (which follows a picturesque stream/ravine up the
mountain), gave me a listen on DSW-20 Duct-taped into a baggie. Heard a few of
the usual suspects but no chance to key up in the CONTINUOUS rain with no work
surface and no way to keep the key and tuner dry.
Got real philosophical on the VERY slow retreat. Took long breaks and was
rewarded by seeing a coyote with a pup strolling up other side of the ravine.
Pup thoroughly soaked too but not minding it much. Obvioulsy didn't have blister
problems. Also met a beauty of a copperhead as big around as my arm, hanging out
under the back end of the Co-rolla when I got back down there. A real beauty.
This was my 2nd skunking for Bumblebee Day, but I'm not discouraged. It felt
kind of primal out there in a special way, ignoring the tekkie trappings, of
course. Came back sore and tired, but well rewardeded anyway. So long until the
next time, Bees!
From Bob, AD4MZ
What fun! Didn't climb a big mountain but did hike into the local woods about a mile from the road and found a great spot with 3 big bolders that were flat on top so with my folding chair in the middle it was like having a big desk to operate from. A thunderstorm sure came close about half way through the event but quickly moved away. Used my reliable Sierra on 20 and 15m to a vertical antenna. Worked almost all the stations I could hear. Power was 500mw on 15m and way up to 1W 20m. Every year ham radio becomes fun again. Thanks to all.
From Jon, KD3FG
I bumbled up to the Patapsco state park to the west of Baltimore, Maryland.
I used my EleCraft K2 with a folded dipole (made of 3 lengths of 40ft
inexpensive RS twinlead).
The bands were as follows: 10m was dead/empty; 15m was disappointing; 20m was
crowded with many QRPers, but not open to the west coast; 40m was in good shape.
The weather was supposed to remain cloudy with a 40% chance of rain. I heard
static bursts on all bands (worst on 40m) but that was just a nuisance. The
real fun began when the rain started and the thunder was louder than the static
bursts in the headphones. A plastic bag protected the rig during the rain, but
I gave up when the thunder seemed to get close. I got to operate about 2 hours.
From Rich, K7SZ
Had to cancel my trip to the Buffalo Ranch in Sweet Valley, PA. Torrential rains
and thunder storms all day. Got over 4 inches of rain in about 6 hours! Spent the
day inside with Oki, my malamute, working a few Bumble Bee QSOs between thunder
storms.
Better luck next year.
From Paul, WA9PWP
Rainy/bad QRN here, glad I was indoors!
From Lee, KD7CTF
My first ARS contest. Set up in a city park - fun talking to interested onlookers. Used EZ Hang slingshot for first time - think it has potential.
From David, W0CH
Well, my bee trip to the hills of Arkansas was a wash-out this weekend, so
Bee number 61 stayed closer to the old Missouri hive. I set up operations
in a horse pasture, complete with horses. The antennas were a 20 meter
double extended Zepp with the main lobe east-west and a little inverted vee
to fill in the north-south path. Used a NorCal 20 for the rig. I found enough
activity on 20 meters, that I never fired up the 40 meter rig.
The horses must have found me interesting, cause just as I started working the
contest, they galloped up to my operating setup at full speed. I had visions of
rigs and wires going everywhere. Managed to stop the stampede in the nick of time, however they wanted to stand around and nuzzle me as I operated, which
may explain some of my rotten CW sending. Managed 31 QSO's which included 18 Bees. The one outstanding QSO was with VE3JC/BB/bicycle mobile.
From Mark, KQ0I
Always a nice event....wish 15 had been open. I could hear a few down under there, but couldn't work anyone.
From Jeff, AA8PJ
Conditions not the greatest here in Ohio, but racked up more Bee frequent flyer miles. Sierra @ 1.5w, Fullwave Delta Loop and Homebrew Martian Death Ray Portable Vertical from April 2000 QST, Z Match Tuner, Bulldog Paddles, 4.5 amp hr gell cell. Thanks for a GREAT TIME.
From Andrew, AC7CF
I had a lot of fun in my first FOBB. Next time I'll bring more water though. 2 watts to a dipole up just 4 feet really does work!
From Gary, W9FNB
The event was a great time,had by all. The picinic lunch of deli franks with all the homegrown extras and trimmings was a big treet for the smaller ops and mrs.yls. Lou WA9TPZ was chief op..ARS #606,and I..Gary W9FNB was the Log master
and head cook,and keeper of the apple wood campfire...mmmm gud stuff 73 cu next year bb's.
Ps.Lou's Ten-Tec scout was a big hit with me,great xcvr..super rx on 20 mtrs...
From Jerry, NN5B
Hey! Were'd everyone go at 2100z? Had fun while it lasted.
From Joe, VE3VXO
A warm front came through southern Ontario just in time for the flight. As I walked to my chosen location a light rain began. As I made preparations to raise the antenna it began to rain harder. At start time it was pouring, and as usual with warm fronts it had stamina. I was prepared though ( or so I thought) with tyvek paper notebook and a soft 'B' pencil. A poncho and rain pants rounded out the wet weather gear. Why didn't I bring a tent? Well the paper is waterproof but my pencil melted away faster than the contacts were rolling in. Hmmmm. Have you ever sharpened a pencil with your teeth? Mental note "Bring pocket knife next time" Oh yeah that 'B' lead tastes great, and judging by the pitiful looks I got from passer's by on the walk home they assumed I could not afford a dentist, or a home probably, as I walked along like a drowned rat with a bulging pack of 'worldly possesions' on my back. My touch sensitive keyer/key got so wet it decided to commandeer my rig and turn it into a cw beacon so I had to use a microswitch for the duration. My appologies to those who thought they were communicating with someone from planet xenon. But I did manage to make a number of contacts despite the rain and I had "fun" (Ok so I'm wierd). Well it looks like my latest antenna weapon is in good working order at least. The flight was a good test for it.
Setup was 5W superhet transciever a la Garry Breed, into a 5/8 wave vertical wire over an elevated groundplane. Thanks to HP1AC for the last minute DX and everyone who was patient with my incoherent CW.
From Chris, KB9LCK
Never made the "bee" roster, but bicycled 8 miles to a local lake, operated from a picnic shelter
day started cloudy, with a threat--warmed up, sun came out--a pleasure.
My home based radio won't make california for some reason, was a pleasure to work Cam, n6ga
Fun contest, but what was that kilowatt from Texas about?? Or was it a guy with a
qrp radio, great antenna, and a sense of humor? Talk about a gun to a knife fight!!
From Ken, WA4SQM
The only station heard on 15M was AA7QU. 10M was silent. 20M was *the* band from my QTH.
From Ed, K1VP
Once again I was stormed off my planned site. For the first time used the POQUET for keying and logging. Caused some strange CW
but was a good learning experience. Missed some and sorry for that. 15 M was better than expected, 20M the main band it seemed while 40M was coming into condx at end.
Lots of fun and enjoy contacting many on the west coast including Russ who seemed to hang out on 15M all day.
And Steve "Melt Solder" from Gorham, NH. A VE6 who was running 100w and a NY station running 1W prety much
runs the gambit. I had tuned up the Sierra's 10M module, but nary a beep on the band here.
all in all a fun time and a great way to get into the hang of QRP contesting.
forgot to mention, operating time split with walks for the Malamutes so only maybe 2 hours total.
From Brad, W5CGH
Got to the campground on Lewisville Lake and was about set up when I discovered that my battery was dead. So I had to hump back out to my truck drive home to get another battery, and then return and hump back into the campground. Yukk! Was 45 minutes late in getting started. Oh, well.
From Mike, KO4WX
till unpacking from QTH move 4 weeks ago, so had limited bumbleeflight options
("you want to do what instead of unpacking?"), so I settled for backyard which
backs up to Peachtree Creek federal wetlands, at least keeping the "spirit" of
the contest. But a storm blew up around 3PM and forced me inside. Did at least
operate off battery for rest of contest...20 was up and down, but it was nice
to work C6A and Panama when the band was switched on.
From Mark, KB9UUY
Somehow I thought the contest was Saturday, so I biked to the Lagoons, set-up and started calling CQ BB. But nobody was there. I wonder how many of you heard me flailing at my paddle. Finally, K3LO and W2KJ were kind enough to come back to me, but I wonder if they were as confused as I was. Anyway, I finally figured it out and went back Sunday and did it again!
From Scott, KG0MZ
-
Soapbox -- Late start, bad location, early finish. The limb I was going to use to hang the
antenna from was apparently downed by the July 18 wind storm that hit this area.
I could only get the dipole up about 15 feet. Next year I'm using the SLV.
Sure were a lot of non-Bees calling CQ BB. A beautiful day here in KS. Low 80s,
partly cloudy, nice breeze. Got evangelized twice. They tried to recruit me, so
I tried to recruit them. They thought I was a devil.
From Gary, N4OLN
Rig is a Yeasu FT840 powered down to 5w. Antenna tuner by MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner MFJ-949E. Antenna is a dipole 94 feet long broadside north and south up about 45 feet between two tall southern pine trees fed by ladder line.
Had a great time. 20 meters was the only band I heard much activity on. Thunder storm came up about 90 minutes after the contest. We really need the rain.
From Richard, WB6JBM
Rough band condx. Was portable at mile 11.3 of Little Miami Scenic trail with SW40+ and MFJ9020 and inverted vee on DL7KS (or something like that) fiberglass mast. lots of fun, but next time i'm actually loading my backpack for it. carrying a gym bag, folding chair, anntenna etc... 1.2 miles is not quite as easy as it sounded last night!
From Jim, W1PID
Rain. Operated for an hour at Howe's Pond in Gaza Corner, NH.
Used Cub on 20 mtrs. with dipole as sloper. Retreated to nearby
goat shed just before downpour. No goats in shed (except op)
Used Scout at 5W with Long Wire and counterpoise on 40, 20 and 15.
Great event. Tnx to all ops in contest and ARS.
From Walt, N9MZP
Band conditions were not favorable. Had a lighting storm for about 2 hours of the contest. Rig was a Kenwood TS-450 running 5 Watts into a G5RV at 50 Feet. This was my first BumbleBee contest.
From Woody, WD9IFF
Great fun. Only worked 20 meters & band conditions much better first 1.5 hours then down hill here in Illinois. Really had to pull W0YSE & N4BP out of the noise during the last few minutes. Best signal to N6MM at a real 579 here in Illinois. N5JB blew my headset off with his KW. Who invited him? I didn't count the contact. Thanks to all, especially those of you who trekked into the far reaches for a really fun afternoon!
From Carter, N3AO
Great fun! I worked almost everyone I could hear. Boy, are there some hot low power rigs/ops out there! What a BUZZ... I'm hoping that next year I can be a Bee!
From Walt, K8CV
Rig K-2 and th7dx at 60' LDG qrp automatic tuner and OHR WM-2
From Roy, WA4DOU
Lost over an hour in middle of the event due to passing thunderstorms directly overhead. Lots of precipitation static. 15m. proved to be the better band. No activity heard on 10 m. Going to have to work on improving my weak signal reception, lots of very weak stations but too weak to work.
From Ed, W4EN
First BB contest and a lot of fun. Decided to get in the tes just before it started, so to say that I wesn't ready is an understatement. Used the IC-756 with the power set at 5 Watts and a TH7dxx.
Next year I want to be a bee
From John, K7FD
First twenty minutes were agonizingly slow...then 20m started to open for me but pooped out quick. I flipped to 15m, where sigs were much stronger. Ended up going to 40m finally to work my 40m friend Bob N6WG. Nice to work K4UD for his first K2 to K2 QSO...overall, almost every contact was a struggle, especially on twenty meters. Packed it in after a couple of hours...
From Paul, AJ4Y
The first hour started off pretty good. There were LOTS of stations on 20m. Everyone
needs to remember to spread out. I had to shut down due to thunderstorms about 1/2
way through...the static was BAD. If you've never operated from Florida in the summer time
you don't know the fun you are missing!
Stuff:
K2 @ 5 watts
Force-12 C-3 Tribander up 75'
pen/paper log...never again!
From Gary, KJ5VW
Thanks for the fun. Used a stealth antenna. A simple dipole lying
on my roof with legs at right angles to each other. Made it from a BIC
pen cap for center insulator, fed with 300 ohm twinlead. Antenna should
not have worked, but 6 of my 9 contacts were 579 and all but one came back on
my first call Go figure. And a special thanks to all the good ears who
actually copied my straight key code :-)
From Jon, KD3FG
I bumbled up to the Patapsco state park to the west of Baltimore, Maryland.
I used my EleCraft K2 with a folded dipole (made of 3 lengths of 40ft
inexpensive RS twinlead).
The bands were as follows: 10m was dead/empty; 15m was disappointing; 20m was
crowded with many QRPers, but not open to the west coast; 40m was in good shape.
The weather was supposed to remain cloudy with a 40% chance of rain. I heard
static bursts on all bands (worst on 40m) but that was just a nuisance. The
real fun began when the rain started and the thunder was louder than the static
bursts in the headphones. A plastic bag protected the rig during the rain, but
I gave up when the thunder seemed to get close. I got to operate about 2 hours.