WQØRP Score: 255,360
140 QSO x 38 SPC x 6 Temp Mult x 4 Field Mult x 2 Alt Pwr
Once again we started with the usual 6:30am breakfast at McDonalds. As in past years, FYBO falls on our regular meeting day and again we setup outside our meeting location, the Minnetonka Community Center. This year the temps started off at 18 °F and we again got the six temperature multiplier with the first QSO. (It has actually been a pretty mild Winter this year!)
The WQØRP Chalet
Another year of experience found us able to be setup in the camper before the contest started this year (the picture above is later in the day). We had computer logging working, tied via serial link to the K2, and everything worked very smoothly.
Antennas this year were a fan dipole with elements for 80m, 40m and 30m, and an R7 Vertical. Here, John KAØOSC and Ken NØHRL untangle the elements for the dipole.
The center of the dipole was supported on an alluminum sectional mast that mounted to a drive over mount under the wheel of the trailer, and was guyed to the trailer as well (no winds to deal with) and was up about 30 feet.
Here is the R7
clamped to the railing next to the pond. It's not salt
water, but it seemed to work fine just the same.
Pat
KØPC was our first operator, but unfortunately he had to leave
to catch a flight to Belgium before the photographer could catch
a picture of him in action. But he was kind enough to leave
the K2 and logging computer for the rest of us to finish out the
day. Here we see Dick ABØRS and Larry KBØR in
action. Larry once again provided the tent camper for our
base of operations this year. Thanks!
Scott NØAR and Dick ABØRS work into the darkness
Mert WØUFO and Dick ABØRS towards the end of the contest.
A pot-luck lunch was held again this year in conjunction with our regular monthly meeting that always takes place 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of the month.
Many thanks to all those that participated in this year's FYBO operation. It was our most successful effort yet in this event. Special thanks to Larry KBØR for the use of his camper and to all those that brought radios, antennas, computers and food for the pot-luck lunch.