WCARA does 10 GHz !
For some time several members of the WCARA have wanted to play with the microwave bands, however they had no idea of the equipment to use or what to do with it when they did get it.

One day that all changed!

This summer Jay, N1RWY and Andy N1WTQ have been hilltopping around Maine playing with 10 GHz wide band FM ARR rigs. With no experience in the GHz bands they decided that the only way that they would learn anything would be to give it a go!

Having said that, the tow of them started off by working each other from across the room. Having done that, ( and made their first 10GHz qsos) the decided it was time for outdoor use!
The first QSO was a little more than 6.7 miles from Rt. 69 and the base of Mt. Waldo.

Here is N1WTQ's operating position on Rt.69 (right on Rt.69 I should add!)
What is 10 GHz anyway?
N1RWY's operating position, at the base of Mt. Waldo lent for some more space to stretch out.

(Now only if the tripod was taller..)
Who says that a Leatherman can't fix problems with a ham antenna!

Here is Andy "tightening" the set screws that hold the 144 MHz KB6KQ loop in place.

**Note, the antenna shook apart 3 days later.
Since our first QSO we have made several others, a few during the UHF contest as well as random weekend outings. The current best DX is close to 37 miles, from Charleston Hill in FN55 to Mt. Waldo in FN54no. When we get the 6 digit locator of Charleston, we will update the page.

Who is next in the club to break the current record?

10 GHz is fun!
back to WCARA