Radio Preppers

General Category => Net Activity => Topic started by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 02:10:55 PM

Title: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 02:10:55 PM
I thought I'd try to take advantage of the three day weekend coming up so I'm potentially going on another short backpack trip this weekend, this time to Loess Hills State Forest in western Iowa. This isn't a sure thing yet but I figured I'd throw it out there for sked times.

One thing I learned from last time is that morning skeds on 20 meter should be earlier than 1100 local time. While propagation was fine with very little QRM, it pretty much kept me tied down to camp until lunch time with no option to break camp and get back on the trail. Around 0900 local time would be much better.

The timing of the evening skeds at 1900 local was good for camp reasons but long distance propagation on 40 meters wasn't very hot at that time, close in was very good at that time though. That being the case, where we're located in relation to each other should be the determining factor in what band and time we choose.

Who's interested?
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 23, 2013, 02:32:10 PM
No promises as I have to see what goes on with HH6 (when she gets out of the hospital today or tomorrow) but a 1900 (000Z) time is something I could set my watch for on 40m. We know that works in this area if the band isn't totally in the toilet.

20m for those "easterners" is kinda iffy that time of the morning, but you're right. It's YOUR trip, YOU'RE the one in the field, you set YOUR sked.  8)

One request *IF* possible for the PM 40m sked; something other than the range 7066.75 to 7068.75 - something local has fired up recently in that range right there.  If using the FT-450 I can play with knobs and notch it out, but I'd rather listen for you on the 817, it has a better filter & ears. If not practical, no biggee I can use the 450.

:)

Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: gil on May 23, 2013, 02:48:13 PM
Sure! You're on a roll! LOL.

Gil.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 03:13:15 PM
Quote from: KC9TNH on May 23, 2013, 02:32:10 PM
No promises as I have to see what goes on with HH6 (when she gets out of the hospital today or tomorrow) but a 1900 (000Z) time is something I could set my watch for on 40m. We know that works in this area if the band isn't totally in the toilet.

20m for those "easterners" is kinda iffy that time of the morning, but you're right. It's YOUR trip, YOU'RE the one in the field, you set YOUR sked.  8)

One request *IF* possible for the PM 40m sked; something other than the range 7066.75 to 7068.75 - something local has fired up recently in that range right there.  If using the FT-450 I can play with knobs and notch it out, but I'd rather listen for you on the 817, it has a better filter & ears. If not practical, no biggee I can use the 450.

:)



I understand, no promise that I'm actually going either so............... 8)

I can easily pick a frequency outside of that range, not a problem at all. Are you talking just outside that range, say 7.065, or take it clear up to the old novice band at somewhere around 7.100?

Quote from: gil on May 23, 2013, 02:48:13 PM
Sure! You're on a roll! LOL.

Gil.

It seems for years now I could never 'find' the time to get out into the field for outdoor activities. I'm now trying to make the time to get out there. I saw a possible opportunity for this weekend so I thought I'd go for it even if it is spur of the moment.

We've got to find a way to make contact Gil, we've tried several times and apparently the propagation gods are not looking favorably upon us. Maybe early evening 20 meters would be good between us?
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 03:24:58 PM
Count me in. 
What TIMES are best for you?  We can work band/time from there and send those suggestions back to you for consideration and try to keep you out of a sked during peak T-storm noise on low bands.

Best time/freq to me - and likely Gil as well:

40m   11:00 - 13:00 GMT  - I'd suggest 7105-7110 to keep away from contesters and digital modes.
20m   16:00 - 19:30 GMT

Let's see if I can attach a cover map for mid-day here.

(http://www.ips.gov.au/user/rwc/hapimgs/hap312059.gif)

Looks like you could pick a shot into Wes, Luck or Kim Jung Un from the chart for a mid-day/noon trail contast with a slant wire for lunch?  The 40m NVIS is an easy shot.
>Ray
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 03:41:27 PM
Quote from: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 03:24:58 PM
Count me in. 
What TIMES are best for you?  We can work band/time from there and send those suggestions back to you for consideration.


>Ray

Fortunately I'm not doing hard core through hiking where I'm on the trail all day long for 14 hours so that I can cover 20 miles, it's more like two hours to hike 3-5 miles then set camp, explore, lounge, fish, play radio, etc. That keeps my schedule pretty open for skeds.

I'd say a morning window of 0800 - 1000 local with 0900 being ideal. In the evening about anytime from 1900 local on to bedtime would work.

Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 03:58:16 PM
KK0G says: " I'd say a morning window of 0800 - 1000 local with 0900 being ideal. "

Naturally that is PERFECT for 30 meters   ;) ;)  late for forty and too early for twenty.


For the fellows who are closer to you though, 40m would likely do well during that 09:00 - 10:00C time slot.  Low noise, not crowded and etc.


de RadioRay ..._ ._
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: gil on May 23, 2013, 04:06:57 PM
QuoteWe've got to find a way to make contact Gil, we've tried several times and apparently the propagation gods are not looking favorably upon us. Maybe early evening 20 meters would be good between us?

Sure, we could try that. There were a few mean solar flares recently, and I am sure that didn't help.. Even with Ray this morning, it was hard to copy. The Ionosphere hasn't recovered quite yet... Usually we have no trouble... So, I am hopeful that we will make contact, since I have heard you faintly before...

Gil.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 04:08:16 PM
Quote from: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 03:58:16 PM
KK0G says: " I'd say a morning window of 0800 - 1000 local with 0900 being ideal. "

Naturally that is PERFECT for 30 meters   ;) ;)  late for forty and too early for twenty.


For the fellows who are closer to you though, 40m would likely do well during that 09:00 - 10:00C time slot.  Low noise, not crowded and etc.


de RadioRay ..._ ._

Of course............. story of my life 8)

That HAP coverage map is SWEET!! But I give up, apparently my Google Foo is not quite up to snuff because the one I found from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is not nearly as detailed as yours - what's the link?
Title: Link
Post by: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 04:47:57 PM
http://www.ips.gov.au/Category/HF%20Systems/Online%20Tools/Prediction%20Tools/HAP/HAP.php?CatID=6&SecID=7&SecName=Online%20Tools&SubSecID=1&SubSecName=Prediction%20Tools&LinkName=HAP (http://www.ips.gov.au/Category/HF%20Systems/Online%20Tools/Prediction%20Tools/HAP/HAP.php?CatID=6&SecID=7&SecName=Online%20Tools&SubSecID=1&SubSecName=Prediction%20Tools&LinkName=HAP)

Set to Amateur frequencies and 0 degree LARGE center.

first click is your Base

Click and hold and drag a coverage area

Press Do Prediction.

The output are four pic files.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 04:57:13 PM
Quote from: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 04:47:57 PM
http://www.ips.gov.au/Category/HF%20Systems/Online%20Tools/Prediction%20Tools/HAP/HAP.php?CatID=6&SecID=7&SecName=Online%20Tools&SubSecID=1&SubSecName=Prediction%20Tools&LinkName=HAP (http://www.ips.gov.au/Category/HF%20Systems/Online%20Tools/Prediction%20Tools/HAP/HAP.php?CatID=6&SecID=7&SecName=Online%20Tools&SubSecID=1&SubSecName=Prediction%20Tools&LinkName=HAP)

Set to Amateur frequencies and 0 degree LARGE center.

first click is your Base

Click and hold and drag a coverage area

Press Do Prediction.

The output are four pic files.


Gee thanks Ray, now I'm gonna be playing with this thing for hours 8)
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 23, 2013, 05:33:59 PM
Quote from: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 04:57:13 PM
Gee thanks Ray, now I'm gonna be playing with this thing for hours 8)
Another monster created, good job Ray.  ;D

Quote from: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 03:13:15 PM
I can easily pick a frequency outside of that range, not a problem at all. Are you talking just outside that range, say 7.065, or take it clear up to the old novice band at somewhere around 7.100?
Right, it can be just outside that range - the range I posted is the full depth of this thing. I need to hunt it down and terminate w/extreme prejudice but it could be something temporary. Being on the edge of a town residential area could be anything and 40m is like a vacuum cleaner. I'll "likely" be free to for a listening watch if 0900 CDT (1400Z) is a time that's worked out.

Lookin' forward to the details.
Are you gonna be far enough west to miss the fun coming up from your six o'clock over the weekend? Lotta juicy atmosphere still getting made out there.
:)

p.s. MSR got here today, thanks again for the link, good service & delivery from those folks.

Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 08:09:53 PM
Quote from: KC9TNH on May 23, 2013, 05:33:59 PM
Quote from: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 04:57:13 PM
Gee thanks Ray, now I'm gonna be playing with this thing for hours 8)
Another monster created, good job Ray.  ;D

Quote from: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 03:13:15 PM
I can easily pick a frequency outside of that range, not a problem at all. Are you talking just outside that range, say 7.065, or take it clear up to the old novice band at somewhere around 7.100?
Right, it can be just outside that range - the range I posted is the full depth of this thing. I need to hunt it down and terminate w/extreme prejudice but it could be something temporary. Being on the edge of a town residential area could be anything and 40m is like a vacuum cleaner. I'll "likely" be free to for a listening watch if 0900 CDT (1400Z) is a time that's worked out.

Lookin' forward to the details.
Are you gonna be far enough west to miss the fun coming up from your six o'clock over the weekend? Lotta juicy atmosphere still getting made out there.
:)

p.s. MSR got here today, thanks again for the link, good service & delivery from those folks.



That sounds like a sked to me 8). Make it 1400 UTC at 7.065 MHz, if you're there you're there and if you're not you're not, no worries.

Hopefully the WX cooperates, if not I guess I'll get wet, that's why I have rain gear, a pack cover and a tent.

You're welcome although I didn't do much, just passed on the great deal I found. That was a damn good price too.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: RadioRay on May 23, 2013, 08:29:36 PM
"Another monster created, good job Ray."  ;D

All part of my Evil Plan to RULE The World Using Ham Radio - Mooo-ha-ha-ha!!!



>de RadioRay ..._ ._    8)
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 11:19:39 PM
Damn, the more I play with that HAP chart the more I realize how badly I need to add the 30 meter module to my KX1! The fact that it includes 80 meters is just icing on the cake. Now I have to spend more money!  ;D
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 24, 2013, 10:53:45 AM
Quote from: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 11:19:39 PM
Damn, the more I play with that HAP chart the more I realize how badly I need to add the 30 meter module to my KX1! The fact that it includes 80 meters is just icing on the cake. Now I have to spend more money!  ;D
Yup, that  band is really useful. Not sure but I think earlier years 30 was available add-in by itself, but 30/80 is nice.

G2G on the sked; I'll be listening Sat-Mon 0900CDT on 7065. Do you want any increments +- in case some special event station fires up?  If so, just post here before heading out. I can listen wide.

If there's a PM band that works eastbound as well maybe Ray or Gil can pick that up.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 24, 2013, 10:59:36 AM
Quote from: KC9TNH on May 24, 2013, 10:53:45 AM
Quote from: KK0G on May 23, 2013, 11:19:39 PM
Damn, the more I play with that HAP chart the more I realize how badly I need to add the 30 meter module to my KX1! The fact that it includes 80 meters is just icing on the cake. Now I have to spend more money!  ;D
Yup, that  band is really useful. Not sure but I think earlier years 30 was available add-in by itself, but 30/80 is nice.

G2G on the sked; I'll be listening Sat-Mon 0900CDT on 7065. Do you want any increments +- in case some special event station fires up?  If so, just post here before heading out. I can listen wide.

If there's a PM band that works eastbound as well maybe Ray or Gil can pick that up.


Go down from there in case of QRM, 7.065 -7.060.

For the east coast, since I don't have 30 meters we may have to try one band at the top of the hour and if nothing heard switch to the other band at 15 after.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 24, 2013, 11:14:31 AM
Trackin' all.

As my buds still in uniform would say, "now move out & draw fire."
Anytime away from town is like re-claiming some life juice.
;)

Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 24, 2013, 04:56:00 PM
Uh-oh, I just discovered what's on the calender for this weekend: http://www.cqwpx.com/rules.htm (http://www.cqwpx.com/rules.htm)
Could make skeds pretty damn difficult, we may have to search up and down from the scheduled frequencies to find a clear spot :( Now I REALLY wish I had 30 meters!!
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: RadioRay on May 24, 2013, 05:26:47 PM
Get above 7.100 and you'll be contest free.  This is one of the many many many many many reasons I despise contests.

>.-.


Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 24, 2013, 07:31:44 PM
Quote from: RadioRay on May 24, 2013, 05:26:47 PM
Get above 7.100 and you'll be contest free.  This is one of the many many many many many reasons I despise contests.





Agreed. Wes, change that frequency to 7.105 MHz +/- 
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: RadioRay on May 24, 2013, 08:31:33 PM
aaaaaaand if you REALLY want to evade a CW contest, make your secondary 40m frequency 7.299 USB. Voice on 40 is LSB, so you're not likely to have any LSB energy on your CW signal at the upper band edge.  You want your CW signal ZERO BEAT below 7.300 - the band edge - of course, but you do not need more than 100 Hz bandwidth, so a USB freb of 7.299 + 650 Hz tone = 7.299650 Mhz ...  get it?


Maybe not for this time, but that DDS in the KX-1 is more than accurate enough to handle this job.

A little 'Guerrilla Ham Radio' for you there ...

This is also why I slide up just under the PSK freqs on 20m, making my skeds in the 3 KHz below 14070, rig in LSB or CW set for LSB is best, but not necessary. Find your sked, clamp down the filters.  QRP is like guerrilla warfare - you never go toe-toe-if you can avoid it, but you use your filter and frequency agility as well as timing to your advantage.



de RadioRay ..._ ._


Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 24, 2013, 10:47:35 PM
Thanks for the advice Ray, I'll keep that one in my memory banks.

Now for the unfortunate news; I just found out that the son of an old friend of mine is graduating HS tomorrow and I really should go, so depending on the duration of that, the earliest I can leave for my trip is tomorrow afternoon. If it runs into the evening I won't be able to leave until Sunday. In a nutshell, everything's in a holding pattern right now so don't stand by for any skeds until I give the go signal.
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 24, 2013, 11:07:56 PM
I get it. A few years back when on the road every summer I'd ask people, "what do you mean you're getting married?!?  Didn't you check the match schedule?"

Tracking 7.105 and holding.
8)
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 25, 2013, 11:10:03 AM
If you do manage to head-out late today yet, post here before departing if you'd like an evening watch tonight on 40m. (Hopefully the band will perk up in the next few hours.)
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 25, 2013, 02:58:12 PM
I was monitoring the NWS broadcast on my way back from the graduation party and they're now calling for an 80% chance of thunderstorms today and tonight, with a 70% chance for the same thing for the next 3 days, up to 2-4 inches of rain with a strong possibility of some of those being severe T-storms. I may be dumb but I ain't stupid 8).......... trip cancelled. Thanks to everyone for setting skeds, we'll do it another time.

I may go ahead and drive out to the Loess Hills area this weekend just to do some scouting for a future trip. I'll definitely take my KX1 along but since it's nowhere near water resistant it probably won't see much use unless I'm in the right place at the right time when no WX prevents me from deploying it. Since I have no idea when or even if that will happen, I can't set any skeds but if I do get the opportunity I'll at least start out near our previous sked frequencies: 7.105 MHz +/- and 14.067.5, maybe we'll get lucky and meet up.

Thanks again everybody, 73 de KK0G

Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 25, 2013, 04:38:23 PM
Quote from: KK0G on May 25, 2013, 02:58:12 PM...severe T-storms. I may be dumb but I ain't stupid 8).......... trip cancelled. Thanks to everyone for setting skeds, we'll do it another time.

...I'll at least start out near our previous sked frequencies: 7.105 MHz +/- and 14.067.5, maybe we'll get lucky and meet up.

Thanks again everybody, 73 de KK0G
Sounds like good judgement, which comes from experience, which unfortunately sometimes comes from bad judgement. Good deal; I don't  stand in a bass boat on the Miss. R in those conditions with a 7' graphite "hit me" pole in my hand either. ;)

I pulled that area up on GE, very nice.  If you do a scouting trip between baths never hurts to toss a call out.  If I'm in the room I'll leave the 817 set on 7105.
:)
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KK0G on May 25, 2013, 05:08:45 PM
Quote from: KC9TNH on May 25, 2013, 04:38:23 PM
Sounds like good judgement, which comes from experience, which unfortunately sometimes comes from bad judgement............

If that's the case then I should have EXCELLENT judgement!!  ;D


Quote from: KC9TNH on May 25, 2013, 04:38:23 PM
I pulled that area up on GE, very nice.  If you do a scouting trip between baths never hurts to toss a call out.  If I'm in the room I'll leave the 817 set on 7105.
:)

The XYL has relatives in the area so I've been there many times but I've never really explored it on foot in the hills and in the timber. It's a beautiful area with a landscape that's not only rare in Iowa, it's rare on the entire planet; the only other place with Loess geology is in China which from what I understand is nowhere near as well preserved as it is here. It's truly one of Iowa's rare treasures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loess_Hills (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loess_Hills)
Title: Re: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: KC9TNH on May 27, 2013, 10:20:29 AM
Quote from: KK0G on May 25, 2013, 05:08:45 PMIt's truly one of Iowa's rare treasures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loess_Hills (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loess_Hills)
Thanks for the link on the geology; went back & looked at the features a bit more intently. Some of those razorbacks would be fine locations for a wire & a CW key. Same as around here, 1400' MSL can get you some serious "in the clear" conditions. Nice.
:)
Title: Sked for backpack trip #2
Post by: White Tiger on May 27, 2013, 12:24:38 PM
Very cool geology - didn't know it existed in the Hawkeye state!?

I've been looking for some interesting areas to go on vacation...this just got added to my list. The XYL and I are currently attempting to wind our way through the UP!