Tag: operating

That’s right! Neither Cold, Nor Snow, Nor Howling Winds, will keep these Hams from going out and testing their gear and making contact. The same held true for a couple of us WEARC Club Members. Lou Mercado – KD2TSC, Wayne Oshin – KD2UXU, and Metin Serdar Serbetci – KD2UAF.

This past Saturday we packed our gear and went to Eagle Rock Reservation, in West Orange, NJ to test out our gear. KD2UXU has just upgraded to General Class, and wanted to test out his newly arrived Xiegu 5105, and his new Wolf River Coil antenna setup. So off we went into the Wild! Man was it cold! But if you don’t train in bad conditions, how well do you think you’ll do under real pressure.

We were able to get his antenna tuned to 40 and 20 meters and get him to help in a Parks on the Air activation. He made his first ever HF Contact to South Carolina running QRP at 5 watts! Great Work Wayne! He say’s he hopes to do more POTA activations in the very near future. Looks like we have a POTA Team in the making!!!

Wayne says, ” I just want to let everybody know that I had a great time. Lou and Metin both helped me get up and running, as this was my first outing on HF as a new general class. I can’t say enough of how great it was and exciting to get my first two QSOs. Being a new member of WEARC I feel fortunate to have found a great club with great members who are very supportive, and willing to take time to help the new guys.”

While we ARE STILL dealing with a Global Pandemic, we continue to practice Safe Operating Skills. Using masks, reasonable distancing, and awareness of others. We can continue to learn and teach others during this time. As long as we remain Responsible in our actions, I firmly believe we CAN make it through the Storm.
In the meantime, Get Out There, and get in some air time!!

73’s.Lou, KD2TSC.

Winter Field Day 2021 was a new experience for me in my Ham Operators Journey.  This was my first Contest that I ever participated in. Had no idea what to expect.  Except, that I was going to have a Blast!  While no Records were broken, Lessons were Learned.  New Friendships were started.  Old Friendships were Fortified.  And the Hobby was well promoted to those that dropped by to see what it was that we were up to.

Only had four hours to setup and operate in.  Unfortunately, I had to work the Saturday.  And a Long Day it was……  So it was All-In Sunday!!!  While I was there to primarily work the Contest, I also had to be the Host to the event at the area I chose.  That meant coordinating with those that showed to help.  Greet the guests.  And several other duties.  None the less I totally enjoyed every moment.

We had a few Elmers show up, so definitely Learned a lot.  From proper placements of antenna’s.  To good etiquette when working hf and ht’s.  Encouraged a few of the guests to go and get licensed. While others watched from far.
Had a Fellow Club Member, Metin Serbetci, KD2UAF, join the fun.  Talk about a Stand Up Guy!  Gave 100% of himself to help out with the setup, and breakdown.  He’s currently studying for his General License.  But I’m sure he’s going way over to Amateur Extra Class with absolutely no problem.

Used my Yaesu FT-891, with an LDG Z-100 Plus Auto Antenna Tuner, and my BuddiStick Antenna.  Worked 20 meters on 100 watts.  Powered by my Bioenno Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) 12V 12Ah battery.  And used the N3FJP logging software for my logs.  At the end of the Day I only made 18 contacts on 20 meters.  But for my first time Contesting, I had a BLAST!!

I encourage everyone that would like to learn more about Amateur Radio to contact any club and get all your questions answered.  You may also contact our club and I’m sure one of us would be more than happy to lead you in the right direction.

73’s,

Lou Mercado

KD2TSC