FIELD DAY 1997 @ KA2BEO

This year, our fourth Field Day in a row, was the best and first
without rain. We had six antennas this time, and doubled our number
of packet contacts. With Bill, KB2RAR mostly on CW, and myself mostly
on phone, we just about matched last year's total contacts, thanks to
the 20-meter band opening during the evening hours. This was our
first year at a new location without running a generator. The rig was
completely battery powered! Thanks to John, N2PHX for bringing his VHF
and packet gear, we actually made a 6-meter contact, another first!
Bill and I devised a unique "sunshade" for our VGA monitor, by cutting
the bottom out of a foam cooler. We had to give up on the masking tape
and "beercase" cardboard approach. Our mascot this year was an old
telegraph key and sounder combo donated by Dan, KA2BMI. My one year
old daughter even got into the action, sending (somewhat random) code
and pretending to log. Great weather, poolside operating, lots of good
food, like the clams and shrimp that my wife provided, and the many
visiting friends (about 13 total) added to the fun-filled success of
this year's Field Day. Until next year, 73, Rob, KA2BEO.

PS - The 40-meter mini-loop in the photos was based on a design by Rod
Newkirk, W9BRD in the July 1993 issue of QST (p. 34-35 & 39). Also see
November 1993 (p. 37-40 & 84), and November 1994 (p. 87). I designed
and built this antenna to use as a Field Day "standby", and for
portable or maritime mobile operation. You can find all the
information for building this antenna and many others on my Web site:
www.myhost.com/rdey.