It is that time again for the Virginia QSO Party (VaQP).
I started my route planning about a week ago with some information from fellow mobiles in Virginia to get a feel for where coverage may be lacking this year.
2m/70cm FM Antenna Check
First, I verified my SWR (1.25:1) is still good on my Diamond antenna I have mounted to my Tundra's bed rail on my daily driver.
ToDo
There is a whole lot of ToDo's (after 5 of 7 years being mobile for VaQP I should be ok):
- Is my teenager going? I received the Covid vaccine, he did not and can not before VaQP
- Route planning and hotel (^Fri/Sat nights ^)
- Yaesu FTM-400XDR, daily driver plus APRS (on 5/8 wave Diamond antenna, 2m/70cm)
- Yaesu FT-991A HF and adds 6m FM and 2m SSB (not too popular for VaQP) - would need ant
- 1.25m HT (5w) on 5/8 bed rail mounted 5/8 wave antenna (the TYT 9800 still n/a, Alinco no mas)
- Logging - [KISS] (N3FJP, Windows laptop as always)
- HF - received great feedback from W4GO/Matt on my SS Whip/Wolf River Coil Antenna for HF
- Move HF antenna mount from rail to direct chassis contact
- Move will lower coil below bedrail, need short mast to raise it = better RF ground
- Shorten 104" whip, 20/40/80m optimal (we'll see)
- digital - I run mostly digital modes at home except when contesting or mobile (may add FT8)
- Power layout - improve existing setup, add West Mountain Radio DC Distribution
- Layout - The Tundra has more room inside, some interior changes to accommodate HF, laptop, etc.
