OLLIE wrote:I believe it ended up being about 430. Last year was only 301 so we beat last year's. Maybe Hector or DaveK can give us the official number.
We ended up with 420 contacts. Considering we made 40% more contacts, with 40% less stations in action, we had quite a large gain over last year, even with the location's limitations. WE have already been talking about ways to improve even more next year - location alternatives, more exotic antennas, using a DX-pedition style of setting up cots at the stations to rotate operators while still getting some shut-eye, etc...eventually OAUSA will become a Field Day force to be reckoned with !
It was also nice to see more folks participating at the radios this year, which to me is part of the reason to hold a Field Day event.
I had a great time working 40 meters this year, and got a chance to familiarize myself with the operation of my Yaesu FT-450AT. It is amazing how sometimes newer technology can make a huge difference - I was able to dig out stations easier than with the Kenwood TS-690S I used last year (Thank you, Randy, for your advice and assistance with radio selection
)
Watching Randy pop together a 15 meter dipole antenna virtually out of thin air after the original (store-bought) unit failed, was a highlight for me. And as Jon can attest, Randy's creation worked awesome !!! Part of the reason many are attracted to amateur radio is it is one of the few hobbies where you can build your own equipment, and use it to often superior result when compared to commercially available products. This hobby is a gadget-lover's dream, and observing and listening to Randy has taught me a lot about the practical application of many technical ideas.
We had great group of people this year, and from set-up, to operating, to pot-luck, to tear-down, everything went very smooth, thanks to everyone's willingness to help where ever they were needed.
Now I'm completely hooked on HF, too...looking forward to making some DX camping trips this year
