Another dreary winter day in Southeast Michigan. The skies were grey and wintry mix was making driving a little tricky. Nothing like a successful POTA activation to beat back the blues!
On this Winter Field Day 2024, I set out to Proud Lake State Rec. Area K-3324. I usually am only CW on activations owing to the low power setup used in activations. However, to keep it interesting, I decided to try SSB, DATA and CW modes today. This also keeps the skills sharp for operating the rig with various modes; and provides for some variety in activations. For data I decided to try FT8 again. So I charged up my laptop and hunted for my data cables and I was on my way.
Those familiar with my activations would know that I use an Elecraft KX-3 for my activations. As with my recent activations, I chose to use the JPC-12 loaded vertical for the antenna. To hook it up to WSJTX, I have a USB hub with USB-C connector. The USB-C end hooks to my laptop. It has 4 USB A ports for devices. I use a USB sound card, the KX-3 control cable and a USB mouse on three of those ports. So for activation, all have to do is to plug in the audio in and audio out and AUX1 cable to the KX-3 and hook the hub to the computer and I'm all set for WSJTX
I started with 20m activation on FT8 and got contacts at a good clip. It was surreal working in total silence and making contacts. Since FT8 transmissions are 15 seconds long, the QSOs came in at the rate of 1 a minute. I was running the rig at 5W and the band was a little short that day. So most contacts were on the eastern side of the continent. After a little while, it got too easy...and I found almost disconnected from the activation; I craved for a little action....
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| FT8 in progress from the rear seat |
So I switched to 20m CW. I mixed up the automated CQ caller with manual keying and was back in business. Now, I feel more engaged in the activation. Trying to copy the callsigns over the noise kicked the brain cells into gear and contributed to the rush...I then roamed the bands including 30m, 17m and 10m CW.
Finally to make a triple play, I switched over to SSB. The 20m voice portion was extremely busy due to the field day and there was no open frequency. Trying to work the stations to gather contacts was also not possible as there was no way for my QRP rig to punch through the big guns on the hunt. I tried to listen in and make the call; however, none of the stations offered up a slot for QRPs. So I gave up and popped on over to 40m band. Here the band was a little crowded. I found my own corner and put out CQs. There were no takers. I was almost about to give up, but I finally got some contacts from the neighboring states. Success at last.
Of the three modes, FT8 was easiest and I would probably use it when taking a lunch break; but want to keep the activation going. CW is a little trickier as I have to operate the keyer and log the contacts on my notebook. I still make errors on decoding the contact callsigns. SSB seems to be in the Goldilocks zone. I also like the ability to pass on quick comments and exchange pleasantries...
What is your order of preference for POTA modes? Let me know by leaving your comments
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