In the wet after completing my participation in the ARRL 10m contest, it was time for some late shift K2HRC op WN1C. There was a sleet storm on Saturday that set the end of my operating that day and brought a full day of fog and mist with lighter winds for Sunday. My operating circle for the contest was the northern park shelter set back from the beach along the lake. It was freshly upgraded with working AC power sometime earlier in 2024 including new outlets and LED lighting! I only used shore power for the rice cooker to keep things warm, but it was nice to know I could have gotten a bit more juice if desired (not that 5W needed the capacity).
With the lights off in the park shelter, the only non-light-pollution illumination was the “lighthouse” lamp on the breakwater that extends past the beach. Everything has been misted for a solid 20 hours in this picture.
Using my 26’ telescopic windsock pole (short one segment), I started with a 20m 1/4l vertical with elevated radials. As expected, this handily qualified the activation in mere minutes. Using the KX3’s tuner for 17m, I got a second call from Idaho for a second band.
To get the third and final band I deployed an ethernet cable doublet (in NorCal style) to pick up a few more contacts and KI2D! That’s the third antenna of the day as well what with my 10m vertical for the contest.
With the doublet retracted, here’s what the park shelter looks light in its full moistened glory. The lights make it very easy to move around and handle equipment. Also featured is my rice cooker used to keep snacks warm for the day.
Your operator, WN1C, after packing the radio gear and preparing to bring the blankets in. All those tables are sopping wet.
A solid spread for 5W SSB! Happy to get Wisconsin in the log for the club.