Last winter Dennis WD9EEK approached me about doing a smaller ARRL Field Day operation than usual and heading to Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wildlife Area in central Illinois. We decided to move forward with that plan and invited a few friends to join us. The weather forecast included thunderstorms, temperatures in the mid 90's, and high humidity with a heat index over 100 degrees. A couple of people thought wiser of it and didn't come out but the four of us that did had a good time in spite of the weather. Here are a couple of photos I thought I'd share.
Our emphasis was on fun and although we each operated as individual entries I think there were around 500 Q's between us.
WD9EEK above was the instigator and handled reservations at the sight. Just before dusk on Saturday he was still making 20 Meter phone contacts.
Bob KC9HGW operated mostly 20 and 40 Meter cw with his Icom Pro 3.
No picture of yours truly. I'm the man behind the camera. This photo shows my IC-7200 and laptop running N3FJP's Field Day Logger.
Jim K9CNP was one of my Elmers when I was first licensed in 1977. He never bothered to get the "big rig", a Yaesu FT-857D out of the car. When he first got to the site Jim decided to try out his new 4 Watt Ten-Tec R4020 QRP rig with a 20 Meter Par Electronics end fed antenna supported by a crappie pole. 5 hours later when he headed home he and the R4020 had worked 36 states on 20 Meters CW! Below is a photo of Jim's killer station...
That's it for now. I've got everything unpacked and enjoyed a nice shower. I think a nap is in order!
73,
Tim N9PUZ
