Phil et al,
I have been doing HF mobile for nearly as long as I've been licensed. Over 3
decades. I have also run QRP, portable, and whatnot, sometimes
with not much more than the proverbial wet noodle. (I have not done mobile
RTTY).
NEVER ever would I expect to make my QSO by someone saying "a mobile is
calling you" or expect to make QSO's just waiting for the DX to call for
mobiles and QRP stations. This is wishful thinking and little satisfaction
can be taken if it happens. Of course, I wouldn't say no to that
assistance, unless someone gave my callsign to the DX, as that would be as
bad as a DX NET or list operation, so I can never expect it, nor do I wish
it. If someone gives my callsign to the DX, I move the VFO and find someone
else to call. They have just ruined it for me.
I have (unofficial) DXCC on all bands from 10m through 80m (around 20 on
160m and 40 on 6m) many times over. I just did the Stew Perry TopBand
Distance contest from my MINI COOPER..I made 62 QSO's..Not a lot, but a
sprig of wire is about 1% efficient on 1.8MHz, hi !
.One guy told me in an email days later that I was like a mosquito that
wouldn't go away so he eventually worked me, even though he had to work at
it a bit !
At times I have broken big pileups and small pileups and occasionally worked
LP to Asia. all from the car, most usually running 70w..not bragging.you
asked...
The way I make my QSO's?
LISTEN LISTEN and LISTEN some more to get the rhythm of the DX
..Then add Persistence, timing and a good (efficient) antenna system. CW
really is muuuuch better than SSB. I am sure RTTY would be a challenge, but
I have done RTTY here @ home QRP with a vertical, so I have a sense of just
how hard that might be.
I am usually awarded the mobile QSO eventually. Sometimes eventually means
waiting an hour or more..occasionally the QSO never comes.
Sometimes I make it first call.
Never would I sign VE9AA/QRP..it's a waste of everyones time. (why add to
an already difficult QSO (if you are weak) by making your callsign longer?)
Not saying you do this, but you asked for tips.
One thing I forgot to mention which also increases my chances..location
location location. There is a power generating station near me, which has a
large Dam. As I drive over that, sometimes I have seen signals jump 4 or 5
S-units and I have sometimes busted pileups of EU's working Middle Eastern
stations. Seems impossible, I know, but it's the truth. I have a VE1
friend who goes down and parks on a wharf near Halifax, Nova Scotia so his
car is completely over salt water. He claims at least a 2 S-unit difference
over being on the shore 100' from the water. I believe him, as I have done
similar stunts.
I have parked on hilltops (like my own driveway which is nearly the highest
spot around) and notice signals are often better than when I am at sea
level. I know this as I live 30 minutes from work and often will listen to
the DX for a half hour and more often than not, his signal will peak at
least somewhat, as I pull in the driveway. I usually run the biggest
antenna I can get away with, depending on the car I own at the time.
See:
http://maritimecontestclub.com/images/600_ve9aa_m.jpg
To recap:
LISTEN (how is the DX operating? Up 1? Up 2? moving his RX? Sending 30wpm?
35? faster?-emulate him exactly.
TIMING (if your timing is way off or you are too slow WPM, you can call all
day and never get through)
PERSISTANCE ( Stick with it, you're weak.)
ANTENNA (if you run a cheap punk antenna, give up and go get another one.
Improve its height, ground, bigger coils, better match, better coax)
LOCATION (if you are at the bottom of the Dead Sea, take up another hobby)
You cannot be expected to be spoonfed DX just cuz your're QRP or mobile.
With respect,
Mike VE9AA/m
Are there any 'hints' for working DX from a mobile (I have a camper with
RTTY capability) or QRP ? It seems to be that unless the DX station asks
for mobiles or QRPs, there's no way to 'break' a big pile-up.
The only saving grace that I have seen is a courteous big gun station
tells the DX, "there's a mobile (QRP) station calling you". The DX then
usually asks for such a station. That's happened for me once or twice,
but usually my 'DX mobile habit' goes unfed.
Any thoughts?
Thanks ES 73
de Phil - N8PS
Mike, Coreen & Corey
Keswick Ridge, NB
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