TO THEIR HEARTS CONTENT: A QRP Learning Experience



	TO THEIR HEARTS CONTENT: A QRP Learning Experience
		By Bob Reisenweber, W3BBO Special to The ARS Sojourner
July 2007 A trio of us radio amateurs took a trip recently to operate from the Hearts Content Recreation Area in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/camping/heartscontent/ Though radio operations were somewhat disappointing, it was a beautiful day to be outdoors. Besides a QRP outing, this served to be a drop off for Neal Argeny, W3CUV, who would spend the next few days backpacking the various trails. Unfortunately, 20 and 30 meters didn't cooperate and 40 meters seemed the only band with any activity at all during our stay. Neal used a MFJ - 9040 transceiver and dipole. I had a Wilderness Sierra and end fed half waves, while Dave Gilson, KD3EM, used an Elecraft KX-1 with end fed wire. Using battery power, Neal's MFJ put out the most power at 4 watts, while the rest of the rigs were lucky to get 1-1/2 to 2 watts out. It was a great learning experience for all three of us, as to what "stuff" to bring, what "stuff" not to bring, plus we learned we really need to improve on our antennas! We certainly appreciated the contacts that we did make and want to thank those fine operators that managed to pull out our signals. Neal would be spending the next few days in the forest and came equipped with his backpack, tent, and supplies for a 4 to 5 day stay in the deep woods. Before we departed our operating site, we walked one of the shorter trails (1.1 mile) and I've included a picture of Dave KD3EM and Neal W3CUV. Finally, Dave and I drove back home, leaving Neal free to explore the woods. It was a good time and we hope to do it again, soon! * * * * * * * * * * Bob Reisenweber, W3BBO, is a QRPer and outdoorsman living in Erie, PA.