On 6/28/2010 1:44 PM, Michael J. Coslo wrote:
On Jun 28, 9:10 am, "Howard

I just don't think it is all that great an idea to start the new folks
on a system that is a monster. When we used to use a GOTA station,
they referred to it as the toy station, and lined up to use high
power, and some wouldn't bother to put up a station at home afterwards
because they were discouraged by how much work it was to be heard. And
yet it wasn't. They were just developing bad habits with the big gun
station. They didn't have to worry about being heard. But they weren't
developing skills.


Last year the GOTA system we used was I think a G5RV antenna, a Kenwood
TS something or another (NOT a 2000) and a manual tuner.. As an Extra I
often sat as the "Control" operator (And I might add had a whole lot of
fun.. Basically my best field day ever fun wise)

Not all that much radio. Power was provided by a nearby motor home (The
very one I'm sitting in as I type this I will say this to ham clubs
everywhere.

Onan Emerald Gold 5500 in my basement is 5500 watts of fairly clean
power, No problems with power line noise, And with the GEN-TURI adapter
routing the exhaust up up and away (Over the roof) there are no CO
issues inside the motor home with the 24 hour + run. and the generator
is so "Noisy" that if you happen to be leaning against said Gen-Turi
(Yes you can do that and not get burnt) you don't have to raise your
voice to chat with someone next to you. Very nice


Now.. As for the bands.. I got on the air at 1pm Eastern 1700 GMT

20 and 40 were so busy it was hard to pick out ONE person to talk to.
and even if they were strong there was interference from neighbors on
the band.

This morning I woke up to NO LIGHTENING noise

But the background HISS.. S-9 +20 DB on 80 meters,, S-7 on 40.. I need
to check now as there is a net in progress programmed into my TS-2000