[MiQP-Mail] N9NE/M/MI

[Jimk8mr at aol.com]

Todd,
 
Great to hear that you'll be joining the mobile fun in MiQP!
 
I'd think the driving distances in the UP would have to be a serious  
handicap. Especially if you don't operate and drive at the same time.   Which I don't 
like either, but fortunately I have a partner who loves  driving!
 
You've got the right strategy to work lots of multipliers, on  both modes.  
You may have a slight advantage since it is possible (likely?)  that there will 
be a short skip shortage, in which case you may be far enough  away from the 
LP to work a lot of counties there that can't hear each other but  can hear 
you.
 
I use both HamSticks and a Hustler 3 band mount.  The bandwidth is a  lot 
better on the HamSticks.  On 40 the tuner in the IC-746 will cover  both phone 
and CW (about 7030-7250) with the HamStick, but will not do both on  the Hustler 
with the longer mount.  So I run a 40M HamStick and the Hustler  20-15-10, 
about 5 feet apart on the roof of my Ford Windstar. Since they are on  different 
bands they don't seem to interact.  I assume you are trying two  Hustler 
systems on the same bands, one for phone and one for CW, which I would  expect to 
be a problem.
 
So I'd suggest you invest $25 in a 40 meter HamStick. 
 
My one try on 75 ssb mobile, in a PA QSO Party, was very frustrating.  
However 80 cw has been pretty good if the QRN levels cooperate. I use a 75 meter  
HamStick with a top hat consisting of 2 #12 wires, about 12" long, clamped  onto 
the center metal junction with a small hose clamp.  There is only  about 15 
KHz bandwidth, but is gets out OK.
 
I don't have a Hustler 80 meter resonator for comparisons.
 
I doubt that 15 or 10 will be worth much.  It will be a 20/40 contest  during 
the day, and an 80/40 contest at night. 
 
I can, and do, switch bands/modes often.  With the two antenna ports  on the 
IC-746 and computer/radio interface on the logging computer I can switch  
bands or modes in a second or two.  I often switch for guys who  ask, and will try 
to ask other guys (who are new mults) if I'm not running a big  pileup.  So 
if I'm not real busy, and have a signal good enough to be heard  on SSB, feel 
free to ask.  Good chance it will be a double multiplier for  both of us.
 
Hope this helps.  CU in a few weeks!
 
 
Jim   K8MR
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