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Re: [IRCA] Ultralight DXpeditions...Freedom and Fun Without a Ton .
I'm in on the same DXpedition Rob is attending. Nothing special about the
location, just outside Toronto, bu will be good to see him, and otherws who
attend; and I also plan on taking my ULRs there - along with my Sangean
portable and wire...
I think the ULRs are ideal for such events. but when one is going to a
really hot coastal location, a high-end set-up is kind of key. I'm not going
to spend $1500 to fly and cover accommodation and not take the bes equipment
I can. That said, a ULR is one component of that. I am really curious to
test the ULR next to, say, a Drake or AOR and longwire, but I can tell you
the very very thin slice of Angola on 945 that Jim Renfrew and I had (logged
as presumed because we didn't get an actual ID) in Cappahayden Nfld. this
past fall would not have made it to a ULR.
No doubt the ULRs are wonderful things, and that's what I'll be taking when
I go to Vancouver for a week's holidays this June (no room or time for a
bigger set-up), and I'd take one or two wherever and whenever I DX, but if
you're looking for that elusive weak station, you need some pretty powerful
gear.
ULRs can (1) be used for quick and easy random checks, when one might
otherwise not be able to or want to check a higher-end rig, thus potentially
getting you to that big rig when cx are hot; (2) be used when you ae mobile;
(3) while on a DXpedition, going to places like right to the shoreline; (4)
getting an easy null on a station when your wires can't null what you want
to null - this makes a ULR particularly valuable as a DX tool; (5) the sheer
kick of getting Benin on a $30 ($15USD) handheld radio; (6) can't beat the
price....
But I can tell you that my three ULRs, modified and not modified, will not
work a weak station that is riding solo on an otherwise vacant channel an
better than a longwire set-up. Take 1710 KHz. I have heard both MA and NY
pirates there VERY weak at best, mosl no sign whatsoever. But on a rig with
the right wire, have had them simultaneously quite strong.
I think of my gear collectively as a toolbox. I use a wrench when a wrench
is called for. Sometimes a screwdriver works, othertimes a hammer is needed.
I don't dispute the fun. But if anyone who goes to a lace like Greyland and
culd have but doesn't take a longwire-based rig, during a decent point in
the DX season well, you're missing an aspect of the hobby. If you're happy
getting the easiest 95 percent of stations, fine. if you want the absolute
toughest stuff, I recommend taking a 'big rig' (as well as the ULR ... it
will enhance your ability to get what you want).
Saul
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Ross" <va3sw@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America"
<irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:24 AM
Subject: Re: [IRCA] Ultralight DXpeditions...Freedom and Fun Without a Ton .
At 12:56 AM 3/15/2008 -0400, you wrote:
If you think that heavy, expensive receivers and antennas of legendary
length are necessary for serious DXpedition fun, think again! If you are
fortunate enough to live near the ocean coasts, there is a new DXing
option for
individuals or groups which offers the ultimate in freedom and fun:
chasing TP's
or TA's with stock or hot-rodded ULR's.
Gary....Well..I'm a long way from either of the coasts...and I won't be
getting anywhere near the water til I go on my Cruise at the end of June. I
am going to be taking the Ultralight Radios on the Cruise with me. I will
be going as far south as the Northern tip of Venezuela....and then cruising
around the southern Caribbean. Although it will be summer and somewhat
noisier....but I am still hoping to hear some interesting stuff. If not
some Transatlantics...at least some DEEP South Americans!!
I am also going to the Semi-Annual ODXA RADIO DX CAMP North of Toronto the
first week of April........I will take the Ultralights along to the
DX-Pedition there as well.....and will see how they fare??? I have 6 of
them now....so I'll take them all and pass them around and let everyone
give them a try!!! Maybe I can persuade some of the ODXA OL' Boys to turn
off their MEGA $$$$$$$ Receivers and see what they can hear on the
CHEAP!!!! HAHHAHHAHA..... I'll try not to embarrass them by hearing better
DX on the Ultralights!! AHAHHAHA...
The wife is going to make me some PADDED Cases for the ultralights.....and
I have a Nice little Carrying Case that all 6 will fit in nicely. So I can
carry 6 Ultralights in a Lunch Bucket sized case.....including ear buds and
headphones!!!
Keep working with the Hot Rod Antennas Gary....and I hope you log a pile of
TransPacifics before the season is over.
I am still looking forward to my First Transatlantic reception on the
Ultralight....it's just a matter of time and the right conditions!!
73...ROB.
Robert S. Ross VA3SW
Box 1003, Stn. B.
London, Ontario
CANADA N6A5K1
Antique/Vintage Radio Enthusiast
Amateur Radio Stations VA3SW/VE3JFC
Defy Physics.....Play Table Tennis!! (Ping Pong with an Attitude)
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