Camping (3 modes)

I have three modes of camping:

1. Truck + 23' camper (family edition)
2. Tent (kids edition)
3. Truck topper (dad escaping the family edition)

There are times when I am on a photo trip that I want a simple, fast, dry place to sleep while I am on the road. When I am traveling solo or with one kid sometimes simple is the answer when you are tired and it is dark out.

I built simple platform that is removable that fits in the back of my truck under the topper. Below the platform the open space is 16 inches high which is tall enough for a standard size cooler + luggage/travel bags. The left side hold a folding camp chair and my tripod bag.  The right side stores my axe, tools, and card board for starting a camp fire.

I tried it out for the first time Saturday night. It was simple & comfortable. With the sliding side windows with the screens airflow was not a problem nor were the bugs. It was worth the $40 in lumber. I would have no concerns about sleeping back there in the fall or early winter.

Max the wonder dog

Ben and I took Max for a quick walk at Lake Ripley in Litchfield tonight shortly before sunset.

Dassel Darwin Park

QRPometer night 2

I installed all of the resistors for this step (a couple are left out until it is caliberated) plus the ICs and the two large switches.

Time Tonight: 60 minutes

QRPometer night 1

I started working on the QRPometer tonight. I have had it for a couple of weeks as part of the first orders that were shipped out (but I had another project on the work bench and the KD1JV MTR ahead of it for projects.) I am really excited to put this kit together as it will be a very useful item on the work bench David NM0S did the design work for this project and it is kitted by the 4 State QRP Group. (It was fun to see everyone in Branson a couple of weeks ago.)

You find details about the kit at:  http://www.wa0itp.com/qrpom.html

Tonight was focused on installing the connectors, 2 watt resistors, diodes, and capacitors.

Time Tonight: 60 minutes

QSOs for Monday

I worked EY7AD on 20m RTTY (Tajikistan)

73 de NG0R

QSOs for Sunday

I worked S57DX on 17m RTTY (Slovenia)

73 de NG0R

Max the wonder dog

Max starting the 1.5 mile trip into Woodland Park (Meeker County)

Max after a mid-trip swim. She is wondering why I am not moving as quickly as she is.

MTR night 4

Tonight I worked on installing the through-hole parts, inductors, the PA, etc to largely complete the installation steps. I decided to wait to install the slide switches and the push button switches until I know what kind of case that I am going to install this in.

A lot of people will likely install this into an Altoids tin. While those are interesting looking I am considering some other options. I am looking at a small Pelican case and using a clear or a smoked piece of plastic for the  mounting plate within the case. If I choose to go that route I might need to consider different switches given the thickness of the plastic.  --Just an idea at this point... but an important point.

Total time: 2 hours

73 de NG0R

QSOs for Saturday

I worked VO2NS on 17m cw (Labrador City, Newfoundland, Canada)

73 de NG0R