This is the second weekend of the ARRL 10GHz and Up contest. The first weekend was spent on Block Island, Rhode Island, with Dale AF1T and Micky W1MKY. This weekend was spent much closer to home.

Chincoteague, Virginia - FM27hv

Saturday was busy with other activities, but I met up with Don N3MK at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (POTA US-0561) in Chincoteague, Virginia. Don had found a really good spot atop a sand dune that gave unobstructed takeoff toward New England and, in particular, Martha’s Vineyard. Unfortunately, for me, my station decided to stop functioning during a contact with Ed WA3DRC. I tried to work Ed from the road, on our way back, but I couldn’t even hear him, he hear me, at a distance of just a few kilometers.

Ten Gigahertz contacts

For the contest, I worked 2 contacts on 10GHz (3cm). Stations worked include:

WA3DRC
N3MK

Summary

I’m disappointed that my station failed. This is the second time I’ve had issues while operating from the Eastern Shore. I’m not sure if this is just bad luck or if there is some force at work that just doesn’t like my operating from the peninsula. Either way, I’m going to have to spend some time troubleshooting everything before my next microwave adventure.

All QSOs have been uploaded to LoTW.

2025 10GHz and Up Contest - Round One

Whew, we just got back from our destination spot for Round One of the ARRL 10GHz and Up Contest. We were invited by Dale AF1T and Micky W1MKY to join them at Block Island, Rhode Island. Having never been there, and having wanted to go explore the island, we jumped …

Perry Township Park - EN91kt

Well, this has been an exciting day. I got up early this morning and went out to Perry Township Park near North Perry, Ohio. I was the first one there but was soon joined by W8MKF and KB8YHF. The park is a great place to operate …

Sparks's Journal

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2025 10GHz and Up Contest - Round One

2024 10GHz and Up Contest - Round One

Perry Township Park - EN91kt