Elk Antenna Test AA2SD/R Rover 2 Mtr Sprint Contest

AA2SD/R  testing a Elk Small Compact Log Periodic  Beam on the Roof Rack with Stacked Halos during the twilight hour in Westampton NJ.

AA2SD/R Rover Tests a New Rover Antenna Set Up during the 144 MHz Spring Sprint

Monday April 14th 2025  Westampton Sports Complex FN20NA  Due to heavy evening local traffic I set up my mini rove, and operated from the Westampton Sports Complex just over the FN20 line in Westhampton New Jersey. This location has several large soccer fields, in the clear, with a compromised elevation of 60 feet.  What’s in a Sprint?.., for me as a Rover it’s a unique opportunity to test new equipment, set up and check antenna set up and timing of equipment assembly for Roving. 

“Is that an ELK mounted on your Roof Rack?” My goal was to mount and test “Rotatable” small 2 mtr beam antenna on my roof rack with minimum set up time. Having the antenna affixed to Roof Rack saves operating time, as I do not require a mast mount for set up at each location. This antenna setup will also have to hold up to the wind and vibration stress of fast highway driving to and from each Rover location

I achieved this with good success utilizing the Elk 2M/440L5 Dual-Band Antenna. This small 2 foot lightweight antenna has both 2 Meter and 70 cm Bands in a compact, two foot long package, without a duplexer. This antenna was mounted with a lightweight donated  Radio Shack rotor that was provided by fellow PackRat “Joe” KC2SGV.  You can learn more about ELK antennas here at https://elkantennas.com/

Freqtester Halos Stacked https://www.freqtester.com

In addition to the Elk antenna I mounted a stacked pair of Freqtester Halo antennas for omni directional work. I also work stations on the go with the Halos To keep things simple I deployed a simple mechanical A/B switch for antennas switching. The ElK antenna set up proved to have a definite advantage over the Halo set up for distance stations. The Freqtesters Halo stack proved to be very effective in a stacked configuration working stations” on the go” while transiting from one grid to another.

As always, I use my daily driver a Subaru Outback, I focus on simplicity, and speed of set up. This entire setup is mounted with 2 U bolt clamps direct to my cross rails on my roof rack, and can be removed in less than 15 minutes in my driveway for pre-contest set up.

 Working FT8 late at night from the parking lot with my FT991A with a built- in sound card.

In addition to the antenna test, I also tested a PC arm mount, mounted to my temporary front seat cockpit ham shack. This provided a secure place for my PC while driving. The FT991A radio, amp and the PC are secured with velcro straps to stay in place while in transit.  

I made a total of 45 contacts during 3.5 hours in (2) grid squares. FT8 accounted for 10 contacts or 22% of total QSOs. I only worked FT8 for a short period towards the end of the contest, as it is difficult to switch back and forth as a mobile Rover.  My count was down from prior year, I attribute this the switch to FT8 and last year I was located at a higher elevation grid square. Overall this was a successful and fun Spring test and outing as I continue to learn and adjust my  Rover operation strategy .                       

Thank you to all of the Pack Rats and toThe Central States VHF Society for your support. I hope to work you in the upcoming June Contest !

AA2SD/R 

Scott

www.aa2sd/r

You can see additional images here on my blog page https://www.aa2sd.com