Operating "Portable" does have it's challenges. But can be done with an ARROW, a duplexer and a dual band HT.
A SSB rig will allow you to operate on more than the FM birds. I really prefer FO-20 and FO-29, they are a little higher in orbit, so the passes last a little longer. It's a much more relaxed atmosphere than UO-14, you can actually hold a QSO with a few back and forth exchanges.
The best part of working portable is going to and activating some rare grid square that everybody wants! It's a real thrill to be the "sending" end of a pileup! Make sure you plan on the time and cost of designing and sending out special QSL cards for the grids you work from. I take a camera along, and take some pictures with designing a QSL card in mind.
Note the St. Lucia QSL card below, the photo was taken with lots of blank space around the antenna to allow for all the text information that needs to be on a proper QSL card. Be sure to include the Grid Square!
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May 5, 2001