[AK-VHF] Digital Contest next Weekend

[Brandon Clark]

Good morning group,

It isn't exactly a VHF-UHF socused event, but I wanted to let the group know I will be heading out for the ARRL International Digital Contest next weekend, and activating a few Parks on the Air units.

The contest does include the 6 M band. This last winter Ed and I worked from his station in Nikiski to Nancy Lake, with nothing more than a single yagi on his end and a dipole on my side. We had 90% copy on PSK31, which is all the more impressive when you think of how many trees and low hills were in the way. (Both Ed and I were at ground level.)

The contest starts at 1000 (local time) and runs until 1600 on Sunday. All digital modes except RTTY are allowable, and activity is on the non-WARC bands.

I'm planning to operate as an "8 hour" overlay on Saturday, but if the bands are absolutely blazing I may operate into the "night". My plan is to set up near the Independence Mine area first, and get at least 20 or so contacts there to ensure the activation. With that activation in the bag I'll relocate up the pass to the Summit Lake area, and operate there for the rest of the contest.

If anyone is going to be on the air be sure to let me know. Also, if you want to try some 6 M contacts locally that would be a lot of fun. Activity is really picking up on that band here in Alaska.

Full details are on my website: https://brandonclarklabs.com/2022/05/2022-arrl-international-digital-contest/
Brandon