[AK-VHF] January VHF Contest

[Ed Cole]

Brandon,

Good suggestions:

On 1/6/2023 4:04 PM, Brandon Clark via ak-vhf wrote:
> Hello group,
> 
> I'm thinking forward a few weeks to the January VHF, and I was wondering if anyone had ideas about how to change things up a bit? I had a few ideas:
> 
> - Use digital modes like FT8 and try to do some long distance contacts

January is not known for 6m openings via sporadic-E or F2, but I know 
that FT8 on 50.313 has taken precedence over SSB on 6m contesting in 
lower-48.

There are several AK stations that do 6m FT8, so calling on 50.313 could 
net some contacts that are hard to make on SSB.  I worked NL7B in 
Fairbanks on 6m meteor scatter with only 80w and a yagi; we tried FT8 
but noise was too high over the AK Range.

That will also could work for 2m FT8 (144.174 recommended).

Note that one should operate in "Contest Mode":
In WSJT click on File, then Settings
chose General tab and enter your grid in "My Grid" window
click on Advanced tab, and check "Special operating activity" then 
select NA VHF.  This will send grid squares vs signal reports.

Also, many have acquired the IC-9700 radio that has D-star mode.  Turn 
"MULT" knob until 145.670 and DV is displayed.  My tests on D-star with 
KL7H has shown one or two s-unit improvement over SSB or FM.

Most ARRL VHF Contests have used 146.52 for coordinating contacts on 2m 
and other bands and modes.  Probably 80m (3920?) would have good prop 
for coordination though 80m antennas might be problematic for rovers and 
portable stations.  If cellular is available, making our own "hot spot" 
to connect to Internet prop loggers is an option (ON4KST Logger is 
favored by VHFers in lower-48 for skeds).  Or even plain old e-mail?

Roving can be challenging in winter, but makes for new grids and 
locations to work.

Time is getting short to have things ready for Jan 21/22 (10am - 
6:59pm).  Details: http://www.arrl.org/january-vhf

I am hoping to have new antennas installed by then(?).  Modification of 
my tower boxes coming along: http://www.kl7uw.com/RF_Equipment.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW


> - Multiple parks on the air activations, rover-style (POTA RaDAR awards?)
> - Other ideas?
> 
> Would anyone else be interested in changing things up a bit this contest? Spotting is allowed, so technically HF could even be used for coordinating contacts at distance.
> 
> Brandon Clark, KL7BSC
> https://brandonclarklabs.com/
> 
> Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.
> ______________________________________________________________
> ak-vhf mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ak-vhf
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ak-vhf at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>