[Elecraft] Another dumb one- Sunspot cycle

[Jessie Oberreuter]

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004, Julian, G4ILO wrote:

> So it's going to be another 3 years before we're back to where we are now.
> :-( Not a happy thought for those of us who run low power from an
> antenna-restricted location.

     I know the feeling.  Every time I visit my friend Ki7el with his G5RV
up 50', I'm reminded that the bands aren't dead, my compromised antenna in
the middle of Seattle is :).  Fortunately, a number of solutions exist:

     * Take your operating to the field.  I only do casual rag-chewing
from home.  When I want to do more serious operating, I grab some friends,
drive somewhere decent, and set up a portable station.  Not only does this
feed my radio habit, it also fosters community and team work.

     * Don't forget VHF!  VHF contesting is a lot of fun and efficient
antennas can be very small and unobtrusive.  Rover and portable operations
add new dimensions which can be adventures in themselves.  I still kick
myself for the five years I spent as a Tech with my radios packed away in
the closet, when all the while I was in the perfect position to work some
great DX on the upper bands ... if only I had known!  The game is a little
different, so find a local club or organization (or talk to me!) if you'd
like some help getting started :).

     * Optimize your antennas for your operating style.  All too many of
us give up quality for quantity.  If you choose 1-2 bands and modes that
you know will get out, and tune your station for the specific sub-bands
that match your interests, you can probably come up with efficient
antennas for almost any space.  Get a good rig with good filters, plan
your operating around the times when your band segments are most active,
and don't forget contests -- they aren't all cut-throat, and many of them
come complete with their own communities of folks who are also great
casual operators.

     * Sharpen your operating skills.  Know when your bands are open,
monitor them in the background, call CQ (and for long enough that someone
tuning around will find you), don't be afraid to call stations at the end
their QSOs, don't be afraid to use your key, and don't be afraid to
cross-mode.