[HCRA] Open House at KK1W for the January VHF Sweepstakes!

[Jim - KK1W]

Hey gang,

 

This coming Saturday and Sunday brings the ARRL January VHF/UHF Sweepstakes.
If you're not sure what exactly that is, here's a few spots to check for
information:

 

Rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2010/jan-vhf-ss.html

A nice explanation about the event, tailored to new operators:
http://kc9bqa.com/?p=1677

A nice article from Sean, KX9X:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2010/01/13/11282/?nc=1

 

In order to help 'amplify' the exposure of the contest in Western
Massachusetts I have my station setup up as a "Limited Multi" class station
for the contest. We will have two stations available for anyone to operate.
One on 6 meters and one on 2 meters. Logging will be done with N1MM's
excellent program. At this point in I don't know if the logging computers
will be networked but that really isn't very important for this operation.

 

Station Details:

 

6 Meters

 

Rig: Icom IC756 PRO 2 - 100 Watts

Antenna: SteppIR Beam at about 50' AGL

Modes: SSB, FM and CW

Logging software: N1MM

 

2 Meters

 

Rig: Yaesu FT-100 - 50 Watts

Antenna: KLM 13 element horizontal beam at 55' AGL

Modes: SSB, FM and CW

Logging software: N1MM

 

We have adequate room to accommodate at least a half dozen people (I'll be
happy if I get three!). I know that Matt, KB1TCL and Mary, N1TOY will be
stopping by on Saturday, both for some VHF fun and Rock-Mite
construction/testing but we have room for more. My only stipulation is
please don't arrive before noon on either day, that's it! You can stay as
late as you would like.

 

The idea here is to open up an opportunity for anyone curious about amateur
radio, contesting, VHF operation, station setup, yadda, yadda yadda!
Experience is not necessary, just a genuine desire to try something
different with your hobby and at the same time have some fun. We will be
turning in the log when its all over but make no mistake about it - the
score is the least important part of the operation. Getting on the air,
making contacts with other operators, learning about new modes - after all
that who cares about the score?

 

My information is correct on QRZ. No need to call ahead if you decide to
head out. If you're using GPS feed in the address as 196 Tower Hill Road,
not 144. The street was renumbered years ago but none of the mapping
programs show it correctly. If you want detailed directions please give me a
call.

 

Not coming? That's OK but why not fire up your rig on 146.55 or 146.58
during the Saturday and Sunday activity hours. You'll probably make some
contacts AND have fun at the same time. Tom, N1MUV will be letting us know
the local activity times very soon.

 

One other thing, the contest 'exchange'. This is what the other station
expects from you when you make a contact. For the January Sweepstakes the
exchange grid square (signal strength is optional). Signal strength is
usually 59 (especially on FM) but can be the actual reading too. The grid
square for the Springfield area if FN32 (usually given as Fox November
Thirty Two). Northern CT is in FN31. For an explanation of grid squares and
to find out what one you are in check out:
http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html or look at a map at:
http://www.levinecentral.com/ham/grid_square.php (this is a really cool
site).

 

So, until Saturday rest up and get ready for the fun.

 

'73.

 

Jim, KK1W

413-237-4666 - cell (for questions or directions)