From theswordguy at live.com  Fri Oct  3 02:05:53 2025
From: theswordguy at live.com (Alexander Rankin)
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2025 06:05:53 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] PIKE/ CALH activities
In-Reply-To: <181E24BB-518C-48A5-B061-EF32FB3BADC5@gmail.com>
References: <181E24BB-518C-48A5-B061-EF32FB3BADC5@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <DM4P223MB054493BEEBFA07EB33750245CCE4A@DM4P223MB0544.NAMP223.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>

Danny,
I'll be with on the Pike/Calhoun line with Dave and John.
Alex WA0VHI

________________________________
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of David L Scranton <w9we.lee at gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2025 1:20:29 PM
To: ilqso at mailman.qth.net <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [ILQSO] PIKE/ CALH activities

Dave W9WE on mostly CW
John  WB9EWM on phone

Dave Scranton
W9WE


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From w9dp at w9dp.us  Sat Oct  4 22:20:15 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2025 02:20:15 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP activity
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB8521291F7E4139A85BE84015A9E2A@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

Not very much activity being mentioned on here recently, but I have added a couple more stations to the activity map.

ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>

There are always a large number of stations that are active in a lot of our unclaimed counties that are always on, but it is nice to know who they are ahead of time, or a variety of reasons. If you plan to get on and have not indicated so, please do. If you know for certain of any stations planning to be on, encourage them to share their plans with our group.

Thanks!

Danny W9DP


From w9ql at att.net  Sun Oct  5 20:06:32 2025
From: w9ql at att.net (David Pritchard)
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2025 19:06:32 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] IlQP - W9QL
References: <AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256.ref@att.net>
Message-ID: <AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256@att.net>

I will be full-time fixed in Lake County. Look forward to working all of you!

Dave
W9QL

Sent from Dave?s iPhone
 - - . . .  . . . - -

From deuce2005 at gmail.com  Sun Oct  5 21:09:12 2025
From: deuce2005 at gmail.com (Michael Dickerson)
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2025 20:09:12 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] IlQP
In-Reply-To: <AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256@att.net>
References: <AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256.ref@att.net>
	<AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256@att.net>
Message-ID: <CAN8Y+dstAX6ZqK0rOhc+o=x7M4b5BQiFLZM0uOvCM2CF6xwsPg@mail.gmail.com>

I will be on in the afternoon a while.

KC9PHK in Clay County fixed

From ka9fcz at netscape.net  Sun Oct  5 21:32:27 2025
From: ka9fcz at netscape.net (ka9fcz at netscape.net)
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2025 01:32:27 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [ILQSO] IlQP
In-Reply-To: <CAN8Y+dstAX6ZqK0rOhc+o=x7M4b5BQiFLZM0uOvCM2CF6xwsPg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256.ref@att.net>
	<AE9D373C-F29A-4F88-BDC4-89467F5C4256@att.net>
	<CAN8Y+dstAX6ZqK0rOhc+o=x7M4b5BQiFLZM0uOvCM2CF6xwsPg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <285377270.2283712.1759714347807@mail.yahoo.com>

 Good luck and have fun in the ILQP Michael.Clay County will be a welcomed addition.
Chris? KA9FCZ
    On Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 08:09:39 PM CDT, Michael Dickerson <deuce2005 at gmail.com> wrote:   

 I will be on in the afternoon a while.

KC9PHK in Clay County fixed
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From patcaink0pc at gmail.com  Tue Oct  7 23:13:21 2025
From: patcaink0pc at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Pat_Cain_K=C3=98PC?=)
Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2025 22:13:21 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP activity
In-Reply-To: <CO1PR02MB8521291F7E4139A85BE84015A9E2A@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CO1PR02MB8521291F7E4139A85BE84015A9E2A@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <0cdec61c-6817-493d-960c-8b0d0e3b4521@gmail.com>

I plan to make a mobile run in ILQP this year. My route will be:

ROCK, MRCR, WARR, HNDR, HANC, ADAM, BROW, SCHY,

MCDN, FULT, MASN, LOGN, TAZW, PEOR, KNOX, HENR

This will be CW only outing.

73, Pat K?PC

On 10/4/2025 9:20 PM, w9dp at w9dp.us wrote:
> Not very much activity being mentioned on here recently, but I have added a couple more stations to the activity map.
>
> ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>
>
> There are always a large number of stations that are active in a lot of our unclaimed counties that are always on, but it is nice to know who they are ahead of time, or a variety of reasons. If you plan to get on and have not indicated so, please do. If you know for certain of any stations planning to be on, encourage them to share their plans with our group.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Danny W9DP
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From w9dp at w9dp.us  Sat Oct 11 13:18:35 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2025 17:18:35 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB85217FF5A5A31CC0390A4C29A9ECA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>

Activity map updated, still a lot of unclaimed counties available for those thinking about doing a nice Sunday afternoon drive to play radio.

Danny W9DP


From tjohnson at flytj.com  Sat Oct 11 18:39:02 2025
From: tjohnson at flytj.com (Thomas Johnson)
Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2025 22:39:02 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
In-Reply-To: <CO1PR02MB85217FF5A5A31CC0390A4C29A9ECA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CO1PR02MB85217FF5A5A31CC0390A4C29A9ECA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CH0PR10MB5017CFA063A3E51634220F20DDECA@CH0PR10MB5017.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>

Good afternoon - I am still finalizing plans, but so far, I am planning Mobile operations in the following counties:
Cook, Will, Kendall, Lasalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Woodford, Livingston, and Kankakee.

K9KJ/M

TJ


-----Original Message-----
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of w9dp at w9dp.us
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 12:19 PM
To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated

ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>

Activity map updated, still a lot of unclaimed counties available for those thinking about doing a nice Sunday afternoon drive to play radio.

Danny W9DP

______________________________________________________________
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From w9dp at w9dp.us  Sat Oct 11 21:19:44 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2025 01:19:44 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
In-Reply-To: <CH0PR10MB5017CFA063A3E51634220F20DDECA@CH0PR10MB5017.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CO1PR02MB85217FF5A5A31CC0390A4C29A9ECA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
	<CH0PR10MB5017CFA063A3E51634220F20DDECA@CH0PR10MB5017.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB852153F552A2D2CC941F673FA9EDA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

Great! The map has been updated.

Danny W9DP

________________________________
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Thomas Johnson via ILQSO <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 5:39 PM
To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ILQSO] activity map updated

Good afternoon - I am still finalizing plans, but so far, I am planning Mobile operations in the following counties:
Cook, Will, Kendall, Lasalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Woodford, Livingston, and Kankakee.

K9KJ/M

TJ


-----Original Message-----
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of w9dp at w9dp.us
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 12:19 PM
To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated

ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>

Activity map updated, still a lot of unclaimed counties available for those thinking about doing a nice Sunday afternoon drive to play radio.

Danny W9DP

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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From lvsdx at yahoo.com  Sun Oct 12 14:15:28 2025
From: lvsdx at yahoo.com (Lee)
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2025 13:15:28 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
In-Reply-To: <CO1PR02MB852153F552A2D2CC941F673FA9EDA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CO1PR02MB852153F552A2D2CC941F673FA9EDA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <32DF8DEF-309D-4758-8306-42C9F3506F44@yahoo.com>

I plan a repeat of my last year itinerary. Starting in LaSalle, then Grundy, Will and ending in Cook. I might go to DuPage before Cook if I have time.
Lee WA9LEY

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 11, 2025, at 8:21?PM, w9dp at w9dp.us wrote:
> 
> ?Great! The map has been updated.
> 
> Danny W9DP
> 
> ________________________________
> From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Thomas Johnson via ILQSO <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 5:39 PM
> To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [ILQSO] activity map updated
> 
> Good afternoon - I am still finalizing plans, but so far, I am planning Mobile operations in the following counties:
> Cook, Will, Kendall, Lasalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Woodford, Livingston, and Kankakee.
> 
> K9KJ/M
> 
> TJ
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of w9dp at w9dp.us
> Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 12:19 PM
> To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
> 
> ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>
> 
> Activity map updated, still a lot of unclaimed counties available for those thinking about doing a nice Sunday afternoon drive to play radio.
> 
> Danny W9DP
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From w9dp at w9dp.us  Sun Oct 12 19:11:43 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:11:43 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
In-Reply-To: <32DF8DEF-309D-4758-8306-42C9F3506F44@yahoo.com>
References: <CO1PR02MB852153F552A2D2CC941F673FA9EDA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>
	<32DF8DEF-309D-4758-8306-42C9F3506F44@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB8521A993954BCC521ACD638FA9EDA@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

Thanks Lee, you are added to the map.

Danny W9DP

________________________________
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Lee via ILQSO <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2025 1:15 PM
To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ILQSO] activity map updated

I plan a repeat of my last year itinerary. Starting in LaSalle, then Grundy, Will and ending in Cook. I might go to DuPage before Cook if I have time.
Lee WA9LEY

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 11, 2025, at 8:21?PM, w9dp at w9dp.us wrote:
>
> ?Great! The map has been updated.
>
> Danny W9DP
>
> ________________________________
> From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Thomas Johnson via ILQSO <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 5:39 PM
> To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [ILQSO] activity map updated
>
> Good afternoon - I am still finalizing plans, but so far, I am planning Mobile operations in the following counties:
> Cook, Will, Kendall, Lasalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Woodford, Livingston, and Kankakee.
>
> K9KJ/M
>
> TJ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of w9dp at w9dp.us
> Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 12:19 PM
> To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
>
> ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>
>
> Activity map updated, still a lot of unclaimed counties available for those thinking about doing a nice Sunday afternoon drive to play radio.
>
> Danny W9DP
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
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From w9yes at proton.me  Mon Oct 13 10:49:58 2025
From: w9yes at proton.me (W9YES)
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:49:58 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] PEOR Activity
Message-ID: <06CyjP7-UP4YZQ0csV9Lkb3mfXC9C1o0ZEq7pTdF6sQivMFE2sLzvd2wjPp1tMa4q-YSRhahyAfRFwN37QL65K84ddUTEhPJ6_5-pvV55AY=@proton.me>

Assuming no storms, I plan to operate portable from Jubilee College State Park (US-1003) in Peoria county. Likely SSB only on 10, 15 and 20m. Maybe 2m FM or 40m SSB.

David Timm
W9YES

From marty.schuette at siu.edu  Mon Oct 13 19:09:02 2025
From: marty.schuette at siu.edu (Schuette, Martin A)
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:09:02 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] WTSD - N9EAT; cluster spotting bot
Message-ID: <SJ0PR07MB8420C79455DEA2C5D812E2E19FEAA@SJ0PR07MB8420.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>

I'll be active from Whiteside with my fixed station SSB + maybe digital. 80-20, could try 15, 10, or 2 SSB/FM as well.

On a side note, I have a bot that runs during the QSO parties that scrapes various dx clusters and forwards them onto the W6RK county hunter cluster.

It should pick up any spots made in the following formats (with Cook as an example):
  *
ILQP Cook
  *
IL QSO Party: Cook
  *
IL QSO Party Cook
  *
IL QP COOK
  *
ILL QSO Party Cook
  *
ILQP Cook IL
  *
ILLQP Cook

If you have any other suggestions, let me know.

73,

Marty N9EAT

From w0zq at aol.com  Tue Oct 14 11:13:14 2025
From: w0zq at aol.com (Jon Platt)
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:13:14 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [ILQSO] IllQP  - W0ZQ/m
References: <229188075.1530842.1760454794239.ref@mail.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <229188075.1530842.1760454794239@mail.yahoo.com>

Hello Illinois.? ?Weather and Murphy permitting, I plan to operate in this Sundays Illinois QSO Party as a Rover in the following six counties:

BOON/MCHEDEKA/KANEOGLE/WBGO

15m through 80m, mostly CW, perhaps some PH.? ?If conditions allow, 10m too.
Question:? What 2m FM freq is used in Illinois, 146.52?
73, JonW0ZQ/m

From vibroplex at mindspring.com  Thu Oct 16 09:01:35 2025
From: vibroplex at mindspring.com (Derek Cohn)
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:01:35 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Spotting advice?
Message-ID: <233D523D-863A-45C1-A30F-87255C81C576@mindspring.com>

Hi Everyone,

I apologize if this has been covered before but wanted to see if there were any recommended spotting sites for this event.  Our group will be operating as K9I on the Bond/Fayette county line and we want to be sure to let everyone know what frequencies we?re on.

Thanks for any advice you can share.

73 de WB0TUA
Sent from my iPhone

From pierre_jolin at hotmail.com  Thu Oct 16 09:45:38 2025
From: pierre_jolin at hotmail.com (Pierre J. VE2GT)
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:45:38 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] Spotting advice?
In-Reply-To: <233D523D-863A-45C1-A30F-87255C81C576@mindspring.com>
References: <233D523D-863A-45C1-A30F-87255C81C576@mindspring.com>
Message-ID: <CH3P221MB1439C2C8ABDA8A4D0552C380E7E9A@CH3P221MB1439.NAMP221.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>

http://qsopartyhub.com/ilqp-spots.php



--

73 de Pierre VE2GT       VE2 incoming QSL manager


________________________________
De : ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> de la part de Derek Cohn <vibroplex at mindspring.com>
Envoy? : 16 octobre 2025 09:01
? : Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Objet : [ILQSO] Spotting advice?

Hi Everyone,

I apologize if this has been covered before but wanted to see if there were any recommended spotting sites for this event.  Our group will be operating as K9I on the Bond/Fayette county line and we want to be sure to let everyone know what frequencies we?re on.

Thanks for any advice you can share.

73 de WB0TUA


From iwrkdx at gmail.com  Thu Oct 16 13:55:01 2025
From: iwrkdx at gmail.com (William Halse)
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:55:01 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Spotting advice?
In-Reply-To: <CH3P221MB1439C2C8ABDA8A4D0552C380E7E9A@CH3P221MB1439.NAMP221.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
References: <233D523D-863A-45C1-A30F-87255C81C576@mindspring.com>
	<CH3P221MB1439C2C8ABDA8A4D0552C380E7E9A@CH3P221MB1439.NAMP221.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
Message-ID: <CAA7rwC1U_mnvuB3viwWqnVViOxBP7Q5ZTZL7Kb_n3wYW1i1wuw@mail.gmail.com>

Is the http://qsopartyhub.com/ilqp-spots.php fairly new?
I don't recall this site mentioned as part of any ILQP emails.
Bill N9CDX

On Thu, Oct 16, 2025 at 8:45?AM Pierre J. VE2GT <pierre_jolin at hotmail.com>
wrote:

> http://qsopartyhub.com/ilqp-spots.php
>
>
>
> --
>
> 73 de Pierre VE2GT       VE2 incoming QSL manager
>
>
> ________________________________
> De : ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> de la
> part de Derek Cohn <vibroplex at mindspring.com>
> Envoy? : 16 octobre 2025 09:01
> ? : Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Objet : [ILQSO] Spotting advice?
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I apologize if this has been covered before but wanted to see if there
> were any recommended spotting sites for this event.  Our group will be
> operating as K9I on the Bond/Fayette county line and we want to be sure to
> let everyone know what frequencies we?re on.
>
> Thanks for any advice you can share.
>
> 73 de WB0TUA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Thu Oct 16 15:07:21 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:07:21 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Spotting advice?
In-Reply-To: <233D523D-863A-45C1-A30F-87255C81C576@mindspring.com>
References: <233D523D-863A-45C1-A30F-87255C81C576@mindspring.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-gzDJqagT+Wbv-EUrmMjcfwUgYHSD8VL14MoDwRyuckYA@mail.gmail.com>

Ch. W6RK.com   Widely used by county hunters

On Thu, Oct 16, 2025 at 8:02?AM Derek Cohn <vibroplex at mindspring.com> wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
>
> I apologize if this has been covered before but wanted to see if there
> were any recommended spotting sites for this event.  Our group will be
> operating as K9I on the Bond/Fayette county line and we want to be sure to
> let everyone know what frequencies we?re on.
>
> Thanks for any advice you can share.
>
> 73 de WB0TUA
> Sent from my iPhone
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From tmesser at tmesser.com  Fri Oct 17 16:01:21 2025
From: tmesser at tmesser.com (Tim Messer)
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:01:21 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] W9TAM OGLE
Message-ID: <CAK98X_CD6rRAwD=vdYpxoysHcG_mE=z_rzU5fcYuU+9yssVwfg@mail.gmail.com>

If all goes well, I plan to activate Ogle County as single-county portable.

-Tim Messer, W9TAM

From w9dp at w9dp.us  Fri Oct 17 16:41:37 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:41:37 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] activity map updated
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB852161CB6C739CAE5AAAB4E8A9F6A@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

ILQP | WIARC - The Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club<https://w9awe.org/ilqp/>

It has been pretty quiet on here. I hope that is not a sign of low activity.
The activity map has been updated.

2 more days.

Danny W9DP


From w9dp at w9dp.us  Fri Oct 17 16:48:01 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:48:01 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP and 2 meters
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB8521CDA726EFB3B2C25D4220A9F6A@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

I remember seeing a post about what 2 meter frequency to use. In years past, I have suggested 146.550 but I suggest use whatever simplex frequency you find activity on.

I do not think very many take advantage of VHF but for some, it is their only option. With as little promotion ahead of time, operators in the more heavily populated areas could add many QSO's to their total by using 6 and 2 meters.

Danny W9DP


From bclaypool at mchsi.com  Fri Oct 17 19:12:20 2025
From: bclaypool at mchsi.com (Bill Claypool)
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:12:20 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] NU0Q planned mobile route
Message-ID: <97550539-360b-4da1-b381-69411a3ee026@mchsi.com>

I am planning to be mobile in a few counties for the 2025 Illinois QSO 
Party.? Mostly CW, 20m and 40m, with maybe some 15m. Might get a late 
start, and will stop before dark.? Counties: Rock Island, Whiteside, 
Carroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Lee, Bureau, Stark, 
Marshall, Putnam, La Salle. We might stop at a park or two along the 
way.? As always, the plan is subject to change due to weather, timing, 
propagation, navagation errors, whim of the driver (XYL) or for no 
reason at all.? Bill NU0Q



From pzlists01 at zerkelhome.com  Sat Oct 18 15:19:43 2025
From: pzlists01 at zerkelhome.com (pzlists01 at zerkelhome.com)
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:19:43 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] 60 meters? WARC or not? Prohibited in ILQP but not  NYQP?
Message-ID: <1cd8c804c47a8f8b2ac86ca2d5761dcc@zerkelhome.com>

I am aware that the ILQSO party rules state "Bands: 160 through 2 
meters, excluding WARC bands (60, 30, 17 and 12 meters)"

I was watching the "Northeast Ham Radio Lives tream - 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NudgspnTIII&t=3157s (48:35 mark)

There is a discussion about the NYQP not explicitly prohibiting 60 
meters, and a statement that "60m is not a WARC band". I won't be 
operating 60, but now I am curious if this is something that should be 
reviewed in the ILQP rules?


From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Sat Oct 18 15:24:51 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:24:51 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] 60 meters? WARC or not? Prohibited in ILQP but not NYQP?
In-Reply-To: <1cd8c804c47a8f8b2ac86ca2d5761dcc@zerkelhome.com>
References: <1cd8c804c47a8f8b2ac86ca2d5761dcc@zerkelhome.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-hKLuqbwHQ5Wb_9MDz=NXCRMOfuWwEoXv3VVp+pL2QFZA@mail.gmail.com>

Given the channelized and shared status of 60 meters, ILQP activity has not
been, and will not be, permitted on 60 meters.  N9JF

On Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 2:20?PM <pzlists01 at zerkelhome.com> wrote:

> I am aware that the ILQSO party rules state "Bands: 160 through 2
> meters, excluding WARC bands (60, 30, 17 and 12 meters)"
>
> I was watching the "Northeast Ham Radio Lives tream -
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NudgspnTIII&t=3157s (48:35 mark)
>
> There is a discussion about the NYQP not explicitly prohibiting 60
> meters, and a statement that "60m is not a WARC band". I won't be
> operating 60, but now I am curious if this is something that should be
> reviewed in the ILQP rules?
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From jim at n7us.net  Sat Oct 18 15:27:14 2025
From: jim at n7us.net (Jim McDonald)
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:27:14 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] N7US McHenry County
In-Reply-To: <CAD7-r-hKLuqbwHQ5Wb_9MDz=NXCRMOfuWwEoXv3VVp+pL2QFZA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <1cd8c804c47a8f8b2ac86ca2d5761dcc@zerkelhome.com>
	<CAD7-r-hKLuqbwHQ5Wb_9MDz=NXCRMOfuWwEoXv3VVp+pL2QFZA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <SJ0PR17MB4789E2246C01626C4B6409F59AF7A@SJ0PR17MB4789.namprd17.prod.outlook.com>

Part-time, probably CW only.

Sorry for the late notice.

Jim N7US

From w9dp at w9dp.us  Sat Oct 18 16:23:15 2025
From: w9dp at w9dp.us (w9dp at w9dp.us)
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2025 20:23:15 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] more information
Message-ID: <CO1PR02MB8521A646F58D57CCFDBC7ACFA9F7A@CO1PR02MB8521.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

The activity map has been updated again. There are many other operating aids on the ILQP page, including rules, a list of the county abbreviations used in the ILQP and a FAQ section.

Danny W9DP




From k9lge at emlorenz.com  Sat Oct 18 18:52:31 2025
From: k9lge at emlorenz.com (Eric Lorenz K9LGE)
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:52:31 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] K0LGE fixed KS
Message-ID: <CAEhmdT8k_UDiC-FmjRXvz-b44Om_NC_GC7Kf2fLV_qVqK2GrPA@mail.gmail.com>

I will be trying to get on the air mid to later in the afternoon... unless
things go badly for the Chiefs then it might be earlier...?

All phone... mostly 20m, maybe 40.

-------------
Eric Lorenz, K0LGE
Amateur Radio Station K0LGE
630-430-2421 cell

From n9ok at myjdk.com  Sun Oct 19 09:31:05 2025
From: n9ok at myjdk.com (Joe N9OK)
Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:31:05 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] N9OK McHenry County - SSB
In-Reply-To: <391236e0-9311-4ed5-9d60-a15dd6391ae7@gmail.com>
References: <391236e0-9311-4ed5-9d60-a15dd6391ae7@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <515153f6-afb5-4e22-a233-53eca36c90f0@myjdk.com>

Part time, probably SSB only.

Sorry for the very late notice.

73 Joe N9OK


From vibroplex at mindspring.com  Sun Oct 19 09:38:00 2025
From: vibroplex at mindspring.com (Derek Cohn)
Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:38:00 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] K9I Big group on Bond/Fayette line
Message-ID: <18A01FC9-54D3-4C83-A320-02B808EC87D8@mindspring.com>

Hi all, it?s windy but we have 11 guys operating K9I on the Bind/Fayette county line today.  Should have 3 to 4 stations QRV as long as they don?t interfere with each other.  We?ll be on both CW and SSB.

Hope to work you!

73 de WB0TUA
Sent from my iPhone

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Sun Oct 19 11:41:18 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck)
Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:41:18 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] K9I Big group on Bond/Fayette line
In-Reply-To: <18A01FC9-54D3-4C83-A320-02B808EC87D8@mindspring.com>
References: <18A01FC9-54D3-4C83-A320-02B808EC87D8@mindspring.com>
Message-ID: <04934568-E1DD-4BED-9245-F2D251796FA8@gmail.com>

Nice! Too bad we couldn?t split some of the huge group up and activate other counties not shown as active. 



Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 19, 2025, at 8:38?AM, Derek Cohn <vibroplex at mindspring.com> wrote:
> 
> ?Hi all, it?s windy but we have 11 guys operating K9I on the Bind/Fayette county line today.  Should have 3 to 4 stations QRV as long as they don?t interfere with each other.  We?ll be on both CW and SSB.
> 
> Hope to work you!
> 
> 73 de WB0TUA
> Sent from my iPhone
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Sun Oct 19 21:39:52 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck Schneebeli)
Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:39:52 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] KI9A mixed HP AB SO
Message-ID: <CAGnTC1ezSa3cGr57vq4GKhNHWA13LqcRSNuVD_=8fcH2ByxpBQ@mail.gmail.com>

60: 0 0
80: 86 3
40: 164 115
20: 182 140
15: 26 21
10: 4 5
6: 0 0
2: 0 0
Total: *462* *284* Mults *116* Total Score *140,128*
Dang. That was fun. 700w to a hex beam @ 30', EFHW 80/10 @ 40', and a 40m
loop @ 40'.

Beat my all time total Q number by a few, but WAYY down on in state mults.
had 60/102 counties,
5 DX, 51/64 states/prov mults. Missed DE, NV, AK & HI for WAS.

Mobile and portables were down in numbers. And, with good condx, the
mobiles really hung on 15/20 for a vast majority of the contest. .Nothing
heard from them on 15, and, so weak on 20, it was tough to even be heard.
Really thinking of going mobile in 2026 to hand out mults, concentrating on
20/40 for the instate guys especially. I won't win, but, still might make
some guys' day.

73 Chuck KI9A

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 11:22:32 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck Schneebeli)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:22:32 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
Message-ID: <CAGnTC1cbgZ1QA2Leas1yGDEry8=bSQvx+MJLqNuXWazTJm6GKA@mail.gmail.com>

The main thought...HOW do we get more county activity?

The "big" mobiles this year were AD4EB and NU0Q. I had 5 Q's with AD4EB,
and only 1 with NU0Q. The counties they activated and I didn't work them
in, were the counties I missed because NU0Q spent a vast majority of time
on 15, and AD4EB spent a vast majority of time on 20. AND, I understand
why--that's their bread and butter bands right now at this point in the
cycle. And, they are needed to attract outside of state participation for
sure!  Maybe the guys with a variety of high gain antennas can pick them
out...but...not my little station.

I only heard NU0Q one time. On 20. Even though I tuned his freq on 15 many
times. AD4EB was heard a few more times on 20, but, very, very weak, and
the pileup just covered him up (maybe 1-2khz split op next time?). He is
fast, and he is GOOD! It was driving me nuts seeing my county total so low,
while they were available.

Looking back at my best score--in 2002 setting the SCLA record, I had
nearly the same QSO total this year being a about 20 higher, but my mults
in 2002 were 144, this year was 116. I missed breaking my best by 2000
points. Scored 140k this year, and 142k in 2002. If I had the same mults,
my score would have been 173k!

What can we do to help us ins state guys to work the /M?

Maybe incentivize 40/80 meter Q's for the mobiles? Bonus? Higher points for
low band contacts?

This would make this contest alot more interesting for us in state
operators for sure. Possible generating more activity in the long run?
During the bottom of the cycle when they spend more time on time on 40/80,
its alot of fun chasing them-because we actually have a chance to work them.

I am seriously thinking of doing a casual mobile op next year, making a
priority to spend a little time on 40 in each county for the in state guys
to have a chance at the mult. Not looking to win the class, but, to have
some fun.

Also, we need to figure a way to promote more portable stations. My
adjacent counties -Clinton, Washington, Monroe were not heard from. Monroe
borders St. Louis county, MO. And the others are maybe 30 min away from
STL. Maybe promote as dual activation like K9I did? Set up for a Parks on
the AIr/ILQP activation? That's going thru my mind also for next year.
Mapping a route, setting up at POTA sites in dead counties, and doing a
dual activation.

Still had a blast this year!

I sure miss hearing our friends K9NR & K9ZO.

What do you all think?

73 Chuck KI9A SCLA

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 12:03:26 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:03:26 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
In-Reply-To: <CAGnTC1cbgZ1QA2Leas1yGDEry8=bSQvx+MJLqNuXWazTJm6GKA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAGnTC1cbgZ1QA2Leas1yGDEry8=bSQvx+MJLqNuXWazTJm6GKA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-iLv3HZ2C97+YkgrO3cHTjTFXm5rOHOTz0FznCKii+ZXQ@mail.gmail.com>

Chuck, you raise some good points that are common, in some form or other,
to most ILQPs.  I'll be happy to spend some time addressing them as an
excuse to take a break from acknowledging receipt of logs.  I am the
"robot".  If  you sent a log already and haven't gotten a response, it will
likely happen today.

ILQP requires a lot of strategy, planning and luck to make everything
happen in the manner that makes the most people happy.  Ideally, one would
see the following:
1)Good weather, but not too good.   No big issues that create hazards for
mobiles and portables but not so good that people think, "It's too nice a
day to spend indoors by the radio..."
2)Good propagation on all bands, 80-10 meters.
3)No distractions like football or World Series.  Good luck with that!
4) Fixed stations in every one of the 102 counties with time, good
equipment, reasonable skills and multiple modes.
5) Failing #4, portable stations in the "missing counties" with good
equipment, reasonable skills, multiple operators and modes and no disasters.
6) Augmenting (4) and (5), mobile stations to cover long routes with
multiple bands and modes and skilled operators.

OK, so that's "the ideal".....

Here's what we have:
102 counties, some with virtually NO active fixed stations
Decreased number of portable operations this year, for whatever reason.
Somewhat decreased number of mobile operations this year.
Propagation that favored the high bands.
Mobiles are mostly CW.

Speaking from the viewpoint of a former mobile operator, you go where the
points are.  If your station is working better on 15 and 20 than on the low
bands, and you have a continuous pileup, that's probably where you stay.
>From experience, I can say that in the middle of an ILQP, sometimes you
find out that your antennas for 40 and/or 80 suddenly don't work like they
are supposed to.  You go with what works.  In an 8-hour contest, there
isn't a lot of time for trouble-shooting.

I think there was less "cheerleading" this year than usual.  I know I did a
lot less due to a host of other responsibilities and family health issues
prior to the contest.  W9DP did a great job of keeping the activity map
updated and prompting people to post their plans.  Most years, I send out
emails to all of the previous year's participants.  That simply did not
happen this year.

i'm still recovering from the weekend, but I think there were several
"positives" yesterday:

1) We did have some great mobile operations, most of whom came from out of
state.  I can't say enough THANKS!! to those guys!
2) We had some enthusiastic portable operators, including some
multi-multi's.  I'm betting they had a good time!
3) Propagation on 20 meters was as good as I've ever seen it for an ILQP.
I didn't even go to 15 meters and probably should have.  Conditions on 40
and 80 were OK, but things on 20 didn't quit at sundown.
4) I think there was a decent amount of activity on phone as well as CW,
but as a portable with compromised antennas, I didn't get in on much of it.
5) Spotting networks made an obvious contribution.
6) Portables in parks got a good boost in participation from the WWFF/POTA
chasers.

So......what do we do?

There were a lot of "new" calls heard yesterday.  Grab their enthusiasm and
get them back next year, more hours, more contacts, maybe a portable
operation?  Encourage the WWFF/POTA crowd to do more park operations during
ILQP.  Encourage new Techs to upgrade and get their privileges on the air
for ILQP.  Invite a newbie to join you at home or in the field.   Go
mobile. Unfortunately, after many years of mobile operation, I have pretty
much given up operating "on the fly", and my regular driver isn't
comfortable with that craziness any longer.  Age matters.  Enjoy it while
you can.  Yes, we miss K9NR,  K9ZO, W9DY, N9DT, and many others who were
stalwarts 10-20 years ago.

I'll enjoy reading follow-up posts to Chuck's, and maybe we can give ILQP a
shot in the arm for 2026?

Back to logs....  73, Jim N9JF




On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 10:22?AM Chuck Schneebeli <chuckschneebeli at gmail.com>
wrote:

> The main thought...HOW do we get more county activity?
>
> The "big" mobiles this year were AD4EB and NU0Q. I had 5 Q's with AD4EB,
> and only 1 with NU0Q. The counties they activated and I didn't work them
> in, were the counties I missed because NU0Q spent a vast majority of time
> on 15, and AD4EB spent a vast majority of time on 20. AND, I understand
> why--that's their bread and butter bands right now at this point in the
> cycle. And, they are needed to attract outside of state participation for
> sure!  Maybe the guys with a variety of high gain antennas can pick them
> out...but...not my little station.
>
> I only heard NU0Q one time. On 20. Even though I tuned his freq on 15 many
> times. AD4EB was heard a few more times on 20, but, very, very weak, and
> the pileup just covered him up (maybe 1-2khz split op next time?). He is
> fast, and he is GOOD! It was driving me nuts seeing my county total so low,
> while they were available.
>
> Looking back at my best score--in 2002 setting the SCLA record, I had
> nearly the same QSO total this year being a about 20 higher, but my mults
> in 2002 were 144, this year was 116. I missed breaking my best by 2000
> points. Scored 140k this year, and 142k in 2002. If I had the same mults,
> my score would have been 173k!
>
> What can we do to help us ins state guys to work the /M?
>
> Maybe incentivize 40/80 meter Q's for the mobiles? Bonus? Higher points for
> low band contacts?
>
> This would make this contest alot more interesting for us in state
> operators for sure. Possible generating more activity in the long run?
> During the bottom of the cycle when they spend more time on time on 40/80,
> its alot of fun chasing them-because we actually have a chance to work
> them.
>
> I am seriously thinking of doing a casual mobile op next year, making a
> priority to spend a little time on 40 in each county for the in state guys
> to have a chance at the mult. Not looking to win the class, but, to have
> some fun.
>
> Also, we need to figure a way to promote more portable stations. My
> adjacent counties -Clinton, Washington, Monroe were not heard from. Monroe
> borders St. Louis county, MO. And the others are maybe 30 min away from
> STL. Maybe promote as dual activation like K9I did? Set up for a Parks on
> the AIr/ILQP activation? That's going thru my mind also for next year.
> Mapping a route, setting up at POTA sites in dead counties, and doing a
> dual activation.
>
> Still had a blast this year!
>
> I sure miss hearing our friends K9NR & K9ZO.
>
> What do you all think?
>
> 73 Chuck KI9A SCLA
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From wo4o.radio at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 12:17:46 2025
From: wo4o.radio at gmail.com (wo4o RiC)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:17:46 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] IL counties needed for sweep
Message-ID: <em3120f8d5-9638-4c75-92cd-d85c29a77392@efd9d8d9.com>

Having missed these during the IL QSO Party ...



Anybody going to be QRV in these IL counties during the remainder of 
2025?



ALEXANDER

CRAWFORD

EDGAR

EDWARDS

GALLATIN

HAMILTON

HARDIN

JASPER

JERSEY

LAWRENCE

LIVINGSTON

MERCER

PERRY

SALINE

SCOTT

STARK

WABASH

WASHINGTON

WHITE



---



Tnx es 73 Ric wo4o FL

From mike at palomonet.com  Mon Oct 20 12:43:48 2025
From: mike at palomonet.com (Michael Johnson)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:43:48 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
In-Reply-To: <CAD7-r-iLv3HZ2C97+YkgrO3cHTjTFXm5rOHOTz0FznCKii+ZXQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAGnTC1cbgZ1QA2Leas1yGDEry8=bSQvx+MJLqNuXWazTJm6GKA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAD7-r-iLv3HZ2C97+YkgrO3cHTjTFXm5rOHOTz0FznCKii+ZXQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CA+mQxmg8RcrjaGH92RzuFYHmGxUh8_T_5vezAWy4MorHOZ7JcA@mail.gmail.com>

Once again we enjoyed a wonderful ILQP Mobile experience running as KA9FZR
out of WI along the top two tiers of northern counties.  Our experience
this year is as reported:  20 was a house-a-fire and 40 was a bit Meh.   We
use the ILQP to refine our technique and try out new gear for our WIQP
efforts in the spring.  We have had wonderful experiences over the past 4
years.

My preparation for the ILQP included working in both the NYQP and the
PAQP.  Both of those showed significant activity on 20 meters until very
late afternoon and evening.  It just makes sense as that is how the bands
roll at this stage of the solar cycle.  Our limited ILQP time ends about
2100 UTC so we miss the early evening shift to the low bands.

We would love to find more stations on 40, but the QSO rate was much slower
than 20 meters, making the shift to that band a difficult choice.  We tried
to dedicate a portion of each county's travel time to 40, but there were a
couple (OOGL and BOON) that had pretty short distances.

It is a difficult choice to make on the fly between rate and mults.
Usually rate wins.

MJ, WO9B


On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 11:04?AM James Funk <n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Chuck, you raise some good points that are common, in some form or other,
> to most ILQPs.  I'll be happy to spend some time addressing them as an
> excuse to take a break from acknowledging receipt of logs.  I am the
> "robot".  If  you sent a log already and haven't gotten a response, it will
> likely happen today.
>
> ILQP requires a lot of strategy, planning and luck to make everything
> happen in the manner that makes the most people happy.  Ideally, one would
> see the following:
> 1)Good weather, but not too good.   No big issues that create hazards for
> mobiles and portables but not so good that people think, "It's too nice a
> day to spend indoors by the radio..."
> 2)Good propagation on all bands, 80-10 meters.
> 3)No distractions like football or World Series.  Good luck with that!
> 4) Fixed stations in every one of the 102 counties with time, good
> equipment, reasonable skills and multiple modes.
> 5) Failing #4, portable stations in the "missing counties" with good
> equipment, reasonable skills, multiple operators and modes and no
> disasters.
> 6) Augmenting (4) and (5), mobile stations to cover long routes with
> multiple bands and modes and skilled operators.
>
> OK, so that's "the ideal".....
>
> Here's what we have:
> 102 counties, some with virtually NO active fixed stations
> Decreased number of portable operations this year, for whatever reason.
> Somewhat decreased number of mobile operations this year.
> Propagation that favored the high bands.
> Mobiles are mostly CW.
>
> Speaking from the viewpoint of a former mobile operator, you go where the
> points are.  If your station is working better on 15 and 20 than on the low
> bands, and you have a continuous pileup, that's probably where you stay.
> From experience, I can say that in the middle of an ILQP, sometimes you
> find out that your antennas for 40 and/or 80 suddenly don't work like they
> are supposed to.  You go with what works.  In an 8-hour contest, there
> isn't a lot of time for trouble-shooting.
>
> I think there was less "cheerleading" this year than usual.  I know I did a
> lot less due to a host of other responsibilities and family health issues
> prior to the contest.  W9DP did a great job of keeping the activity map
> updated and prompting people to post their plans.  Most years, I send out
> emails to all of the previous year's participants.  That simply did not
> happen this year.
>
> i'm still recovering from the weekend, but I think there were several
> "positives" yesterday:
>
> 1) We did have some great mobile operations, most of whom came from out of
> state.  I can't say enough THANKS!! to those guys!
> 2) We had some enthusiastic portable operators, including some
> multi-multi's.  I'm betting they had a good time!
> 3) Propagation on 20 meters was as good as I've ever seen it for an ILQP.
> I didn't even go to 15 meters and probably should have.  Conditions on 40
> and 80 were OK, but things on 20 didn't quit at sundown.
> 4) I think there was a decent amount of activity on phone as well as CW,
> but as a portable with compromised antennas, I didn't get in on much of it.
> 5) Spotting networks made an obvious contribution.
> 6) Portables in parks got a good boost in participation from the WWFF/POTA
> chasers.
>
> So......what do we do?
>
> There were a lot of "new" calls heard yesterday.  Grab their enthusiasm and
> get them back next year, more hours, more contacts, maybe a portable
> operation?  Encourage the WWFF/POTA crowd to do more park operations during
> ILQP.  Encourage new Techs to upgrade and get their privileges on the air
> for ILQP.  Invite a newbie to join you at home or in the field.   Go
> mobile. Unfortunately, after many years of mobile operation, I have pretty
> much given up operating "on the fly", and my regular driver isn't
> comfortable with that craziness any longer.  Age matters.  Enjoy it while
> you can.  Yes, we miss K9NR,  K9ZO, W9DY, N9DT, and many others who were
> stalwarts 10-20 years ago.
>
> I'll enjoy reading follow-up posts to Chuck's, and maybe we can give ILQP a
> shot in the arm for 2026?
>
> Back to logs....  73, Jim N9JF
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 10:22?AM Chuck Schneebeli <
> chuckschneebeli at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > The main thought...HOW do we get more county activity?
> >
> > The "big" mobiles this year were AD4EB and NU0Q. I had 5 Q's with AD4EB,
> > and only 1 with NU0Q. The counties they activated and I didn't work them
> > in, were the counties I missed because NU0Q spent a vast majority of time
> > on 15, and AD4EB spent a vast majority of time on 20. AND, I understand
> > why--that's their bread and butter bands right now at this point in the
> > cycle. And, they are needed to attract outside of state participation for
> > sure!  Maybe the guys with a variety of high gain antennas can pick them
> > out...but...not my little station.
> >
> > I only heard NU0Q one time. On 20. Even though I tuned his freq on 15
> many
> > times. AD4EB was heard a few more times on 20, but, very, very weak, and
> > the pileup just covered him up (maybe 1-2khz split op next time?). He is
> > fast, and he is GOOD! It was driving me nuts seeing my county total so
> low,
> > while they were available.
> >
> > Looking back at my best score--in 2002 setting the SCLA record, I had
> > nearly the same QSO total this year being a about 20 higher, but my mults
> > in 2002 were 144, this year was 116. I missed breaking my best by 2000
> > points. Scored 140k this year, and 142k in 2002. If I had the same mults,
> > my score would have been 173k!
> >
> > What can we do to help us ins state guys to work the /M?
> >
> > Maybe incentivize 40/80 meter Q's for the mobiles? Bonus? Higher points
> for
> > low band contacts?
> >
> > This would make this contest alot more interesting for us in state
> > operators for sure. Possible generating more activity in the long run?
> > During the bottom of the cycle when they spend more time on time on
> 40/80,
> > its alot of fun chasing them-because we actually have a chance to work
> > them.
> >
> > I am seriously thinking of doing a casual mobile op next year, making a
> > priority to spend a little time on 40 in each county for the in state
> guys
> > to have a chance at the mult. Not looking to win the class, but, to have
> > some fun.
> >
> > Also, we need to figure a way to promote more portable stations. My
> > adjacent counties -Clinton, Washington, Monroe were not heard from.
> Monroe
> > borders St. Louis county, MO. And the others are maybe 30 min away from
> > STL. Maybe promote as dual activation like K9I did? Set up for a Parks on
> > the AIr/ILQP activation? That's going thru my mind also for next year.
> > Mapping a route, setting up at POTA sites in dead counties, and doing a
> > dual activation.
> >
> > Still had a blast this year!
> >
> > I sure miss hearing our friends K9NR & K9ZO.
> >
> > What do you all think?
> >
> > 73 Chuck KI9A SCLA
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > ILQSO mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From kvanderploeg at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 12:54:39 2025
From: kvanderploeg at gmail.com (Kent Vanderploeg)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:54:39 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] W9WB After Action
Message-ID: <CAPm8xS0Cok2benMYh8eJgxdrsyr=-G=4Ehb_q3jFnqkLurwiNg@mail.gmail.com>

I didn't do much "action" this year.  I wasn't sure how much I'd be able to
be on the air.  It was interrupted a few times, but there was some BIC
time.  Since I was only at home this year, I tried to be the station to
just be consistent and hand out opportunities.  I made an effort to run a
high band (10/15), 20M, and 40M in 20 minute segments.  Being able to spot
made that feel like I didn't waste as much time getting noticed and just
got to work handing out contacts.

A few technical notes.  Keep the headphones on, don't use the speaker.
Even at home, the IC-7300 speaker is hard to make out the weak stations and
get them in the log.  While my 40M and up EFHW isn't as efficient as a
dipole, it's easy to make those band changes in a hurry.  I also figured
out that I can use N3FJP to send CAT commands to trigger the voice keyer
memories right from the keyboard.  Sooo much easier!

73,
Kent
W9WB

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 13:17:47 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:17:47 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] IL counties needed for sweep
In-Reply-To: <em3120f8d5-9638-4c75-92cd-d85c29a77392@efd9d8d9.com>
References: <em3120f8d5-9638-4c75-92cd-d85c29a77392@efd9d8d9.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-hSWFNuvtyJ2Ynf_iYBo=GpXtScqgvGYt8EyLH0nhwVPA@mail.gmail.com>

It's likely I will be running parks in a few of those before the end of the
year.  73 Jim N9JF

On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 11:17?AM wo4o RiC <wo4o.radio at gmail.com> wrote:

> Having missed these during the IL QSO Party ...
>
>
>
> Anybody going to be QRV in these IL counties during the remainder of
> 2025?
>
>
>
> ALEXANDER
>
> CRAWFORD
>
> EDGAR
>
> EDWARDS
>
> GALLATIN
>
> HAMILTON
>
> HARDIN
>
> JASPER
>
> JERSEY
>
> LAWRENCE
>
> LIVINGSTON
>
> MERCER
>
> PERRY
>
> SALINE
>
> SCOTT
>
> STARK
>
> WABASH
>
> WASHINGTON
>
> WHITE
>
>
>
> ---
>
>
>
> Tnx es 73 Ric wo4o FL
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 13:58:03 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck Schneebeli)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:58:03 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
In-Reply-To: <CA+mQxmg8RcrjaGH92RzuFYHmGxUh8_T_5vezAWy4MorHOZ7JcA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAGnTC1cbgZ1QA2Leas1yGDEry8=bSQvx+MJLqNuXWazTJm6GKA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAD7-r-iLv3HZ2C97+YkgrO3cHTjTFXm5rOHOTz0FznCKii+ZXQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<CA+mQxmg8RcrjaGH92RzuFYHmGxUh8_T_5vezAWy4MorHOZ7JcA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAGnTC1etzPxRDxHdvJ7kkPOfrRS60=qbyV3G=BotKYp=+HFC9w@mail.gmail.com>

I agree with Jim that this point of the cycle, the mobiles do FAR better on
the higher bands-and many thinks to these guys for coming out. It draws
more out of staters, which benefit us fixed guys.

The question remains however...bonus or point incentives for mobile low
band QSO's? WPX and may others give higher points for low band QSO's
already.

Just a thought.

73 Chuck

On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 11:44?AM Michael Johnson <mike at palomonet.com> wrote:

> Once again we enjoyed a wonderful ILQP Mobile experience running as KA9FZR
> out of WI along the top two tiers of northern counties.  Our experience
> this year is as reported:  20 was a house-a-fire and 40 was a bit Meh.   We
> use the ILQP to refine our technique and try out new gear for our WIQP
> efforts in the spring.  We have had wonderful experiences over the past 4
> years.
>
> My preparation for the ILQP included working in both the NYQP and the
> PAQP.  Both of those showed significant activity on 20 meters until very
> late afternoon and evening.  It just makes sense as that is how the bands
> roll at this stage of the solar cycle.  Our limited ILQP time ends about
> 2100 UTC so we miss the early evening shift to the low bands.
>
> We would love to find more stations on 40, but the QSO rate was much slower
> than 20 meters, making the shift to that band a difficult choice.  We tried
> to dedicate a portion of each county's travel time to 40, but there were a
> couple (OOGL and BOON) that had pretty short distances.
>
> It is a difficult choice to make on the fly between rate and mults.
> Usually rate wins.
>
> MJ, WO9B
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 11:04?AM James Funk <n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Chuck, you raise some good points that are common, in some form or other,
> > to most ILQPs.  I'll be happy to spend some time addressing them as an
> > excuse to take a break from acknowledging receipt of logs.  I am the
> > "robot".  If  you sent a log already and haven't gotten a response, it
> will
> > likely happen today.
> >
> > ILQP requires a lot of strategy, planning and luck to make everything
> > happen in the manner that makes the most people happy.  Ideally, one
> would
> > see the following:
> > 1)Good weather, but not too good.   No big issues that create hazards for
> > mobiles and portables but not so good that people think, "It's too nice a
> > day to spend indoors by the radio..."
> > 2)Good propagation on all bands, 80-10 meters.
> > 3)No distractions like football or World Series.  Good luck with that!
> > 4) Fixed stations in every one of the 102 counties with time, good
> > equipment, reasonable skills and multiple modes.
> > 5) Failing #4, portable stations in the "missing counties" with good
> > equipment, reasonable skills, multiple operators and modes and no
> > disasters.
> > 6) Augmenting (4) and (5), mobile stations to cover long routes with
> > multiple bands and modes and skilled operators.
> >
> > OK, so that's "the ideal".....
> >
> > Here's what we have:
> > 102 counties, some with virtually NO active fixed stations
> > Decreased number of portable operations this year, for whatever reason.
> > Somewhat decreased number of mobile operations this year.
> > Propagation that favored the high bands.
> > Mobiles are mostly CW.
> >
> > Speaking from the viewpoint of a former mobile operator, you go where the
> > points are.  If your station is working better on 15 and 20 than on the
> low
> > bands, and you have a continuous pileup, that's probably where you stay.
> > From experience, I can say that in the middle of an ILQP, sometimes you
> > find out that your antennas for 40 and/or 80 suddenly don't work like
> they
> > are supposed to.  You go with what works.  In an 8-hour contest, there
> > isn't a lot of time for trouble-shooting.
> >
> > I think there was less "cheerleading" this year than usual.  I know I
> did a
> > lot less due to a host of other responsibilities and family health issues
> > prior to the contest.  W9DP did a great job of keeping the activity map
> > updated and prompting people to post their plans.  Most years, I send out
> > emails to all of the previous year's participants.  That simply did not
> > happen this year.
> >
> > i'm still recovering from the weekend, but I think there were several
> > "positives" yesterday:
> >
> > 1) We did have some great mobile operations, most of whom came from out
> of
> > state.  I can't say enough THANKS!! to those guys!
> > 2) We had some enthusiastic portable operators, including some
> > multi-multi's.  I'm betting they had a good time!
> > 3) Propagation on 20 meters was as good as I've ever seen it for an ILQP.
> > I didn't even go to 15 meters and probably should have.  Conditions on 40
> > and 80 were OK, but things on 20 didn't quit at sundown.
> > 4) I think there was a decent amount of activity on phone as well as CW,
> > but as a portable with compromised antennas, I didn't get in on much of
> it.
> > 5) Spotting networks made an obvious contribution.
> > 6) Portables in parks got a good boost in participation from the
> WWFF/POTA
> > chasers.
> >
> > So......what do we do?
> >
> > There were a lot of "new" calls heard yesterday.  Grab their enthusiasm
> and
> > get them back next year, more hours, more contacts, maybe a portable
> > operation?  Encourage the WWFF/POTA crowd to do more park operations
> during
> > ILQP.  Encourage new Techs to upgrade and get their privileges on the air
> > for ILQP.  Invite a newbie to join you at home or in the field.   Go
> > mobile. Unfortunately, after many years of mobile operation, I have
> pretty
> > much given up operating "on the fly", and my regular driver isn't
> > comfortable with that craziness any longer.  Age matters.  Enjoy it while
> > you can.  Yes, we miss K9NR,  K9ZO, W9DY, N9DT, and many others who were
> > stalwarts 10-20 years ago.
> >
> > I'll enjoy reading follow-up posts to Chuck's, and maybe we can give
> ILQP a
> > shot in the arm for 2026?
> >
> > Back to logs....  73, Jim N9JF
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 10:22?AM Chuck Schneebeli <
> > chuckschneebeli at gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > The main thought...HOW do we get more county activity?
> > >
> > > The "big" mobiles this year were AD4EB and NU0Q. I had 5 Q's with
> AD4EB,
> > > and only 1 with NU0Q. The counties they activated and I didn't work
> them
> > > in, were the counties I missed because NU0Q spent a vast majority of
> time
> > > on 15, and AD4EB spent a vast majority of time on 20. AND, I understand
> > > why--that's their bread and butter bands right now at this point in the
> > > cycle. And, they are needed to attract outside of state participation
> for
> > > sure!  Maybe the guys with a variety of high gain antennas can pick
> them
> > > out...but...not my little station.
> > >
> > > I only heard NU0Q one time. On 20. Even though I tuned his freq on 15
> > many
> > > times. AD4EB was heard a few more times on 20, but, very, very weak,
> and
> > > the pileup just covered him up (maybe 1-2khz split op next time?). He
> is
> > > fast, and he is GOOD! It was driving me nuts seeing my county total so
> > low,
> > > while they were available.
> > >
> > > Looking back at my best score--in 2002 setting the SCLA record, I had
> > > nearly the same QSO total this year being a about 20 higher, but my
> mults
> > > in 2002 were 144, this year was 116. I missed breaking my best by 2000
> > > points. Scored 140k this year, and 142k in 2002. If I had the same
> mults,
> > > my score would have been 173k!
> > >
> > > What can we do to help us ins state guys to work the /M?
> > >
> > > Maybe incentivize 40/80 meter Q's for the mobiles? Bonus? Higher points
> > for
> > > low band contacts?
> > >
> > > This would make this contest alot more interesting for us in state
> > > operators for sure. Possible generating more activity in the long run?
> > > During the bottom of the cycle when they spend more time on time on
> > 40/80,
> > > its alot of fun chasing them-because we actually have a chance to work
> > > them.
> > >
> > > I am seriously thinking of doing a casual mobile op next year, making a
> > > priority to spend a little time on 40 in each county for the in state
> > guys
> > > to have a chance at the mult. Not looking to win the class, but, to
> have
> > > some fun.
> > >
> > > Also, we need to figure a way to promote more portable stations. My
> > > adjacent counties -Clinton, Washington, Monroe were not heard from.
> > Monroe
> > > borders St. Louis county, MO. And the others are maybe 30 min away from
> > > STL. Maybe promote as dual activation like K9I did? Set up for a Parks
> on
> > > the AIr/ILQP activation? That's going thru my mind also for next year.
> > > Mapping a route, setting up at POTA sites in dead counties, and doing a
> > > dual activation.
> > >
> > > Still had a blast this year!
> > >
> > > I sure miss hearing our friends K9NR & K9ZO.
> > >
> > > What do you all think?
> > >
> > > 73 Chuck KI9A SCLA
> > > ______________________________________________________________
> > > ILQSO mailing list
> > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > > Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> > >
> > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > ILQSO mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 14:14:44 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:14:44 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] LOGS
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-jEvJYhjsxrg_DQ-ELjsYhvJivm30+nbWqTtHGTgs9gAQ@mail.gmail.com>

My ongoing relationship with Windows 11 and Outlook continues to vex me.
Just found about 25 logs in "Spam".

If you don't get an acknowledgement from me after 24 hours, try sending
another message or throw a note at the reflector.

73, Jim N9JF

From ken.kj9b at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 15:54:29 2025
From: ken.kj9b at gmail.com (Ken Bandy)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:54:29 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] KJ9B observations from ILQP
Message-ID: <BYAPR01MB5015ECE68753F867BABA9C72ADF5A@BYAPR01MB5015.prod.exchangelabs.com>

The ILQP was great fun for Kyle (KC9GLR) and me.  One of us was on the air constantly for 7.5 of the 8 hours (we exhausted our third 20 Ah battery around 7:30 pm.  If we would have had more sun for the solar panel, we would have made it the whole shot!  We were a "multi-single" operation and kept the radio busy!  Our highest rate was 167/hour from 2335 to 0031 on 40 meters.  All in all, we ended up with 765 Qs, 101 mults (44 counties, 47 states, 6 provinces, and a handful of DX), for a total score of 78,030 (with the phone only "penalty").

The only downside was we ended up with several ILQP dupes after 0000 UTC with POTA stations calling us on the "new day".

With any luck, we'll be able to make the trip to Kickapoo SRA again next October.  Of course, lunch at the Beef House in Covington on the way was a "bonus"!

73,
Ken, KJ9B

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 16:39:23 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:39:23 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] KJ9B observations from ILQP
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR01MB5015ECE68753F867BABA9C72ADF5A@BYAPR01MB5015.prod.exchangelabs.com>
References: <BYAPR01MB5015ECE68753F867BABA9C72ADF5A@BYAPR01MB5015.prod.exchangelabs.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-jAAF=7g1UROTBOK30eP5KuuKCnh5pP74OHXSpJVDRuWQ@mail.gmail.com>

Nice job with the portable operation, and yes, the Beef House makes
everything better!! :)

On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 3:35?PM Ken Bandy <ken.kj9b at gmail.com> wrote:

> The ILQP was great fun for Kyle (KC9GLR) and me.  One of us was on the air
> constantly for 7.5 of the 8 hours (we exhausted our third 20 Ah battery
> around 7:30 pm.  If we would have had more sun for the solar panel, we
> would have made it the whole shot!  We were a "multi-single" operation and
> kept the radio busy!  Our highest rate was 167/hour from 2335 to 0031 on 40
> meters.  All in all, we ended up with 765 Qs, 101 mults (44 counties, 47
> states, 6 provinces, and a handful of DX), for a total score of 78,030
> (with the phone only "penalty").
>
> The only downside was we ended up with several ILQP dupes after 0000 UTC
> with POTA stations calling us on the "new day".
>
> With any luck, we'll be able to make the trip to Kickapoo SRA again next
> October.  Of course, lunch at the Beef House in Covington on the way was a
> "bonus"!
>
> 73,
> Ken, KJ9B
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 17:04:07 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:04:07 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] KJ9B observations from ILQP
In-Reply-To: <CAD7-r-jAAF=7g1UROTBOK30eP5KuuKCnh5pP74OHXSpJVDRuWQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAD7-r-jAAF=7g1UROTBOK30eP5KuuKCnh5pP74OHXSpJVDRuWQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <DE361687-C6B3-46CE-878F-FE49D9A6BB4A@gmail.com>

Nice work! Used to stop at the Beef House when in Danville working at the Quaker plant 4x a year!

73 Chuck KI9A
Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 20, 2025, at 3:39?PM, James Funk <n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> ?Nice job with the portable operation, and yes, the Beef House makes
> everything better!! :)
> 
>> On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 3:35?PM Ken Bandy <ken.kj9b at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> The ILQP was great fun for Kyle (KC9GLR) and me.  One of us was on the air
>> constantly for 7.5 of the 8 hours (we exhausted our third 20 Ah battery
>> around 7:30 pm.  If we would have had more sun for the solar panel, we
>> would have made it the whole shot!  We were a "multi-single" operation and
>> kept the radio busy!  Our highest rate was 167/hour from 2335 to 0031 on 40
>> meters.  All in all, we ended up with 765 Qs, 101 mults (44 counties, 47
>> states, 6 provinces, and a handful of DX), for a total score of 78,030
>> (with the phone only "penalty").
>> 
>> The only downside was we ended up with several ILQP dupes after 0000 UTC
>> with POTA stations calling us on the "new day".
>> 
>> With any luck, we'll be able to make the trip to Kickapoo SRA again next
>> October.  Of course, lunch at the Beef House in Covington on the way was a
>> "bonus"!
>> 
>> 73,
>> Ken, KJ9B
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> ILQSO mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From isuforester at hotmail.com  Mon Oct 20 17:52:15 2025
From: isuforester at hotmail.com (Clint Miller)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:52:15 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] Comments from a visiting Portable
Message-ID: <CO1PR10MB47554DE0466C65D3BD153B5FAEF5A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>

I had a great time, glad I made the 4hr trip over from Ames. I was on the fence until Sunday morning when the weather looked good so I didn't get on the activation map.

Set up Portable in a POTA park on the CARR JODA county line and only ran phone. It was pretty windy and my fiberglass mast struggled to stay fully extended. Started on 10m since everyone had been saying it was wide open -I got some DX but nothing huge. Ran 6.5 hours on 20m with stations responding nearly continuously. It became type 2 fun about 6 pm, I was mentally exhausted in hour 7. I switched to 40m at UTC midnight to avoid the dupes that come with POTA activations. That last hour was a wall of stations, the adrenaline kicked in, and I got my second wind. I picked up a bunch of County Multipliers - probably should have switched sooner. Did get N9EAT on 146.52 FM!

621 PH contacts, 85 mults, final score 105,570

I've run this type of hybrid POTA station for many years for the Iowa QSO Party and had good success. I have also been on our IAQP High Council for several years so I know how these same struggles to encourage more operators can go. One thing about your rules that I noticed and wasn't sure how I felt was that I was competing against other stations that may have multiple operators. I had to go off the air for bathroom breaks, food, talk to the USFWS Ranger, etc. Not sure what you should do about it, but the equity thought crossed my mind when considering my place in my Portable category or the raw phone plaque competition.

I appreciate what the committee does to host and score the contest.

Please consider joining us next September 19th for the Iowa QSO Party as a mobile/rover or portable entry - great practice run for ILQP ;-) http://www.w0yl.com/IAQP


Clint Miller, K?GR, COML, COMT

President, Story County Amateur Radio Club


Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator

Story County Emergency Coordinator

ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service


From k9drp at donpine.com  Mon Oct 20 19:04:52 2025
From: k9drp at donpine.com (Don Pine, K9DRP)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:04:52 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
Message-ID: <20251020180452.5366e202@Chromebox>


All of the states surrounding us (except Iowa) provide more categories
and or multipliers for QRP operations in their party than does Illinois.
I think POTA has created a lot of QRP activators/hunters that would be
more tempted to join the party if QRP operations received appropriate
recognition.

73,

Don, K9DRP
-- 
"I reckon.  Therefore I am."
     Don Pine, K9DRP
    donpine at joink.com
    K9DRP at donpine.com
      217-826-1111

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 19:55:58 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:55:58 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
In-Reply-To: <20251020180452.5366e202@Chromebox>
References: <20251020180452.5366e202@Chromebox>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-hvaX-aYN6=uSNh+i7foyc_Kh2aMgKAyYQ1bmkfEJhQOA@mail.gmail.com>

In response to a criticism about 15 years ago from a dedicated QRP
operator, a QRP category was created for ILQP.  That particular operator
has not entered the event since....

We do recognize QRP operations, which compete among themselves for
certificates.  However, if someone would like to propose (*and sponsor) *a
plaque for a new category, we would be willing to consider expanding the
recognition.

73, Jim N9JF

On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 6:05?PM Don Pine, K9DRP <k9drp at donpine.com> wrote:

>
> All of the states surrounding us (except Iowa) provide more categories
> and or multipliers for QRP operations in their party than does Illinois.
> I think POTA has created a lot of QRP activators/hunters that would be
> more tempted to join the party if QRP operations received appropriate
> recognition.
>
> 73,
>
> Don, K9DRP
> --
> "I reckon.  Therefore I am."
>      Don Pine, K9DRP
>     donpine at joink.com
>     K9DRP at donpine.com
>       217-826-1111
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 20:01:10 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:01:10 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Comments from a visiting Portable
In-Reply-To: <CO1PR10MB47554DE0466C65D3BD153B5FAEF5A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CO1PR10MB47554DE0466C65D3BD153B5FAEF5A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-iqJD58CqfMEWawn_FsM8SzdrCAf1ig91PFBS7_a4THLw@mail.gmail.com>

The new Unlimited Category competes separately.  Other categories are
single transmitter.

73, Jim N9JF

On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 4:52?PM Clint Miller <isuforester at hotmail.com>
wrote:

> I had a great time, glad I made the 4hr trip over from Ames. I was on the
> fence until Sunday morning when the weather looked good so I didn't get on
> the activation map.
>
> Set up Portable in a POTA park on the CARR JODA county line and only ran
> phone. It was pretty windy and my fiberglass mast struggled to stay fully
> extended. Started on 10m since everyone had been saying it was wide open -I
> got some DX but nothing huge. Ran 6.5 hours on 20m with stations responding
> nearly continuously. It became type 2 fun about 6 pm, I was mentally
> exhausted in hour 7. I switched to 40m at UTC midnight to avoid the dupes
> that come with POTA activations. That last hour was a wall of stations, the
> adrenaline kicked in, and I got my second wind. I picked up a bunch of
> County Multipliers - probably should have switched sooner. Did get N9EAT on
> 146.52 FM!
>
> 621 PH contacts, 85 mults, final score 105,570
>
> I've run this type of hybrid POTA station for many years for the Iowa QSO
> Party and had good success. I have also been on our IAQP High Council for
> several years so I know how these same struggles to encourage more
> operators can go. One thing about your rules that I noticed and wasn't sure
> how I felt was that I was competing against other stations that may have
> multiple operators. I had to go off the air for bathroom breaks, food, talk
> to the USFWS Ranger, etc. Not sure what you should do about it, but the
> equity thought crossed my mind when considering my place in my Portable
> category or the raw phone plaque competition.
>
> I appreciate what the committee does to host and score the contest.
>
> Please consider joining us next September 19th for the Iowa QSO Party as a
> mobile/rover or portable entry - great practice run for ILQP ;-)
> http://www.w0yl.com/IAQP
>
>
> Clint Miller, K?GR, COML, COMT
>
> President, Story County Amateur Radio Club
>
>
> Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator
>
> Story County Emergency Coordinator
>
> ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From markn9ea at gmail.com  Mon Oct 20 20:28:19 2025
From: markn9ea at gmail.com (Mark Orey)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:28:19 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Comments from a visiting Portable
In-Reply-To: <CO1PR10MB47554DE0466C65D3BD153B5FAEF5A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CO1PR10MB47554DE0466C65D3BD153B5FAEF5A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CA+58uSLFj6Fsh-vWodJFM7ow2E=7P+f5fy=vTmAOB605e+OxfA@mail.gmail.com>

Can you drive to Rall Woods Clint? POTA says it?s pedestrian access.
Outstanding score BTW
73 Mark N9EA

iPhone


On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 4:52?PM Clint Miller <isuforester at hotmail.com>
wrote:

> I had a great time, glad I made the 4hr trip over from Ames. I was on the
> fence until Sunday morning when the weather looked good so I didn't get on
> the activation map.
>
> Set up Portable in a POTA park on the CARR JODA county line and only ran
> phone. It was pretty windy and my fiberglass mast struggled to stay fully
> extended. Started on 10m since everyone had been saying it was wide open -I
> got some DX but nothing huge. Ran 6.5 hours on 20m with stations responding
> nearly continuously. It became type 2 fun about 6 pm, I was mentally
> exhausted in hour 7. I switched to 40m at UTC midnight to avoid the dupes
> that come with POTA activations. That last hour was a wall of stations, the
> adrenaline kicked in, and I got my second wind. I picked up a bunch of
> County Multipliers - probably should have switched sooner. Did get N9EAT on
> 146.52 FM!
>
> 621 PH contacts, 85 mults, final score 105,570
>
> I've run this type of hybrid POTA station for many years for the Iowa QSO
> Party and had good success. I have also been on our IAQP High Council for
> several years so I know how these same struggles to encourage more
> operators can go. One thing about your rules that I noticed and wasn't sure
> how I felt was that I was competing against other stations that may have
> multiple operators. I had to go off the air for bathroom breaks, food, talk
> to the USFWS Ranger, etc. Not sure what you should do about it, but the
> equity thought crossed my mind when considering my place in my Portable
> category or the raw phone plaque competition.
>
> I appreciate what the committee does to host and score the contest.
>
> Please consider joining us next September 19th for the Iowa QSO Party as a
> mobile/rover or portable entry - great practice run for ILQP ;-)
> http://www.w0yl.com/IAQP
>
>
> Clint Miller, K?GR, COML, COMT
>
> President, Story County Amateur Radio Club
>
>
> Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator
>
> Story County Emergency Coordinator
>
> ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From k9drp at donpine.com  Mon Oct 20 21:41:50 2025
From: k9drp at donpine.com (Don Pine, K9DRP)
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:41:50 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations
In-Reply-To: <mailman.8695.1761004893.2991.ilqso@mailman.qth.net>
References: <mailman.8695.1761004893.2991.ilqso@mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <20251020204150.1d899d3c@Chromebox>

I don't think sponsorship of a plaque(s) for a new category would be
necessary to recognize QRP operations.  Do as the ARRL does for Field
Day; allow a power multiplier for QRP and allow them to compete within
the current Low Power categories.

73, Don K9DRP 

On Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:01:33 -0400
James Funk <n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com> emailed:

> In response to a criticism about 15 years ago from a dedicated QRP
> operator, a QRP category was created for ILQP.  That particular
> operator has not entered the event since....
> 
> We do recognize QRP operations, which compete among themselves for
> certificates.  However, if someone would like to propose (*and
> sponsor) *a plaque for a new category, we would be willing to
> consider expanding the recognition.
> 
> 73, Jim N9JF
> 
> On Mon, Oct 20, 2025 at 6:05?PM Don Pine, K9DRP <k9drp at donpine.com>
> wrote:
> 
> >
> > All of the states surrounding us (except Iowa) provide more
> > categories and or multipliers for QRP operations in their party
> > than does Illinois. I think POTA has created a lot of QRP
> > activators/hunters that would be more tempted to join the party if
> > QRP operations received appropriate recognition.


From isuforester at hotmail.com  Tue Oct 21 13:48:22 2025
From: isuforester at hotmail.com (Clint Miller)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:48:22 +0000
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQSO] RE: Comments from a visiting Portable
In-Reply-To: <mailman.3.1761062403.24148.ilqso@mailman.qth.net>
References: <mailman.3.1761062403.24148.ilqso@mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <CO1PR10MB4755A3B1B8DF891AAB47339CAEF2A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>

I wouldn?t know, never been there. I was set up at US-4236 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.


Clint Miller, K?GR, COML, COMT

President - Story County Amateur Radio Club

Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator
Story County Emergency Coordinator
ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:28:19 -0500
From: Mark Orey <markn9ea at gmail.com>
To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ILQSO] Comments from a visiting Portable

Can you drive to Rall Woods Clint? POTA says it?s pedestrian access.
Outstanding score BTW
73 Mark N9EA

iPhone

From markn9ea at gmail.com  Tue Oct 21 14:57:27 2025
From: markn9ea at gmail.com (Mark Orey)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:57:27 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] ILQSO] RE: Comments from a visiting Portable
In-Reply-To: <CO1PR10MB4755A3B1B8DF891AAB47339CAEF2A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
References: <mailman.3.1761062403.24148.ilqso@mailman.qth.net>
	<CO1PR10MB4755A3B1B8DF891AAB47339CAEF2A@CO1PR10MB4755.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CA+58uSLwcQyJKbo9fc=suJ2tsX-hPzsmf=6ec1nsgYP-YiHm1g@mail.gmail.com>

Thanks for the clarification, I?ll drive up to the County line and check
that out for a future activation.
73 N9EA

iPhone


On Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 12:48?PM Clint Miller <isuforester at hotmail.com>
wrote:

> I wouldn?t know, never been there. I was set up at US-4236 Upper
> Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
>
>
> Clint Miller, K?GR, COML, COMT
>
> President - Story County Amateur Radio Club
>
> Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator
> Story County Emergency Coordinator
> ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service
>
> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:28:19 -0500
> From: Mark Orey <markn9ea at gmail.com>
> To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [ILQSO] Comments from a visiting Portable
>
> Can you drive to Rall Woods Clint? POTA says it?s pedestrian access.
> Outstanding score BTW
> 73 Mark N9EA
>
> iPhone
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From cbuehlercbuehler at gmail.com  Tue Oct 21 20:13:58 2025
From: cbuehlercbuehler at gmail.com (Carl Buehler)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:13:58 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Activity Encouragement ILQP
Message-ID: <CAKO+O0KuQ5j9r-a3+RYzNAA5mrgtzcypV1+CDxkSbq5b0wufew@mail.gmail.com>

I was QRT the past two years.  Here are my observations from Portable
operations.
1) First timers need to adjust their expectations. It can be hard to find a
county line that is safe, accessible, out in the clear, and close to trees
for antenna support. Compromised antennas make operating difficult
especially with generator noise, passing vehicles, neighbor visits, public
visitors, and an occasional local law enforcement officer.  You inevitably
get a 'run' going only to have an interruption, then work at getting things
going again.
2) Each of my outings involved advanced planning with the attempt to
activate dormant counties.  It is such a downer to go into it anticipating
some pile ups only to hear a home station operating from the county(ies)
you are in. Perhaps all stations that operated the year before could be
contacted with the request to express their intent to operate?
3) You can struggle for a while before someone spots you. It would be nice
to have the ability to self-spot when we begin operating from a new
location.  This may increase activity for the portables and home stations.
4) I appreciate the "wet county line" limitation and strongly believe
everyone should play by the rules. Sometimes a three county operation
including a "rare one" can be prevented by a rather small flow of water.
Apparently this is a County Hunters requirement, but relaxing this would
help portables attract more attention.
5)  Let's not even think about the technology of running a laptop logger
with internet accessed through a cell phone hot spot!  Not a strong point
of mine!  No suggestion here as to what the group can do to help.
So there it is.  Hats off to all of you that have this portable
operating downpat.  I really respect what you are able to accomplish.  With
a simple dipole type antenna perhaps I can do better than this Huster
mobile mount does.   I plan to review the results from this year and
explore where to operate here Southwest Illinois.
73, Carl- K9ZA

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Tue Oct 21 21:08:59 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:08:59 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Activity Encouragement ILQP
In-Reply-To: <CAKO+O0KuQ5j9r-a3+RYzNAA5mrgtzcypV1+CDxkSbq5b0wufew@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAKO+O0KuQ5j9r-a3+RYzNAA5mrgtzcypV1+CDxkSbq5b0wufew@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-jAq24-3vrvYgjOxTcPC+b5_x+1Gcy39tzU=OHVky3aHA@mail.gmail.com>

Carl, your comments deserve some thoughtful feedback which I will attempt
to do in detail in a day or two. Right now I'm responding to submitted logs
and on the road so it will have to wait.

294 logs so far.  Keep them coming!  If you don't get an acknowledgement in
24 hours, send again.  I've responded to all of those I've received so far
except for 3 I just found in SPAM....

73, Jim N9JF

On Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 7:59?PM Carl Buehler <cbuehlercbuehler at gmail.com>
wrote:

> I was QRT the past two years.  Here are my observations from Portable
> operations.
> 1) First timers need to adjust their expectations. It can be hard to find a
> county line that is safe, accessible, out in the clear, and close to trees
> for antenna support. Compromised antennas make operating difficult
> especially with generator noise, passing vehicles, neighbor visits, public
> visitors, and an occasional local law enforcement officer.  You inevitably
> get a 'run' going only to have an interruption, then work at getting things
> going again.
> 2) Each of my outings involved advanced planning with the attempt to
> activate dormant counties.  It is such a downer to go into it anticipating
> some pile ups only to hear a home station operating from the county(ies)
> you are in. Perhaps all stations that operated the year before could be
> contacted with the request to express their intent to operate?
> 3) You can struggle for a while before someone spots you. It would be nice
> to have the ability to self-spot when we begin operating from a new
> location.  This may increase activity for the portables and home stations.
> 4) I appreciate the "wet county line" limitation and strongly believe
> everyone should play by the rules. Sometimes a three county operation
> including a "rare one" can be prevented by a rather small flow of water.
> Apparently this is a County Hunters requirement, but relaxing this would
> help portables attract more attention.
> 5)  Let's not even think about the technology of running a laptop logger
> with internet accessed through a cell phone hot spot!  Not a strong point
> of mine!  No suggestion here as to what the group can do to help.
> So there it is.  Hats off to all of you that have this portable
> operating downpat.  I really respect what you are able to accomplish.  With
> a simple dipole type antenna perhaps I can do better than this Huster
> mobile mount does.   I plan to review the results from this year and
> explore where to operate here Southwest Illinois.
> 73, Carl- K9ZA
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From deuce2005 at gmail.com  Tue Oct 21 22:44:29 2025
From: deuce2005 at gmail.com (Michael Dickerson)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:44:29 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Activity Encouragement ILQP
In-Reply-To: <CAD7-r-jAq24-3vrvYgjOxTcPC+b5_x+1Gcy39tzU=OHVky3aHA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAKO+O0KuQ5j9r-a3+RYzNAA5mrgtzcypV1+CDxkSbq5b0wufew@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAD7-r-jAq24-3vrvYgjOxTcPC+b5_x+1Gcy39tzU=OHVky3aHA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAN8Y+dv24f4NE1JKmT_VWHCaQ4CdA0WmD+ELqJ_T1TjD9EPVtg@mail.gmail.com>

I had intended to do a small video or two for YouTube to try and promote
and failed.     And even Sunday I struggled to get up and barely was able
to get a couple contacts but my issue is my antenna is strung N to S.

Mike
KC9PHK

On Tue, Oct 21, 2025, 20:16 James Funk <n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com> wrote:

> Carl, your comments deserve some thoughtful feedback which I will attempt
> to do in detail in a day or two. Right now I'm responding to submitted logs
> and on the road so it will have to wait.
>
> 294 logs so far.  Keep them coming!  If you don't get an acknowledgement in
> 24 hours, send again.  I've responded to all of those I've received so far
> except for 3 I just found in SPAM....
>
> 73, Jim N9JF
>
> On Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 7:59?PM Carl Buehler <cbuehlercbuehler at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > I was QRT the past two years.  Here are my observations from Portable
> > operations.
> > 1) First timers need to adjust their expectations. It can be hard to
> find a
> > county line that is safe, accessible, out in the clear, and close to
> trees
> > for antenna support. Compromised antennas make operating difficult
> > especially with generator noise, passing vehicles, neighbor visits,
> public
> > visitors, and an occasional local law enforcement officer.  You
> inevitably
> > get a 'run' going only to have an interruption, then work at getting
> things
> > going again.
> > 2) Each of my outings involved advanced planning with the attempt to
> > activate dormant counties.  It is such a downer to go into it
> anticipating
> > some pile ups only to hear a home station operating from the county(ies)
> > you are in. Perhaps all stations that operated the year before could be
> > contacted with the request to express their intent to operate?
> > 3) You can struggle for a while before someone spots you. It would be
> nice
> > to have the ability to self-spot when we begin operating from a new
> > location.  This may increase activity for the portables and home
> stations.
> > 4) I appreciate the "wet county line" limitation and strongly believe
> > everyone should play by the rules. Sometimes a three county operation
> > including a "rare one" can be prevented by a rather small flow of water.
> > Apparently this is a County Hunters requirement, but relaxing this would
> > help portables attract more attention.
> > 5)  Let's not even think about the technology of running a laptop logger
> > with internet accessed through a cell phone hot spot!  Not a strong point
> > of mine!  No suggestion here as to what the group can do to help.
> > So there it is.  Hats off to all of you that have this portable
> > operating downpat.  I really respect what you are able to accomplish.
> With
> > a simple dipole type antenna perhaps I can do better than this Huster
> > mobile mount does.   I plan to review the results from this year and
> > explore where to operate here Southwest Illinois.
> > 73, Carl- K9ZA
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > ILQSO mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Tue Oct 21 22:46:57 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:46:57 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Activity Encouragement ILQP
In-Reply-To: <CAD7-r-jAq24-3vrvYgjOxTcPC+b5_x+1Gcy39tzU=OHVky3aHA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAD7-r-jAq24-3vrvYgjOxTcPC+b5_x+1Gcy39tzU=OHVky3aHA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <840ECDC9-074E-4FC4-8976-C1651A5D3F63@gmail.com>

Hi Carl,

My thoughts?

1) Doesn?t need to be a county line. One can activate a county not claimed. I am thinking of doing this or a mobile next year.

The resources are there to see which counties need attention over the years, and, which counties had home stations on the air. Some-most of these silent counties have little to no active ILQP guys, and, if one does get on, it will likely be a small scale short time effort. There will still be pileups-from home here, I averaged a 93/hr rate this year with a high hour of 145.  

I would plan on looking at 3 different counties in case one falls thru. Thats my plan at least assuming I will do a portable?AND will look at POTA sites to attract that group.

2) See above. Look at the last couple years and contact them.

3) Self spotting is allowed, and found it very beneficial this year. 

4) Again, don?t need to be a county line op. Just a portable. Monroe, Washington and Clinton were silent this year. At least I didn?t hear any or see any spots. That would have been a fun place to go.

5) Connecting a laptop to a cell phone hotspot is simple. I can help with that. At worst, use your phone for self spotting. 

We should meet on 5?s some morning with Bretz and talk about this. 

Great thoughts, Carl. Good food for thought. 

73 Chuck KI9A
Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 21, 2025, at 8:16?PM, James Funk <n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> ?Carl, your comments deserve some thoughtful feedback which I will attempt
> to do in detail in a day or two. Right now I'm responding to submitted logs
> and on the road so it will have to wait.
> 
> 294 logs so far.  Keep them coming!  If you don't get an acknowledgement in
> 24 hours, send again.  I've responded to all of those I've received so far
> except for 3 I just found in SPAM....
> 
> 73, Jim N9JF
> 
>> On Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 7:59?PM Carl Buehler <cbuehlercbuehler at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I was QRT the past two years.  Here are my observations from Portable
>> operations.
>> 1) First timers need to adjust their expectations. It can be hard to find a
>> county line that is safe, accessible, out in the clear, and close to trees
>> for antenna support. Compromised antennas make operating difficult
>> especially with generator noise, passing vehicles, neighbor visits, public
>> visitors, and an occasional local law enforcement officer.  You inevitably
>> get a 'run' going only to have an interruption, then work at getting things
>> going again.
>> 2) Each of my outings involved advanced planning with the attempt to
>> activate dormant counties.  It is such a downer to go into it anticipating
>> some pile ups only to hear a home station operating from the county(ies)
>> you are in. Perhaps all stations that operated the year before could be
>> contacted with the request to express their intent to operate?
>> 3) You can struggle for a while before someone spots you. It would be nice
>> to have the ability to self-spot when we begin operating from a new
>> location.  This may increase activity for the portables and home stations.
>> 4) I appreciate the "wet county line" limitation and strongly believe
>> everyone should play by the rules. Sometimes a three county operation
>> including a "rare one" can be prevented by a rather small flow of water.
>> Apparently this is a County Hunters requirement, but relaxing this would
>> help portables attract more attention.
>> 5)  Let's not even think about the technology of running a laptop logger
>> with internet accessed through a cell phone hot spot!  Not a strong point
>> of mine!  No suggestion here as to what the group can do to help.
>> So there it is.  Hats off to all of you that have this portable
>> operating downpat.  I really respect what you are able to accomplish.  With
>> a simple dipole type antenna perhaps I can do better than this Huster
>> mobile mount does.   I plan to review the results from this year and
>> explore where to operate here Southwest Illinois.
>> 73, Carl- K9ZA
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> ILQSO mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> ILQSO mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ilqso
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:ILQSO at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From chuckschneebeli at gmail.com  Tue Oct 21 22:52:21 2025
From: chuckschneebeli at gmail.com (Chuck Schneebeli)
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:52:21 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] Spots
Message-ID: <CAGnTC1fS99ksSJjkBuM5z-_b1OJNVcAJ_obHgRzF3_rA4sebZQ@mail.gmail.com>

I found this a great and way better site than the old W6RK site. Had both
going...

ILQP Spots - QSO Party Hub <http://qsopartyhub.com/ilqp-spots.php>

73 Chuck KI9A

From n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com  Mon Oct 27 16:31:13 2025
From: n9jfcountyhunter at gmail.com (James Funk)
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:31:13 -0500
Subject: [ILQSO] logs received
Message-ID: <CAD7-r-hM=VQb7A=ZegRJmHeVY17ZNpwm0dJzWWOEFVA17x5izA@mail.gmail.com>

Total of 350 logs received so far.  The list has been sent to the webmaster
for posting.  All logs received have been acknowledged.  If you sent one
and didn't hear anything, please resend.
73, Jim N9JF

