[ILQSO] ILQP thoughts, observations

[Chuck Schneebeli]

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