[NLRS] activity

[N0HJZ@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/6/2003 9:32:50 PM Greenwich Standard Time, 
kb0pyo@direcway.com writes:

<< the common comment I keep seeing is contest, contest, contest. 5 years ago
 there were usually 2 to 3 qso's going on 2 meters on any given night, now I
 hear lots of dead air unless it is a contest weekend (then I turn the radio
 off or go cruise hf). >>

Mark -

I think there are a couple of things to look at:

1) You are looking for activity.  There is a lot of activity on during the 
contests.  I know that a lot of people make sure they have their other 
activities out of the way for the "big three" contests so they can participate.  There 
is guaranteed activity and you choose to shut off the radio.  Not sure why.  
If you're looking for activity, the contests give more activity than any other 
time.

2) With the internet we have all sorts of propagation websites, reflectors.  
It makes it so easy to sit back and look at the Hepburn charts, watch the 
reflector and wait for the openings.  I think that keeps people from calling.

3) We've seen a lot of expansion within the club on the higher bands.  Our 
club has turned into a bit of a 10 GHz club.  I think the feeling is: "Why call 
on 2 meters since you've done it for years?  Try a new frontier with all the 
new challenges?"

I must say that I have changed my operating habits over the years.  I 
operated a lot on VHF and got a bit burned out.  I've done a lot of HF DXing and 
contesting over the past few years and really enjoy operating contests from the DX 
side.  I have a new QTH and plan to put up VHF/UHF beams with the HF beams.  

I hope everyone knows that the bands are only as fun as we make them.  
Remember when activity was low and we created the NLRS All-band Sprint to drum up 
some activity?  Maybe people need to create new operating events or another 
local net, etc.  Activities and excitement breed activity and fun!

73  Rich N0HJZ