[NLRS] Freqs during contests

[Bill K0AWU]

Hi ALL

   Well I have stated what I observed before. But I heard John LBT (or his 
computer) on 200 indicating his operations on .230 a lot. It did and will help 
considerable IF Rovers can pick a freq and stay with it. IT WILL spread at 
least some of the activity. I do think it was a bit better this time!

  Having observed layer after layer of stations ON 144.200 in the general area 
of "The Cities" for long periods of time and for those same periods calling & 
calling up and down 5kc,10kc,15kc,20kc to no avail, indicates that (1) I have 
worked everyone. or  (2) I'm not transmitting.(The Bird thinks so!) or (3) Many 
don't tune. or (4) ??????

   After seeing that 73% of Eric's (KT8O) contacts came from EN34,EN35 
and rovers, I have decided that I really don't need to add bands to improve the 
score. I just need to spend even MORE time chasing Rovers and trying to 
work "underground antennas" in the Twin Cities. 37% of my QSO's were from 
Rovers and EN34, EN35 contacts. Except for the Rovers, Eric and I worked 
almost the same "out of the city stations".

   With many Rovers running in "packs" when I had poor conditions to one 
Rover, I had poor condtions to almost all! I had poor condtions to the SW all 
day Saturday and most of Sunday, that was a killer. Add to that most of the  
Rover activity being 150 - 300 miles away it was a tough go.

  BIG LESSON NOW LEARNED ..... 222 and 1296 contacts and grids 
MUST come from ROVERS! For that, I was not prepared!! AND I am not sure 
how to prepare better! Except FOCUS on the rovers and work others as they 
show up!

   I know of three EN37 stations that made lots of noise Sunday night on and 
around a VERY busy 144.200 with almost no contacts. I for one did not have 
a single contact the last 45min of the contest after beautiful contacts on 
6,2,222,432,1296 with W9FZ/9 EN33!! 

QUESTIONS!!!

(1)  SInce for the majority of the points, we have to work the Twin Cities 
stations, does ANYONE have ANY ideas as to how we in rural MN,IA,WI 
can improve upon what WE are doing? 

(2)  How close to 144.200 can we rural stations be heard during a contest? 
Are we wasting our time on 144.210 or 144.190 during the contest because 
of QRM?

(3)  Will ANOTHER 3db make a difference for ME? Legal limit AND a new 
antenna??

 Bill K0AWU  EN37ed