[NLRS] Rover mania - 8 weekends to go

[jcplatt1 at mmm.com]

The June contest is now behind us and looking ahead there is FD and then
the UHF contest on August 8 & 9.     As we talked about at Aurora'04, the
NLRS is gearing up for a big UHF contest blow, "Rover Mania".   The idea is
to get all the rovers out, old or new, small or large, as well as to get
fixed stations on the air to work them.     We strongly encourage
rover-to-rover QSOs too !

For those who have not played in the UHF contest before, let me tell you
that it can be a hoot ..... the key is to get some activity going.   The
contest is only 24 hours long, from 1800 UTC Sat. (Aug 7) to 1800 UTC
Sunday (August 8) and is for 222 and up ; no six or two meters.   The
contest exchange is the normal grid square exchange.    Full rules can be
found at  http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/uhf.html

I know that several of the "big gun" local stations are going to be on
(W0GHZ, K0MHC, KM0T).   I also know that several rovers have announced
initial plans (W0ZQ/R, W0AMT/R, N0DQS/R, WA2VOI/R).   I've also heard from
KF0Q, K0CJ, K0AWU, and others stating that they are going to be on one way
or the other.

My point is that with eight weeks to go, NOW is the time to get going on
your plans for Rover Mania.    The W0ZQ/R "system" is in a MAJOR redesign
at this time ..... a new 1296 transverter is on order, the 3456 transverter
is in the debug stage (drat), the 432 station is down, and I am planning on
integrating my 1296, 2304 and 3456 onto one IF rig.    My 902 is somewhat
hardwired and doesn't make it easy for roving, so my thoughts are no 902 at
this time.   In addition, I have not yet designed the "roverrack".   My
rovermobile (planned)  spec's  are as follows:

222 - 120 watts & 3 ele yagi and/or omni.
432 - ????
1296 - 50 watt and 6' boom looper
2304 - 6 watts and 6' boom looper
3456 - 40 watts and 6' boom looper
10 GHz - 6 watts and 23" dish.

So what are others planning for Rover Mania?    Rich, N0HJZ, has
volunteered to capture everyone's plans (bands & schedule) and document
them for the group.   All plans are tentative and dependent on weather,
family issues, etc.

If you haven't tried roving before, the UHF contest is perfect for giving
it a go even if its just one or two bands.    If you are unsure about
roving, ask questions as there is a wealth of knowledge & experience on
this reflector.

Lets hear some noise on this .... the reflector has been a bit quiet lately
so lets use those donated dollars and some bandwidth.   Can we get ten or
more rovers out ?   Who's up for playing ?

73, Jon
Rover Mania "chairman"
W0ZQ