[NLRS] 10G planning meeting at W9FZ's on Aug 15th

[Bruce Richardson]

Hello 10 Giggers!

The two weekends of the 10G and Up contest are approaching on Aug
20-21 and Sep 17-18.  We know there will be "players" throughout the 7
state/province region that NLRS tends to cover.

Most of all, if you have 10G equipment, we hope you'll get on in some
capacity during both weekends.  If you have interest but no equipment,
you should make yourself known so that if "loaner" rigs become
available, you will be contacted.

A group of operators intend to have fixed operations in Sisseton, SD
and a point SSE of the Twin Cities (I'll call it Vasa, MN as an
example) and then have a pack or two of rovers in South Central
Minnesota attempting to make a BUNCH of overland contacts.  What this
group decides to do by no means controls or prescribes what other
players within the region do.  But the Sisseton, Vasa, and rover
operations are complex enough to require a planning meeting to clarify
goals, plans, and procedures with the goal of maximizing fun.

You'll note that there is NOT an organized mission to Lake Superior
this year.  This is by choice.  After 4 years of doing that, it was
time to take a break.  There is interest in returning to Superior in
06 as kind of a "vacation".  This year, the general plan is to employ
the skills learned so far on all "overland" shots.

If you will not be participating in Sisseton, Vasa, or as a south
Central MN rover, please make your plans known so that efforts to make
contact can be scheduled.  I know the rovers will have time in the
evening to try some more difficult shots that they may not have had
time to try during the day of running around.

Attendance at the planning meeting is NOT mandatory if you want to
participate in the Sisseton, Vasa, or rover effort.  The meeting notes
will be published in an "ops plan".  But if you can make the planning
meeting, it will be a fun evening of strategizing and planning.

Meeting is on August 15th in the community building of W9FZ's
apartment complex.  Time is 7pm and talk-in is on 146.46. Phone my
cell 651-491-1077.   Sandwiches, snacks, and bevs will be provided.
Goal is to start at 7pm and be done by 9pm.  Arrival as early as 1830
is allowed for eating/talking.  Much pre-discussion has occurred at
coffees and breakfasts so I think this goal can hold if we move right
along.  I see us discussing the "concept of operations", contact and
logging details, weather contigencies, checklists on what to bring,
etc.  To be honest, much discussion will happen at breakfast this
coming Saturday, but not all of us can make the breakfast.

Right now, it looks like several folks who have equipment are not
planning to be on.  That's unfortunate.  We hope to encourage you to
get on the air in some capacity during the event.  If you live in the
Twin Cities and are "busy" perhaps a short drive to the Vasa area
would give you good views and high liklihood of making appreciable
numbers of contacts. Then you can knock off and head back home.

Directions to W9FZ's:

Coming from west across Mendota Bridge--bear left on to 110 on east
shore.  At second stop light (Lexington Ave) turn right (south) and
proceed 1.2 miles to 2330 Lexington Ave.  There are three brown
apartment buildings on east side of street.  Between the northerly two
buildings is a smaller one story building.  That is the community
building.  Entry door on east side.  If you get to the Mendota Hts
water tower, you've gone too far.

Coming from west or east on 494.  Exit at Pilot Knob Rd and head
north.  At first stop sign north of interchange, turn right (east) on
to Mendota Hts Rd.  (You are in an office park area)  Follow this to
to the first stop light which is Hwy 55.  Go across Hwy 55 when the
lights permit.  (There is Super America on SE corner of intersection.)
The first stop sign beyond 55 is Lexington Ave.  Turn left (north) and
go .3 mile looking for brown apartment buildings on your right (east
side).  Look for one story brown building (with pool) between two
northerly apartment buildings.  That's the community building and
entrance is on east side.

Questions? Ask.  If you have 10G equipment please use it on one or
both of the weekends!

Bruce Richardson - W9FZ

Come to CSVHFS Conference in Bloomington, MN on July 27-30, 2006!