[NLRS] UHF Contest Multi-Op Update

[N0HJZ at aol.com]

Hi All -

I wanted to give you all an update on our attempt to pull together a multi-op 
for the UHF Contest.  We've still got a ways to go on many fronts but here is 
a look at where we are at:

OPERATORS - So far the mult-op would be myself, Brent, KDEMB and John, W0JT.  
We could still use a couple more people.  Even if you want to stop by for a 
while, let me know.

SITE - I will contact the person at Buck Hill next week and see if anything 
is possible up on the hill.  If that does not work, I will talk to the Eden 
Prairie Park & Rec to see about locating at the fields near Flying Cloud Airport. 
 Soccer will be done by Aug 6-7 and so we should have minimal visitors and 
LOTS of room.  I drove up there again yesterday and the site is not "great" like 
Buck Hill but this site is "very good."

ROVERS - It looks like there are 6 rovers right now covering 23 grids.  I am 
hoping that more rovers will sign on to add some multipliers.  I think we can 
be very competitive if we can work 35 grids on 222 & 432, 30 grids on 902 & 
1296 and 15 grids on the high bands.  Who knows what is actually possible but 
I'm hoping for a few more rovers.

EQUIPMENT - John seems to have the largest amount of equipment to donate 
(thanks John!).  Here is what we have so far:

222 SSB/CW - 736 & 120 watt amp and 222-5WL.
223 FM - Nothing yet but we could run another yagi and use the other VFO on 
the 736.
432 SSB/CW - 847 & 100 watt amp and 432-9WL (or stack).
446 FM - IC471A and 24 ele yagi (need an amp for aFM).
902 - Xvtr & 33 ele (no amp yet).
1296 - Xvtr & 36 watts into 45 element loop yagi.
2304 - Xvtr & 15 watts into 76 element (this set up has not been tested).
3456 - Donated station from KF0Q?
5760 - Nothing yet
10368 - 2 watt station

We will need to discuss masting, support structures, feedlines, etc.  I would 
think that we could set up three stations.  One for 222 with its own mast, 
one for 432 with its own mast and a microwave station.  It looks like 
902/1296/2304 will use a common IF which could provide a bit of a "logjam" at times with 
all the rovers.  Getting one of those bands separated would help.

I may be available to be at the breakfast next weekend.  Would anyone else be 
available so we could sit down and go over our other items?  I'll try to pull 
together a file of everything we need and start a checklist.

Let me know if you would like to be a part of the NLRS Multi-op.

73
Rich N0HJZ