[NLRS] UHF Test *newbie*

[Bruce Richardson]

Well, I remember my first couple of UHF contests. I was 432
only. Basically this is a tough or challenging contest.
Antennas are VERY pointy and activity is much lower than VHF
contests.  Based on your 3 Q's, you may be so frustrated
that you never participate again. I hope not.

I had more fun (still 432 only) when I went portable to a
hill-top for an entire contest. I worked further and
collected maybe 30 or 40 contacts.

I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that even
though it's a difficult and challenging contest to
undertake, those of us who love VHF/UHF and studying the
propagation on those bands love an opportunity to conquer a
challenge and learn yet more about propagation.

Make no bones about it--UHF contest is a tough contest.
But each year you try it, your fun and knowledge should
increase.  Trust me, the recent efforts at promotion have
really helped activity levels in this contest. It used to be
worse :-) .

The others comments about CQ'ing and spinning the rotor
seemed to be right on.

I CQ'd in the middle of the night right on the 222 calling
frequency while driving northward on I-39 thorugh the middle
of Wisconsin. I CQ'd for over an hour (to keep myself
awake). I did not get even a nibble off the sides.  This
shows two things. One, noone is on in the middle of the
night. And two, these antennas are VERY pointy.  No spillage
off the side like we get on 2m.

I hope you'll get on for future UHF contests.
73
Bruce Richardson W9FZ/R