[NLRS] SBMS 2.3 GHz and Up Contest

[w0zq at aol.com]

Hello NLRS land

The sun is out, the snow is melting, and this morning a cardinal parked itself outside of my window to let me know that the sun was rising ..... can the San Bernardino Microwave Society 2 GHz And Up Contest be too far away ?   The SBMS has recently announce the rules for the 2010 contest, see http://www.ham-radio.com/sbms/club_test/club_test.pdf  .  The time and date of the contest is 6 AM Saturday, May 1 to 8 PM Sunday, May 2.  Contest bands are 2304 and up.  The contest uses distance based scoring and is a club competition only - individual scores are not recognized, only a club aggregate score.   Last year we had 17 different NLRS members contribute to our club score.  

Over the last few years the NLRS has placed first in this contest, a nice tribute to our club and to our activity level.  However, and more importantly, this is a really fun event that allows everyone who has some microwave equipment to get it out and to blow the winters dust and crude out of it.   We typically operate as a fixed/portable group, perhaps at Buck Hill, and with a rover group - when the rover group moves at least ten miles they can be worked again.  Throw in some fixed stations like KM0T, K0AWU, etc, and everyone has a great time. 

So if you own any microwave equipement, its time to block out May 1 and 2 on your calendar.  If you own a microwave transverter that is not yet built or integrated, you have until May 1 or 2 to getter done - even 10 mW into a fair antenna will net QSOs.  If you have ever thought about playing in the microwaves, come on out to our fixed site to see what all this noise is about  .... we will probably have a few 10 GHz loaner stations for anyone who may want to give it a try.

If you have an interest in playing on May 1 and/or May 2, drop a note to our SBMS contest coordinator, Gary, WB0LJC at wb0ljc at comcast.com .   

73, Jon
W0ZQ