[NLRS] 2009 August UHF Contest - W0AUS - response

[Jim Froemke]

Hi Jerry. Thanks for the post.

I think you're right-on in that now days 2 meters is the starting point for
Qs during most operating events (except UHF and 10 GHz on up). Yes, while 6
meters is open one can also get good results. So, we ought to acknowledge
that stations with 2 and/or 6 meters can make a valuable contribution and
encourage them to fully participate in operating events. 70 cm still is the
starting point for most of the UHF contest Qs although more of a challenge
for contacts. Per your post, perhaps our operating protocol could better
recognize single/dual band and low power station capabilities to encourage
their participation?
 
As Jon suggested, there are many cost effective improvements that can be
made to most or our VHF+ stations. For example many folks used cheap, high
performance yagi antennas (Home Depot and Fleet Farm Specials) that
performed quite well during the recent Arecibo EME event. When scaled to 2
meters they would be of benefit to many of our NLRS stations for improved
day to day operation without breaking the bank.

73, Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Dr. Gerald N. Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2010 12:56 PM
To: nlrs at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [NLRS] 2009 August UHF Contest - W0AUS - response





On 11/1/2010 12:36 PM, Jim Froemke wrote:
>
>
> Hi Jon. Thanks for the post. There has been some erosion in the level of
> participation so we probably need to continue encouraging any and all weak
> signalers; regardless of their setup and/or previous experience. Maybe we
> need a focus on those that choose to optimize a single band versus
multiple
> bands. Sometimes I get the feeling that they are underappreciated and may
> lay back during the contests.

Lay back gets enforced lately with the rapid band changing these days. 
You can't make a score specializing in a band other than 2m. You can't 
stick to 432 or 222 and make contacts. You can find stations making 
contacts, you tail end, they're gone to another band without listening. 
20 years ago you could specialize on 432 and turn in a winning score for 
the band. I have. Now you can't make contacts on 432 without making 
contacts on 2m and making skeds for other bands. And to do well on 2m 
you need antennas 3 times larger than those for 432 that rules out some 
urban operators automatically. Without 2m the 432 station might as well 
leave the rig turned off and go fishing in the nearest drainage ditch. 
The contest score will be nearly the same. If there's a 6m opening one 
can run up a score there without 2m but if there's no opening 6m acts 
like 432 and up, no contacts without planning them on 2m first. Not 
healthy for other bands besides 2m.

73, Jerry, K0CQ
>
> You're right-on with the notion of upgrading our VHF+ stations. Perhaps
> another club purchase from DEMI, DB6NT, Directive Systems, M2, etc. may be
> in order even though the economy is still in rough shape. Low cost
> construction projects are always good for improvement and participation.
> There are many, good, low-cost DIY antenna projects that may satisfy our
> urge to improve our VHF+ stations on a budget. Some clubs chose to promote
a
> specific "band-of-the-year". Sometimes this is with specific projects,
> another beacon or group purchase.
> A far out thought might be an award for replicatable, cost/performance
VHF+
> improvement DIY projects that are documented and demonstrated at the next
> NLRS meeting. Perhaps antennas, transverters, amplifiers, etc. may be
likely
> categories for a competition?
>
> We probably can't launch an W0AUS multi-op every year but it sure acts as
a
> catalysis for major participation improvement.
>
> 73, Jim
>
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