[NLRS] 10 GHz Contest participation is alive and well in the upper Midwest!

[Jim Froemke]

At a time when many of the established VHF+ weak-signal organizations are
struggling we've been asked: "How do they (upper Midwest) retain their
relatively high levels of participation and competitiveness year after
year?"  

Those of us who have had an opportunity to experience VHF through 10 GHz
activity in other areas of the county realize that there's something special
happening "up North"!

I'm not sure that there's a simple answer to their question but, it
certainly has something to do with:

-          Strong, regional organizations (NLRS, Badger Contesters and
Chippewa Valley VHF Contesters)

-          Advocates that continue to initiate activities

-          Dedication of members to support and participate 

-          Willingness to help others 

 

These may seem trivial but, together they can make a big difference!

Here's a brief pitch that tries to state the obvious:
<https://app.box.com/s/w2vzit9gt3i3yzfb3a0h>
https://app.box.com/s/w2vzit9gt3i3yzfb3a0h

 

Some folks will continue to ask how this view stacks up to their perception
of whether the glass is half-full or half-empty? There's no doubt that the
weather, propagation, participation, timing and number of rovers could be
better during any given event. Yet we're the envy of many other areas of the
country when compared to their challenges. So, when Chicken Little says:
"The sky is falling" should we run for cover or roast the chicken for
dinner? Remember that:  "Activity breeds Activity"

 

The recent weekends of 10 GHz operations was yet another example of
cooperative effort. By spending many hours/days roving in the field and/or
operating from Buck Hill and other fixed locations you helped make a
difference. Not everyone can be available for 4 days but, many made the
extra effort to maximize their support for this activity. 

 

Similarly, the recent Sept. VHF contest was relatively active "up North"
when compared to other areas of the country.
<http://tinyurl.com/septvhf2014> http://tinyurl.com/septvhf2014

 

Most everyone knows that we're losing W0JT as he's QSYing to STX. John has
been a very strong supporter of and participant in NLRS events. His
dedication to weak signal activities will be missed. NLRS's loss will be
RMG's gain as John has already been supporting and participating in the
Roadrunner Microwave Group. Listen for his 6 meter, big-gun from a hill
country radio ranch in the near future.

 

So, keep up the good work and I hope to join you in the spring for more
activity "up North". 

 

73, Jim

K0MHC

 

***************************

From: 10ghzcontest-bounces at www.chris.org
[mailto:10ghzcontest-bounces at www.chris.org] On Behalf Of NLRS Regional 10GHz
Contest mavens
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2014 1:38 PM
To: 10ghzcontest at chris.org
Subject: [10GHzContest] 10 GHz 2nd weekend - Last planned update

 

Changes since last update:  

  *  Added N0KP (EN34ir)

  *  Updated forecast (AGAIN !)  Note the significant change upward in rain
chances for Saturday PM.

First Q's are at 8:00 am both days.  

Unless I hear otherwise, this will be the last update.  Drive safe, have
fun.

 

Weather Forecast For EN34ir: . 

Tonight:   Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11pm. Mostly
cloudy, with a low around 63. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of
precipitation is 30%.

Saturday:   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. New
rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts
possible in thunderstorms. 

Saturday Night:   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before
7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. 

Sunday:   Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. 

 

Buck Hill (EN34ir): 

    N0KP

    K0MHC

    WB0TEM (?)

    W0JT

    WA2VOI (mostly working digital with Rover Pack One)

    N0EDV

    KC0P

 

Rover Pack One:  Will be concentrating on digital mode. Starting near
Grinnell, IA (@337km) and hope to go south from there 

    KC0IYT 

Rover Pack Two:   North central Iowa starting Saturday morning in EN32fg (@
274 km).  Saturdays route will be generally westward from there with the
overnight in Storm Lake, IA EN22jp (@ 278 km).  

    K0CQ

    WB0LJC 

    W0ZQ  

 

Rover Pack Three:  Saturday doing spots west of Dodgeville, WI along US 18
tracking towards Prairie Du
Chien.  Sunday we'd track north towards LaCrosse on the east side of the
Mississippi but up high enough to get occasional looks E and SE for any
Illinois action we can find. 

    KA9VVQ

    W9FZ 

 

K0AWU -  will be available both days from home, EN37ed  

 

K9PW -  will be on the west side of Lake Michigan.  Most likely starting
near Zion, IL on Saturday.  Going north from there.  Sunday, starting in
Algoma, WI (east of Green Bay) and go south.  Will have 10 & 24 GHz.  Don't
hesitate to call me on the phone.

 

W0GHZ:  I will be on from home till around 14:00 local Sat and I'm not sure
about Sunday yet.

 

K0KFC:  I will be unable to operate on Saturday, however, will operating 8
AM- 6 PM Sunday from the home QTH at EN35rj.... St Croix Falls, WI....
Please liaison.  hope to make some Q's with everyone....
  

 

73, Jon

W0ZQ