[NLRS] Newbie Tips

[James Duffey]

Doug - You will do better with a horizontal antenna than a vertical like your J-Pole on two meters and 70 cm. You can build a simple Yagi pretty easily:

< http://www.wa5vjb.com/yagi-pdf/cheapyagi.pdf >

and the difference over the J-Pole will be amazing. Even a simple dipole will be an improvement over the J-Pole. 

In general, a good rule of thumb for VHF contesting is to be loud on two. That is where most QSOes originate. Once making contact on two, you can move stations to other bands. 

Track the rovers. They will give you lots of grids.

Be on at the beginning of the contest. That is when the most action is. 

Move people from band to band. You will be asked to move to another band after you complete a contact. If not asked to QSY, ask. In general it is good to QSY to the higher band first as the QSO points are worth more. Example, starting on two, go to 432 MHz first then 50 MHz. That way if you have problems and don’t make contact on 50 MHz, you have the higher point 432 QSO in the bag. 

Don’t hog the calling frequency. Use it if there is no other action on the band, but if you are making more than a couple of QSOes on the calling frequency, you should move off.

Check 6M often, winter sporadic E openings are short and easy to miss. 

Call CQ.

Use CW if you can’t complete a QSO on SSB.

Submit your log.

We will look for you from AZ if we get some 6M Sporadic E. Have fun!! 
- Duffey KK6MC/r


On Jan 22, 2015, at 9:11 AM, Douglas E Marsh <douglas.marsh1 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 
> 
> I'm planning my first stab at a VHF contest this weekend. Any tips for a little pistol (okay maybe squirt gun is more like it)? I'd just like to give a few points away and have some fun. I've got an Icom IF-7000 so 100W on 6m, 50W on 2m and 35W on 70cm. I've got a G5RV on 6m up about 30ft horizontally polarized and a J-pole up about 25ft vertically polarized for 2m and 70cm.
> 
> Your help is appreciated.
> 
> 73 de N8TUT Doug
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