[NLRS] KK6MC and Eclipsemania

[Richard Clem]

I'll be in Hastings, Nebraska, not for the 10 GHz contest, but for the
eclipse.  I've been following the hotel availability situation for a few weeks
now, so some of this information might be useful if you'll be there for the
contest.

As can be expected, everything within the zone of totality is booked solid
Sunday night, the night before the eclipse.  I haven't been following the
nights before that, but I did check North Platte, and it looks like there are
still rooms available there Friday night for about $65, and on Saturday night
for about $100.  I would strongly recommend making hotel reservations.  Until
just a couple of weeks ago, reasonably priced rooms were still available in
Lincoln, within the path of totality.  But the last one of those (at any
price) is now gone for Sunday night.

On Sunday night, rooms are still available in Omaha, which is about 50 miles
east of the path of totality.

Traffic will be heavy, but probably not as bad in Nebraska as in other areas. 
The worst choke points will be along major north-south highways.  For example,
from Minnesota, I would not recommend taking Interstate 35 to Missouri,
because for most of Minnesota, Iowa, and Oklahoma, this is the preferred
destination.  Similarly, Interstate 29 will have a lot of congestion, but most
of that will be quite a ways south of Omaha.

Also, if you are going to be viewing the eclipse (or even if you're staying
home), I encourage you to generate some some signals on HF, especially on CW
or digital modes, during the eclipse QSO party, which runs from 9-5 Central
Time.  This data will be analyzed for any interesting propagation caused by
the eclipse.  I doubt if I'll make very many actual QSO's, since I want to
spend most of my time watching the eclipse.  What I'll probably do is set up a
40 meter dipole, and periodically send some signals to be picked up by the
Reverse Beacon Network.  80 or 160 would probably be more interesting, but 40
seems like the best compromise between an easy antenna and possible
propagation enhancement.

I do have more information about the eclipse at my blog:

Highway traffic projections:
http://onetuberadio.com/2017/07/03/planning-for-eclipse-gridlock/

Hotel availability for Nebraska, Missourit, and eastern states:
http://onetuberadio.com/2017/06/20/eclipse-hotel-update/

Eclipse QSO party information:
http://onetuberadio.com/2017/07/12/eclipse-radio-experiments/

Also, don't forget to get eclipse viewing glasses.  They're available at Radio
City or AxMan for about $3, and also online.  If you need one pair, I can send
them for $3 plus SASE, or $4 by PayPal.  If you need more than one pair,
they'll be cheaper to order them from Amazon or other sources.

TNX & 73,
Rick W0IS