[PPRAANet] Contests August - September 2007

[Bob K0NR (email list)]

Just a few comments on my experience with GMCC.
I primarily operate VHF contests and historically GMCC has been more HF
oriented. Of course, there are hams that do both ("any contest is a good
contest").
Gradually, the GMCC attracted more of the the VHF folks into GMCC,
mostly as a mechanism to participate in club competitions. Many of the
GMCC members (HF and VHF oriented) live in the eastern part of the
state, so the club is starting to look more like a statewide club. Last
summer, there was a GMCC picnic held at the Lockheed-Martin site in
Waterton, and a number of the western slope guys made it over for that
event.

I have found the group to be enthusiastic, fun and helpful. As other
club member talked about their HF contest activities, it caused me to
get on the air for some of those contests. The same thing has happened
for the VHF contests....we got some of the HFers to come out for the
June VHF contest.

The GMCC has a web site and operates an email list, see
http://www.qsl.net/gmcc/

73, Bob K0NR

Dick-w0raa wrote:
> Thanks, Mike.
>
> Interest is growing, slowly, in getting a contest club going here in
> the Colorado Springs area.  It would not be a club in competition with
> other established clubs, but one that would help people get started in
> contesting in all modes, as well as assisting them in getting their
> contest software operating properly and their rigs working in harmony
> with the software.
>
> Some friendly competition could also be started, such as forming teams
> to compete against other teams (and also as individuals) and maybe
> even against other clubs.
>
> We have a couple of options.  The main contesting club here in
> Colorado is the Grand Mesa Contest Club, located in Grand Junction,
> CO.  But, the GMCC also has a few Chapters that are under the umbrella
> of the GMCC.  We all know it's not possible to drive all the way to
> Grand Junction for a meeting. The one advantage is that a club/chapter
> under the wing of GMCC would have Bylaws already written, but we could
> operate as a separate club, yet still participate in any team
> competitions formed by GMCC.  Or, we could form our own separate club,
> operate much the same way as we would under the GMCC umbrella, yet not
> have any affiliation with any other club.  Of course, to be recognized
> by the ARRL as a club, we would have to meet criteria setup by the
> League.  This would not be a bad thing, although I know there are hams
> who want nothing to do with the League, per se.  Again, it's just a
> matter of opinion.
>
> I will be letting folks know when a "fact finding" meeting will be
> held and where.  Hopefully we will have a good attendance, and in time
> see the club (if it comes top pass) grow.
>
> Give it some thought and feel free to pass along any suggestions or
> thoughts you may have on such a club being formed.  Contesting is good
> for ham radio and it's also good for ham radio in the local
> community.  It's a fun activity and it offers a chance as well as a
> challenge to enhance your operating skills in the mode of your
> choice.  +Personally, my preferred mode in contesting is RTTY, CW and
> PSK.  Others prefer SSB as their main interest.  Still others prefer
> VHF/UHF contesting.  That's fine.  This is a hobby that has something
> for everybody.  The whole idea is to participate and have fun, with
> the emphasis on "fun".
>
> I'd like to hear your thoughts.
>
> 73,
>
> Dick
> W0RAA
> w0raa at comcast.net
>
>