[PVRCNC] ARRL NC Section news

[mike at bentwire.net]

The ARRL is a favorite target for many, and often not without cause. 
However, the new edition of the NC Section newsletter just dropped in 
my inbox, and the following appeared at the end of the newsletter. As 
members of THE PREMIER CONTESTING CLUB in NC ;-) we should be happy to 
see such kind words coming from the League officialdom. I'm not sure 
how many NC ARRL members receive the newsletter or what percentage 
bother reading it (I usually skim it at best), but we'd be hard 
pressed to ask for better PR.

73, Mike N4GU



from the NC Section Newsletter, October 2010

LAST WORD: CONTESTING FOR THE REST OF US. Contesters are a special
breed, and a breed we should look up to. The biggest contests of the
year in terms of activity are coming up: the 'November Sweepstakes'. 
The CW portion is November 6-8, and the Phone version is November 20-
22. When you hear a seasoned contester in action, you are hearing the 
essence of Amateur Radio. Cool, concise, efficient and meticulous are 
adjectives which describe them. Contesters are many times the ones we 
admire when we wish we could become better operators.

Like anything in life, contesters have worked hard to achieve their
success. What's more interesting is that in more casual day-to-day
operating, contesters still stand out as exemplary operators. Their
habits spill over to normal operating. If you want to become a better
operator, there is no substitute for getting on the air, becoming a
better listener, and trying a contest or two. But where to begin? 
Here are some suggestions:

First, if you have expanded HF privileges as a General or Extra, 
devote an uninterrupted block of time to an upcoming contest. The 
November Sweepstakes are overwhelming, but you will hear contesting at 
its utmost. Concentration could net you some unexpected QSOs you might 
not otherwise get. If you can handle Sweepstakes, you can handle any
contest. Listen to segments an hour at a time so you won't burn out.
Soon you’ll begin to see patterns and rhythms which will help you.

Next, work your way up to the pace of Sweepstakes. State QSO parties
are a wonderful starting point. In CW, there are some 4 hour sprints
that will really help your CW skills to improve. An excellent source
for all kinds of contests, especially ones for rookies, is WA7BNM's
Contest Calendar at http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal 

Finally, in North Carolina, 46% of all Amateur Radio licensees are
Technicians. Many are seeking a migration path to motivate them to
General. With the upper bands opening up again, 10 meter contesting is
making a comeback. Techs have the grandfathered Novice CW privileges
plus HF SSB privileges 28.300-28.500 MHz. Try a 10-10 contest. More
info at http://www.ten-ten.org Also, the VHF Sweepstakes are January
22-24. Try some 6 meter or 2 meter sideband. According to the “Most
Wanted Grids” map at 
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/FFMA/Most%2520Wanted%2520Grids%25202007
pdf, North Carolina is home to three highly desired Maidenhead grids: 
FM25 and FM26 in the Outer Banks, and FM13 at Kure Beach, Fort Fisher 
and a portion of Bald Head Island. Have your club sponsor a DXpedition 
in a rare grid or close to home, and open up the world of contesting 
to Technician licensees.

Getting on the air is the best prescription to becoming a better
operator. Happy Halloween to all, and be safe. C U DN THE LOG.

73 de Bill
Bill Morine, N2COP
ARRL North Carolina Section Manager