[WIham] Hello de KC9BQA -- VHF/UHF enthusiast

[Todd Sprinkmann]

    Good day, 

    I'm Todd, KC9BQA from southern Sheboygan County. 
    Want to say hello and let the list know that I will periodically be 
posting updates about VHF/UHF activity.   My hope is that even if you 
personally have no V/U interest, you will spread the word to those who are.   
Having many well-equipped and active V/UHF stations in every corner of the 
state = better prepared ARES/RACES members. 

    While V/UHF ops are definitely a smaller segment of the hobby, there's 
never been a better time to get on board.   Many positive trends in and near 
WI -- activity has increased greatly.   If you stick with me, you'll learn 
where/when that activity is, and how to enjoy it. 

    I speak Tues. April 6th to the Yellow Thunder ARC at their monthly 
meeting in Baraboo -- 7:30pm start.   Topics covered will include how to work 
DX in the 100-300 mile range on bands like 50, 144 and 432 MHz, on a daily 
basis.   We'll cover the frequencies used, the antennas and rigs you need, 
plus show the variety of weekly nets and activity periods both in and near 
WI.   The "weak-signal" side of V/UHF has a learning curve, and what I do is 
open eyes to an aspect of the hobby that is underappreciated.   We also 
promote increased use of FM simplex on bands like 146 MHz and talk about 
weekly FM simplex nets you can hear. 

    For those with an immediate interest, here are some links for your 
enjoyment. 
    www.badgercontesters.org is Wisconsin's VHF/UHF club.   All within a 175 
mile radius of Oshkosh are eligible to join.   The BC'ers are a low-stress, 
dues-free group.   W9GA Ken and myself will be at AES's Superfest this  
Friday and Saturday, to greet interested hams.   Stop by the Badger 
Contesters table and say hello. 

    www.kc9bqa.com is my website.   I use it as a newsletter for promoting 
VHF/UHF in and near Wisconsin.   Read the news a few times each week, and 
you're all caught up with what's going on.   Of special interest are two 
active SSB nets every Wed. evening.   We regularly get 30-40 check-ins each 
Wed. across a multi-state area.   These nets are run by individuals who love 
VHF and all are welcome to listen along or say hello.  A good link for net 
details is:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=2324.   Times, frequencies, further info 
are all contained within that link. 

    www.wivuch.com is a brand new program that we're very excited about.   
This is the WI VHF/UHF County Hunters Award program.   Keep track of various 
counties you work on 50 MHz and up, toward a nice certificate.   20 counties 
is the initial level for an award, and this achievable with moderate external 
antennas and some time on the air.   There will be many fun promotions to 
raise V/UHF awareness throughout all 72 WI Counties, so stay tuned.   Wait 
until we have enhanced conditions, with this warmer weather. 

    Thanks for your time.   Any questions or comments, please email me 
directly. 

    73, 
    Todd  KC9BQA   EN63ao   40 N of Milwaukee 
    www.kc9bqa.com  For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates 
    www.wivuch.com  WI VHF/UHF County Hunters Award