home bbs files messages ]

Just a sample of the Echomail archive

Cooperative anarchy at its finest, still active today. Darkrealms is the Zone 1 Hub.

   LS_ARRL      Bulletins from the ARRL      3,036 messages   

[   << oldest   |   < older   |   list   |   newer >   |   newest >>   ]

   Message 1,577 of 3,036   
   mark lewis to all   
   The ARRL Contest Update for September 10   
   10 Sep 14 12:54:03   
   
   If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:   
   http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2014-09-10   
      
   The ARRL Contest Update   
      
   September 10, 2014   
   Editor: Ward Silver, NOAX   
      
   IN THIS ISSUE   
    *  Honey, I Shrunk the Waves! - ARRL Sep VHF and 10 GHz Contests   
    *  Contests Cross the Continent - SC, AR, WA QSO Parties   
    *  New Cabrillo Tag for CQ WW   
    *  Nine Makers Making   
    *  Low Band Grey Line Webinar with K9LA   
    *  New Stuff on the ARRL Contest Pages   
    *  Transmitter Noises - Who's Naughty and Nice   
    *  Antenna Interactions by K3NA Now Online   
    *  Auntie Coreen Explains Contesting - by VE9AA   
      
   NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO   
      
   Here's a brand-new contest that isn't afraid to have a little fun at the   
   same time - the Pirate QSO Party! The idea is to work the other "pirates"   
   while keeping your own stack of doubloons as high as the crow's nest. And if   
   you want a frequency - just put on a menacing scowl and tell the station to   
   "walk the plank!" Who will prevail - pirates of blood-red or ocean-blue? You   
   can acknowledge the exchange with "Arrrrgh!" of course. Thanks to San W6RRR   
   for thinking this one up and let the QRM run in the scuppers!   
      
   BULLETINS   
      
   There are no bulletins in this issue   
      
   BUSTED QSOS   
      
   No reports of bad data in the previous issue.   
      
   CONTEST SUMMARY   
      
   Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section   
      
   September 13-14   
      
    *  ARRL September VHF Contest   
    *  North American Sprint--Phone   
    *  FOC QSO Party--CW   
    *  Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW   
    *  Arkansas QSO Party   
    *  Classic Exchange--Phone   
    *  Run For the Bacon--CW (Sep 15)   
    *  NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW (Sep 18)   
      
   September 20-21   
      
    *  ARRL 10 GHz Cumulative Contest   
    *  Pirate QSO Party--Phone   
    *  Scandinavian Activity Contest--CW   
    *  South Carolina QSO Party   
    *  Feld-Hell Hell on Wheels Sprint   
    *  Washington State Salmon Run   
    *  Classic Exchange--CW   
    *  BARTG Sprint 75--Digital   
    *  144 MHz Fall VHF Sprint (Sep 22)   
      
   NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST   
      
   How do you make a small fortune? Start with a big one and get into ham radio   
   contesting! So goes the saying - obviously we don't do this for the big   
   winner's purses. Instead, certificates are a great way to enjoy our   
   successes and look good up there on the wall. Not everybody wants them,   
   though, so why should contest sponsors go to the considerable effort and   
   expense of providing undesired wallpaper? Well, for the CQ World Wide   
   Contests, they won't have to with addition of the new Cabrillo CERTIFICATE:   
   tag. A simple YES or NO value (the default is, of course, YES - GIMME THAT   
   WALLPAPER!) lets the sponsors know whether or not to generate and mail your   
   paper certificate (you'll still be able to download an electronic   
   certificate). If the new tag is not used, the assumption will be that the   
   certificate should be sent. (Thanks, Randy K5ZD)   
      
   The 2015 edition of the ARRL's January VHF Contest will fall on the fourth   
   weekend of January (24-26 January 2015), not the customary third weekend.   
   The fourth weekend was chosen to avoid conflict with NFL playoffs and the   
   Super Bowl. In 2016, things will probably return to normal. (Thanks, ARRL   
   Contest Branch Manager, Matt W1MSW)   
      
   December will feature a month-long Youngsters On The Air activity - YOTA   
   Month. Listen for European stations with YOTA suffixes, operated by hams 26   
   years of age or less. Even though North American hams won't be able to   
   change their call signs, this is a great opportunity for our student and   
   young operators to connect with their peers around the world. (Thanks, IARU   
   Region I Youth Coordinator, Lisa PA2LS)   
      
   RTTY fans - don't forget about the weekly 30-minute NS RTTY Sprint that   
   begins 45 minutes before the NS CW Sprint every Thursday evening. (0145 UTC   
   on Friday) There is plenty of time to reconfigure your station for CW and   
   make an appearance in both sprints. (Thanks, Ken K6MR)   
      
   It's never too early to upgrade your logging software, especially since   
   there are new categories for the ARRL 10 Meter and 160 Meter contests -   
   Single-Operator Unlimited. Previously, the use of spotting information   
   placed a station in the Multioperator category. The new categories took   
   effect beginning with the ARRL RTTY Roundup in January and their   
   implementation will be complete with these two December contests.   
      
   Several mobile-device-friendly call sign server applications were recently   
   discussed on the QRP-L email list. These include the Android OS app QRZDroid   
   along with the website of WM7D and the database query tools developed by   
   AE7Q. (Thanks, Joe N1KHB, Rick KD4PYR, Fred NC4FB, and others)   
      
   Space Weather News for Aug. 31, 2014 notes that aurora season is now fully   
   underway around the Arctic circle. Unlike lower latitudes, the Arctic does   
   not require a full-fledged geomagnetic storm for aurora sightings. Here's a   
   picture of what it's like to fly through an aurora!   
      
   RW4LR has developed an interesting online visualization tool for DXCC   
   entities, CQ zones, ITU zones, time zones, IOTA groups, and more. Each can   
   be turned on and off as n overlay to a world map - a very interesting   
   exercise. (Thanks, Zoli HA1AG)   
      
   While rumors abound, it's good to know that the long-time W4MPY QSL printing   
   business is still in business. Although Wayne has had health problems, his   
   daughter and grand-daughter have taken over the business and are filling   
   orders with about a 2-week turnaround. The phone number is still inactive so   
   please use the website if you want to get in touch with them. And our best   
   wishes to W4MPY, as well. (Thanks, Fred W2AAB)   
      
   From the 1958 CQ World Wide results writeup, we find the genesis of the   
   multi-multi category: "K2GL had as many as four transmitters going at the   
   same time and with the score on each band equal to the leading single band   
   stations, it's small wonder that they broke the 2 million mark. "Is it true,   
   Buzz, next year you are installing an electronic computer to keep score?" It   
   has been suggested that we re-classify the multi-operator Section. Perhaps   
   divide it into two divisions, single transmitter and multi-transmitter."   
   (Thanks, John N2NC)   
      
   Web Site of the Week - There are some really interesting efforts going on   
   out there in the DIY (do-it-yourself) community and some might find their   
   way to ham radio. The latest edition of the EDN blog "The Workbench" tips us   
   off to nine World Maker Faire New York makers we should watch in the future.   
   Who are our innovative ham radio makers?   
      
   WORD TO THE WISE   
      
   From Tim K3LR, a ham who should know about putting up towers and antennas,   
   comes this piece of advice for everyone who puts up a tower. "It doesn't   
   matter how high the tower is - PLEASE USE THE RIGHT STUFF! If anyone uses   
   the wrong tower hardware and does not have problems or does not get killed,   
   I call that "luck". Do you want to bet your life on luck? Use the EXACT   
   product that is specifically designed for tower applications. Do not take   
   short cuts! Pay attention to the tower, guy wire, and antenna manufacturer's   
   instructions. What is your life or one of your friend's lives worth? PLEASE   
   BE SAFE."   
      
   SIGHTS AND SOUNDS   
      
   The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) is hosting a new webinar   
   on September 11th at 9 PM EDT titled, "A Long Overdue Review of Gray Line   
   Propagation on the Low Bands" with Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA. Carl will trace   
   the origin of gray line propagation and show that there is a problem with   
   the current explanation that propagation along the terminator is efficient.   
   He will then provide an alternative explanation for gray line that satisfies   
   both observations and ionospheric physics." (Thanks, Ken K4ZW)   
      
   And another webinar follows a week later at 9 PM EDT on September 17th, -   
   "What is Radio Scouting and What Does it Mean to Me?" The webinar is   
   presented by Jim Wilson K5ND, chairman of the Boy Scouts of America's Radio   
   Scouting Committee, President of the K2BSA Amateur Radio Association, and   
   member of the World Scouting JOTA-JOTI Team. Tune in to this webinar to   
   learn more about Jamboree On the Air, catch up with all the amazing   
   activities within Radio Scouting, and learn what it means to you and to   
   Amateur Radio. (Thanks, Keith WAOTJT)   
      
   Slides from the talks given at the 2014 Dayton Hamvention Antenna Forum are   
   now posted under "DAYTON ANTENNA SUMMARY" at the K3LR website. Material all   
   the way back to 2004 is available thanks to K5TR, K8MNJ, and K8CX. (Thanks,   
   Tim K3LR)   
      
   This synchronous pendulum video is striking and will bowl you over as you're   
   pinned to the screen - if you can spare a minute to watch. (Thanks, Tom   
   K1KI)   
      
   Key lectures from Europe's big Friedrichshafen hamvention are now available.   
   Dokumentationsarchiv Funk, a "Documentary Archive Radio Communications" in   
   Vienna, Austria has both audio and video files from this year's convention,   
   including one in German by DK7ZB on Yagis and Quads, "The Enigma and Other   
   Famous Cipher Machines" by W1TP, and KOIR's presentation on FT5ZM, Amsterdam   
   Island.(Thanks, Daily DX)   
      
   What was the Internet like 21 years ago? It's hard to recall a time when   
   "online" usually referred to laundry and fish but this Tour Of the Internet   
   will refresh your not-so-dynamic RAM. (Thanks, Bill Saltzstein)   
      
   RESULTS AND RECORDS   
      
   ARRL Contest Branch Manager, Matt W1MSW, has been a busy boy lately, sending   
   out awards and posting long-awaited scores and reports. Here are his latest   
   accomplishments:   
      
    *  August UHF Contest Logs Received are posted - please be sure that you   
       are happy with the category to which your log was assigned.   
    *  The Contest Results have been updated with Line Scores for RTTY Roundup,   
       ARRL DX CW, and ARRL DX Phone.   
    *  PDF versions of the QST results articles are now caught up through both   
       modes of ARRL DX.   
    *  Log Checking Reports (LCRs) are now available for RTTY Roundup and both   
       modes of ARRL DX.   
    *  Searchable databases are now available for RTTY Roundup and ARRL DX   
       Phone.   
    *  Certificates have been mailed for the 2013 ARRL September VHF Contest -   
       watch your mailbox!   
      
   Section-level records for the ARRL September VHF Contest have been updated   
   through 2013 and are now up on the ARRL Contest Records web page. (Thanks,   
   Curt K9AKS)   
      
   The line scores and tables of top scores from the 2014 CQWW WPX SSB contest   
   are now available online as a downloadable PDF document. (Thanks, Terry   
   N4TZ)   
      
   The Alabama Contest Group announces the results for the 2014 Alabama QSO   
   Party are online. Information about plaques and certifications will be   
   forthcoming. (Thanks, Jim KC4HW)   
      
   CQ WW Director, Randy K5ZD, reports, "N2NC and his team of typists have   
   added two more years, 1969 and 1970, to the CQ WW Online Score database.   
   Hard to believe now, but the CQWW in 1969 only had 1,376 logs on SSB and   
   1,628 on CW. The world high winner in that year (both modes!) was Jim Neiger   
   (now N6TJ) operating as 9Y4AA." Jim N6TJ responds, "My "killer station" was   
   comprised of a Collins S-Line and a 30L-1 amplifier - never pushing the four   
   811A's past 600 watts out. Antennas were a Hygain TH6 tribander, Hygain   
   14AVQ vertical for 40, andinverted V for 80. No 160. Of course, no computer.   
   No memory keyer. Paper and pencil, with eraser. As I seem to recall, I did   
   48 hours straight, both modes, having just moved from ZD8Z three months   
   earlier, where 48-straight was a must. Oh to be young(er) again."   
      
   Steve N8BJQ will be doing the writeup for the 2014 CQ VHF contest in the   
   next few weeks. If you would like to contribute a short piece on your   
   operation (fixed/portable/rover) and/or some pictures they would be most   
   welcome. Microsoft Word or a text file are fine - pictures should be   
   high-res JPEG or TIFF.   
      
   OPERATING TIP   
      
   In a RTTY contest, to help get your call and exchange through noise and QRM,   
   including a space at the end of your exchange or call helps keep the FSK   
   decoder from appending an extraneous letter at the end due to interference.   
   Also make sure that your audio levels for AFSK are properly adjusted.   
   (Thanks, Mark N2QT)   
      
   TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION   
      
   Jim K9YC has generated another interesting publication, this time on the   
   noise emissions from transmitters, both close to the carrier (such as during   
   CW operation) and over a wide bandwidth. The analysis and graphs are based   
   on data measured by the ARRL Lab as part of their product review evaluations   
   and published in QST. A companion presentation by Bob K6XX is also   
   available, showing how to configure and operate so as to produce a cleaner   
   signal. With receivers so good they can hear a pin drop at the antipodes,   
   it's now time to start working on cleaning up our transmitted signals so   
   they don't cover up those weak signals or clobber the station on the next   
   channel (or band!).   
      
   VE7BQH has just released an updated spreadsheet comparing the gain,   
   bandwidth and showing proper stacking distances for various popular VHF+   
   antennas. (Thanks, Lance W7GJ)   
      
   Pulleys or blocks used to support wire antennas must be chosen to support   
   the halyard holding the antenna without abrading it. Rick N6RK recommends   
   the Harken blocks that are available from many sources, including marine   
   supply stores, McMaster-Carr, and so forth. Whatever you do use, Frank W3LPL   
   notes that using large diameter pulleys is important to keep from bending   
   the rope around a small radius, which creates wear.   
      
   More from K9YC as Jim discusses avoiding hum and buzz without transformers   
   and setting computer audio playback levels. His advice applies to both SSB   
   and digital modes, with the additional observation that inexpensive USB   
   sound cards work better than internal computer sound card ICs.   
      
   An new product appeared in a recent Linear Technology article - a mixer   
   designed for good strong-signal performance at VHF+. This might be   
   particularly useful in receivers intended for use in multi-band fixed and   
   mobile stations.   
      
   Joe W4TV adds more explanation to the discussion of F-keys configured for   
   multi-media or system control. "The user can generally configure the   
   start-up behavior of function keys using vendor-specific applications or   
   disable the "alternate" functions altogether using the software. In some   
   cases, disabling the automatic loading of the drivers will restore normal   
   operating system use of the F-keys... Generally, the on-line documentation   
   and/or the OEM 'management software' will provide the necessary information   
   if one is willing to take the time and look for it."   
      
   One more note from the prolific K9YC as Jim observes that most vehicle power   
   systems are not set up to minimize the area formed by a radio's power supply   
   wiring. If the current return (negative) lead is not kept with the supply   
   (positive) lead all the way to and from the battery, those paths form   
   large-area loops that are ideal for common-mode coupling! This is a recipe   
   for noise pickup and RFI! When possible use heavy twisted-pair or zip cord   
   to connect your radio directly to the battery (or a power tap with both   
   positive and negative terminals), fusing both leads.   
      
   With the summer sporadic E season behind us, paying attention to beacons   
   takes on even more importance to capitalize on tropo and other fall and   
   winter VHF+ modes. WA8RJF's "The Magic Band(s)" column in the July issue of   
   CQ alerts us to W2DSN's Beacon Spot US website for beacon data at VHF, UHF,   
   and microwaves.   
      
   Technical Web Site of the Week - The six-part "Antenna Interactions" series   
   of National Contest Journal articles by K3NA are now available in the Bonus   
   Content area of the NCJ website. Search for the phrase "Antenna   
   Interactions" and you will find all six parts of the article. (Thanks, Kirk   
   K4RO)   
      
   CONVERSATION   
      
   Auntie Coreen Explains Contesting   
      
   How does ham radio contesting look from just outside the shack door? Let's   
   listen in as a couple of VE9AA's family members, Auntie Coreen and her   
   nephew, discuss our favorite hobby. Maybe this will help you explain a   
   little of what you do, as well. Thanks to Mike for sharing this extended   
   dialogue with the Contest Update! 73, Ward NOAX   
      
   NEPHEW: (Two little puppydog eyes look waaaay up) Auntie Coreen, Can I ask   
   you a question?   
      
   AUNT COREEN: Yes little nephew, what is it hon?   
      
   Does Uncle Mike not like me anymore? (a tear in the little boy's eye)   
      
   That's silly, he loves you dear. (she smiles)   
      
   How come Auntie, when I come over on weekends, he's always in his shop?   
      
   That's because he's contesting. (she says in a low voice)   
      
   Contesting? What's that?   
      
   It's a radio contest nephew.   
      
   You mean like when you are the 10th caller and you win a burger and fries   
   from that DJ on 105.3 The Fox FM radio?   
      
   No, not that kind of contest.   
      
   What kind then?   
      
   Well, it's a HAM radio contest.   
      
   Ham? Like what we have at Easter with pineapples?   
      
   No, Amateur Radio Ham, that kind.   
      
   Amateur radio. Hmmm. Is that why Uncle Mike has all those antennas on his   
   red car and all those wires in the fir trees?   
      
   Yes hon, he's a ham radio guy, but mostly just on weekends.   
      
   He seems so normal during the week Auntie. Is he OK? Like why does he do   
   these contests Auntie? Can he win prizes or sumfin'? (bewildered look on the   
   little boy's face)   
      
   Sometimes dear, sometimes. (kinda tips head; not knowing what to say)   
      
   What has he won?   
      
   Oh, a bunch of wallpaper and a few plaques I guess. He got rice from one   
   contest in the Midwest and we enjoyed maple syrup from Nova Scotia this   
   year. If we open the door and are very quiet we can peek in on him doing his   
   work and have a look at his wall. (creeeeeeak...shack door opens   
   slowwwwly...(yelling) CQ CONTEST Victor Echo Nine Alpha Alpha, contest...)   
      
   Who is he talking to Auntie and where is this wallpaper?   
      
   Probably someone far away dear. His wallpaper is those certificates that   
   come in the mail now and then. See them on the wall there next to our   
   pictures? ((yelling) You're 5-9 November Bravo...)   
      
   Who's November Bravo Auntie Coreen?   
      
   It's us.   
      
   Us?   
      
   Yes, November Bravo means New Brunswick.   
      
   Huh?   
      
   It's phonetics. Each letter has its own word and hams use it to express what   
   they are spelling like you do in grade one. Spelling is always important.   
      
   I don't hear anyone talking to him.   
      
   That's because he has his headphones on.   
      
   Oh. Does he use them to hear far away people better?   
      
   Yes, and so the noise doesn't bother us also.   
      
   Noise?   
      
   (Uncle Mike takes off his headphones and a roar ensues...Delta Lima Italy   
   Kilo One Papa Alpha Zulu Zulu Tango Mike Four crackle/squeal...)   
      
   WOW Auntie, that IS loud. Please ask him to put his headphones back on.   
      
   We won't have to dear, he was just seeing if we wanted anything. (She   
   motions to Mike that everything's ok and to go back to his contest work.   
   Mike looks over the top of his spectacles and goes back to work, huffing and   
   puffing, cheeks rosy as ever.)   
      
   I heard a lot of loud voices Auntie.   
      
   Yes dear. A lot of people want New Brunswick.   
      
   Is that November Bravo?   
      
   Yes dear.   
      
   Why do they want it?   
      
   I guess it's rare.   
      
   Rare like those red steaks he puts on the BBQ in the summer?   
      
   No dear. There aren't many contesting hams way up here in the snowy Arctic   
   regions of NB.   
      
   Oh....??. (little nephew looks down, looking scared) Do they want to take   
   November Bravo away?   
      
   No dear, they want to work your Uncle Mike.   
      
   Work him? Doesn't he already have a job making toys all year long?   
      
   Yes, but they want to make contact with him and put him in their log for   
   points.   
      
   Auntie, I really don't know what you are talking about now. There are so   
   many words that have other meanings. (head spinning)   
      
   They exchange numbers and letters and each person makes a note in their   
   computer program that they talked to the other and at the end, a board adds   
   up the points.   
      
   Board? Is that how they make the log?   
      
   No silly. I mean a group of trusted organizers add up everyone's points and   
   determines who wins.   
      
   Who DOES win Auntie?   
      
   Many people, dear. People do it mostly for fun and there are many classes.   
      
   I have classes at my school, Jingle Bell Elementary! I have Math and Reading   
   and even Spelling. I could write some notes and give them to Uncle Mike and   
   help him out!!!   
      
   Well, he has to talk to you on the radio to make it count, but if you smile   
   at Uncle Mike, I am sure he'll see you, even if he's yelling at someone.   
      
   Why is he yelling? Is he mad?   
      
   No, he's not mad. It's just that there are lots of people from all over the   
   world on the radio all talking at once.....like when I took you Christmas   
   shopping during that big sale at the mall last week. Remember that big   
   crowd?   
      
   Do I ever! You lost me and I cried. I yelled and you yelled and we found   
   each other.   
      
   Well, its kinda like that nephew, but with points for getting back together.   
      
   Will Uncle Mike always do this? I never see him anymore on the weekends.   
      
   No dear, he's promised to retire at midnight on New Year's Eve.   
      
   Retire? Like Grampy did?   
      
   Yes, put up his microphone and keyer up for most of the year and take it   
   easy.   
      
   Easy - Uncle Mike? But he's always tinkering with something....and what's a   
   keyer?   
      
   Well, a keyer is what makes those beeping noises you hear other times when   
   he unplugs his headphones. I think this weekend it's a multimode contest.   
      
   Mode...Grampy has his pie a la mode, I know that. Is that the mode?   
      
   No, mode is like either talking or Morse Code rat-tat-tat (beeping) that   
   kinda mode.   
      
   Oh I heard that last weekend. Sounded like angry bees. Kinda scared me.   
      
   Yes, Uncle Mike deciphers those beeps and makes sense out of it in the same   
   way he does of all that yelling. (Mike unplugs headphones _ ./..../.._ _ _   
   /_/ ...../_ ./_./ _ ./_. . .)   
      
   Are those beeps what causes the Christmas lights to flash out by his antenna   
   above the shed?   
      
   When he's on 10 meters, yes.   
      
   10 meters? You means those dials on his radio and other boxes. I counted ten   
   of them.   
      
   Well, sort of, it's when he puts on his amplifier, those lights really   
   twinkle! He works very hard to get his signal to all the boys and girls, all   
   over the globe. Sometimes in just one night!   
      
   Wow Auntie, I am glad he's going to retire. He seems so stressed.   
      
   He is dear, but I guess it's fun for him in his own way. After the contests   
   he reads all the letters and reports and nods his head and laughs until his   
   belly shakes and really looks forward to reading all the stories everyone   
   writes. The guy who made a million points or even 100 points, they are all   
   special to him.   
      
   (eyes get wide) A MILLION POINTS!   
      
   Yes and also, he's been pushing it real hard all year for ANS points dear,   
   but after Jan 1st, he's only going to do it for WRTC points.   
      
   What are ANS points?   
      
   Hand me your smart phone nephew. (Nephew hands phone to Auntie gently.   
   Auntie brings up www.maritimecontestclub.com and then looks up the links for   
   maritimecontestclub.com/themccansaward.html) See these pages?   
      
   Oh, I see. (looks around not really getting it.)   
      
   He gets a certain amount of points for every contest and then another guy   
   adds them all up for all the Maritimers, so they can have a friendly   
   competition between one another and increase activity for our area here in   
   the North. (deer walk across the yard, just outside the window)   
      
   Wow Auntie, that seems like a lot of work for just one plaque.   
      
   It is dear.   
      
   Why does he do it?   
      
   No one knows for sure.   
      
   Can't he just cut a board on his table saw? I saw him make you a bird house   
   one time. He made me a toy soldier. And those feeders for the deer out back.   
   His workshop is full of wood.   
      
   Yes, but it's a challenge nephew. I guess maybe that's why he does it.   
      
   So, after this ANS thing, there is a WRTC thing?   
      
   Yes.   
      
   What's that?   
      
   It's kinda like the Radio Olympics.   
      
   Olympics! I know what they are Auntie. I watched them on TV. I like the   
   runners. They're fast.   
      
   Well, it's like that, but only for radio hams. They are all in a race.   
      
   And he has to be on again every weekend for another year?   
      
   No, only 5 or 10 contests a year for about 2« years.   
      
   And he'll win a torch or a gold medal or a million points?   
      
   Probably not dear. He just wants to see if he can get his call sign VE9AA to   
   climb up the standings a few more notches , only just for fun.   
      
   How many contests has he done this year?   
      
   Around 125.   
      
   125!!! WOW - Are there that many weekends in a year Auntie Coreen?   
      
   No hon, but often he does more than one a weekend. Sometimes he uses packet   
   to assist him, like having many little helpers to get the work done.   
      
   WOW, Uncle Mike is crazy.   
      
   Uh-huh (she nods her head).   
      
   Is that why he drinks six cups of coffee even before coffee break in the   
   mornings?   
      
   Yes, well, he needs the caffeine to keep up with the other runners. He's not   
   as young as he used to be you know. With a big belly and a greying beard and   
   that red shirt, he's showing his age during this festive season.   
      
   And does he know any of these other runner guys?   
      
   Some of them. He talks to people on the radio and gets letters and emails   
   from all over the world dear. Many are his friends, but some are naughty and   
   he's not friendly with them much because they have nasty signals and they're   
   rude. Today on his lunch break I made him some cookies and milk and he told   
   me that special friends from India and Guam called him and the excitement on   
   his face was like you are on Christmas morning little one.   
      
   Where else has he talked to?   
      
   Well, all over the world really. USA, Canada, many places in Europe like the   
   Netherlands we visited a couple years ago, remember that place?   
      
   Oh yes, I loved Holland! So many tulips, windmills, chocolate , wooden   
   shoes, and cheese....You're from there right? Is that why Sinter Klaas   
   brought us chocolate for our shoes the other night?   
      
   Yes dear. The Dutch people were very nice to us. Maybe if Uncle Mike gets   
   off the radio a bit we can save up and go back someday and see them again.   
      
   What other places has he talked to?   
      
   All kinds of places hon. I am sure Uncle Mike will tell us tomorrow where   
   else his signal has landed last night. I hear him saying "Arigato" now, so I   
   think he just talked to Japan. He likes to be friendly with everyone.   
      
   And they understood him Auntie!! He can speak Japanese. Cool.   
      
   We better shut the shop door, Uncle Mike can't hear the weak signals now as   
   it's getting dark. He knows a few words and is just being friendly to all   
   the boys and girls on the radio.   
      
   How many more contests does he have left this year?   
      
   Only a few. One of the last this year is the RAC Winter contest, which is   
   his time to say Hello, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and thank all his   
   radio friends for all the points they exchanged all year long. He enjoys the   
   BIG contests and the QSO Parties too. After that is the big Stew.   
      
   Parties with Stew? Like Uncle Mike makes with the leftover turkey bones on   
   Boxing Day?   
      
   No dear, the Stew Perry. It's a Top Band contest.   
      
   Top...uhh..band? Is that a holiday music contest Auntie?   
      
   No, it's a special band very low on the dial and in this one where they   
   award points based on distance talked.   
      
   Like when I throw a snowball farther than little Elfy next door and I win?   
      
   Sort of.   
      
   Uncle Mike really loves all this contesting stuff eh?   
      
   Yes dear, but it's been a hard year on him. So much to do at work and he   
   misses spending weekend time with his family at home. He's spent all year   
   building up these points in his workshop only to have them all go away on   
   New Year's Eve. That's why he's said he's going to do less contests from now   
   on and take some time off over the holidays to be with all of us like most   
   other families are doing around this time of year.   
      
   He really loves us Auntie, huh? (sniffles)   
      
   Yes dear. I bet all hams love their families. (she gleams)   
      
   73 de Mike Coreen, VE9AA   
      
   CONTESTS   
      
   September 10-23   
      
   An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral in PDF format is   
   available. Check the sponsor's Web site for information on operating time   
   restrictions and other instructions.   
      
   HF CONTESTS   
      
   North American Sprint--Phone, from Sep 14, 0000Z to Sep 14, 0359Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 3.5-14. Exchange: Call signs, serial, name, and state. Logs due: 7   
   days. Rules   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   Worked All Europe DX Contest--Phone, from Sep 13, 0000Z to Sep 14, 2400Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RS and serial. Logs due: 2 weeks. Rules   
      
   FOC QSO Party--CW, from Sep 13, 0000Z to Sep 13, 2359Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28.   
   Exchange: RST, name, FOC nr if member. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW, from Sep 13, 1200Z to Sep 14, 2359Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, member nr if member. Logs   
   due: 5 days. Rules   
      
   Arkansas QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 13, 1400Z to Sep 14, 0200Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 3.5-28, 144, CW--40 kHz above band edge; Phone--3.85, 7.18,   
   14.28, 21.38, 28.38, 146.55; PSK31--3.58, 7.08, 14.07015, 21.08, 28.08 MHz.   
   Exchange: RS(T), county or S/P or "DX". Logs due: Oct 10. Rules   
      
   Classic Exchange--Phone, from Sep 14, 1300Z to Sep 15, 0700Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8-28, 50,144, SSB--1.885, 3.87, 7.28, 14.27, 21.37, 28.39; AM--1.89, 3.88,   
   7.16, 7.29, 14.286, 21.42, 29.0 MHz. Exchange: Name, RS, S/P/C, type of   
   equipment. Logs due: 60 days. Rules   
      
   Run For the Bacon--CW, from Sep 15, 0100Z to Sep 15, 0300Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8-28. Monthly on 3rd Sunday night (local); CW--1.812, 3.562, 7.044, 7.104.   
   14.062, 21.062, 27.185, 28.062 MHz. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, Flying Pig nr or   
   power. Rules   
      
   NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint--CW, from Sep 18, 0030Z to Sep 18, 0230Z. Bands   
   (MHz): 3.5-14. Monthly on 2nd Tuesday or 3rd Wednesday local time   
   (alternating). Exchange: RST, S/P/C, and NAQCC mbr nr or power. Logs due: 4   
   days. Rules   
      
   Scandinavian Activity Contest--CW, from Sep 20, 1200Z to Sep 21, 1159Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 3.5-28. Exchange: RST and serial. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   South Carolina QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 20, 1400Z to Sep 21,   
   0300Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28, 50+, CW--1.815, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.045,   
   28.045, 50.095; Phone--1.865, 3,810, 7.190, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450, 50.135   
   MHz. Exchange: RS(T) and county or S/P/C. Logs due: 30 days. Rules   
      
   Feld-Hell Hell on Wheels Sprint--Digital, from Sep 20, 1600Z to Sep 20,   
   1800Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Monthly on 3rd Saturday. Exchange: RST, S/P/C,   
   Feld-Hell member nr. Logs due: 7 days. Rules   
      
   Washington State Salmon Run--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 20, 1600Z to Sep 21,   
   2400Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144, See website. Exchange: RS(T) and county   
   or S/P/C. Logs due: 2 weeks. Rules   
      
   Classic Exchange--CW, from Sep 21, 1300Z to Sep 23, 0700Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8-28, 50,144, 1.820, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.135, 28.05, 50.1, 144.1 MHz.   
   Exchange: Name, RS, S/P/C, type of equipment. Logs due: 60 days. Rules   
      
   BARTG Sprint 75--Digital, from Sep 21, 1700Z to Sep 21, 2100Z. Bands (MHz):   
   3.5-28. Exchange: Serial. Logs due: Nov 1. Rules   
      
   VHF+ CONTESTS   
      
   ARRL September VHF Contest--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 13, 1800Z to Sep 15,   
   0259Z. Bands (MHz): 50+. Exchange: 4-char grid square. Logs due: Oct 15.   
   Rules   
      
   ARRL 10 GHz Cumulative Contest--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 20, 6 AM to Sep   
   21, 12 mid. Bands (MHz): 10G+. Exchange: 6-char grid locator. Logs due: Oct   
   21. Rules   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon--CW, from Sep 13, 1200Z to Sep 14, 2359Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, member nr if member. Logs   
   due: 5 days. Rules   
      
   Arkansas QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 13, 1400Z to Sep 14, 0200Z.   
   Bands (MHz): 3.5-28, 144, CW--40 kHz above band edge; Phone--3.85, 7.18,   
   14.28, 21.38, 28.38, 146.55; PSK31--3.58, 7.08, 14.07015, 21.08, 28.08 MHz.   
   Exchange: RS(T), county or S/P or "DX". Logs due: Oct 10. Rules   
      
   Classic Exchange--Phone, from Sep 14, 1300Z to Sep 15, 0700Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8-28, 50,144, SSB--1.885, 3.87, 7.28, 14.27, 21.37, 28.39; AM--1.89, 3.88,   
   7.16, 7.29, 14.286, 21.42, 29.0 MHz. Exchange: Name, RS, S/P/C, type of   
   equipment. Logs due: 60 days. Rules   
      
   South Carolina QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 20, 1400Z to Sep 21,   
   0300Z. Bands (MHz): 3.5-28, 50+, CW--1.815, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.045,   
   28.045, 50.095; Phone--1.865, 3,810, 7.190, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450, 50.135   
   MHz. Exchange: RS(T) and county or S/P/C. Logs due: 30 days. Rules   
      
   Washington State Salmon Run--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 20, 1600Z to Sep 21,   
   2400Z. Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50,144, See website. Exchange: RS(T) and county   
   or S/P/C. Logs due: 2 weeks. Rules   
      
   Classic Exchange--CW, from Sep 21, 1300Z to Sep 23, 0700Z. Bands (MHz):   
   1.8-28, 50,144, 1.820, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.135, 28.05, 50.1, 144.1 MHz.   
   Exchange: Name, RS, S/P/C, type of equipment. Logs due: 60 days. Rules   
      
   144 MHz Fall VHF Sprint--Phone,CW,Digital, from Sep 22, 7 PM to Sep 22, 11   
   PM. Bands (MHz): 144. Exchange: 4-char grid square. Logs due: 2 weeks. Rules   
      
   LOG DUE DATES   
      
   September 10-23   
      
    *  September 12 - SARTG WW RTTY Contest   
    *  September 13 - Wake-Up! QRP Sprint   
    *  September 13 - North American Sprint, CW   
    *  September 13 - QRP Fox Hunt   
    *  September 13 - CWops Mini-CWT Test   
    *  September 14 - NCCC RTTY Sprint Ladder   
    *  Septem   

[   << oldest   |   < older   |   list   |   newer >   |   newest >>   ]


(c) 1994,  bbs@darkrealms.ca