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[CQ-Contest] Re: CQ-Contest Digest, Vol 11, Issue 73

To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Re: CQ-Contest Digest, Vol 11, Issue 73
From: Herb Schoenbohm <herbs@vitelcom.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 13:25:28 -0400
List-post: <mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
Are you suggesting is that I (KV4FZ) operate as NP2/KV4FZ in future contests to avoid confusion? I am in the Virgin Islands and KV4 at least used to be a recognized prefix for this place. Maybe we should have more demanding of the FCC to retain our identity. Believe me if Johnny Johnson, W3BE (formerly K3BNS) of the FCC's amateur Division at the time, had arbitrarily decided to make Puerto Rico, for example, KV2 there would have been a serious revolt. The Radio Club in Puerto Rico has some political clout so this just would have never happened. (Remember how they successfully lobbied the ARRL to make Desecheo a separate DXCC entity? They did so by threatening to join the IARU as a Puerto Rico member.)

I think many agree that the now infamous FCC call sign switching debacle was punitive, stupid, and unnecessary. It did not result from a request for new rules by amateur from the bottom up but rather a single career bureaucratic employee at 1919 M Street with a K3 X3 call who wanted to send a message to all the 1X2 special interest call self- assignments, some of which were ARRL bigwigs. Rather than exposing the special interest arrangements and take action against those self assigned calls, he decided to deal with the problem by painting with a broad brush and create rules that hurt all of us. This was done without a hearing, without a vote, and without due process. He ended up getting his 1X2 as the rest of hamdom enjoyed the new alphabet soup.

I promised Mr. DX Dick Spencley, KV4AA before he died, that I would never let this issue just fade away.

There is a real story here of corruption, ineptness, and bureaucratic egotism which QST will never publish. Yet through the wonders of this post and the internet you are finding out.

73

Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ


I if use just NP3D this will confuse the people who thinks that

I am


working


from Puerto Rico. I posted a message in several Bullettines tht


NP3D is


in


Zone 5 USA, not in Zone 8, PR.


Please use NP3D by itself. The latest country file will score
this as


United


States, Zone 5. Don't sign NP3D/2, that will confuse the
software and


it will


think you are in US Virgin Islands (NP2).


But, what about those who are not using CT?  What about all
the casual participants who are not using any contest logging
software?  If Andy uses simply NP3D, he's going to be called by a
slew of stateside stations who don't realize he's not in PR,
especially in light of the fact that he's planning an 80m SB
operation.  This is likely to prove highly frustrating for both
Andy and the callers.

73,

Bill/NG3K

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   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
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THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
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   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
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--
Barry Kutner, W2UP Internet: w2up@mindspring.com
Newtown, PA Frankford Radio Club



------------------------------


Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 23:27:06 -0400
From: "Felipe J. Hernandez" <felipe@isla.net>
To: "Andy Drofa" <np3d@mail.ru>, "Chuck Dietz" <w5pr@swbell.net>
Cc: cq-contest@contesting.com
Cc: Bill <Bill@ng3k.com>
Subject: Re: Re[2]: [CQ-Contest] What callsign to use in CQ WW CW2003?
Message-ID: <004e01c3b3cd$2b4ab610$9a0b32c8@isla.net>
References: <E1AOoDA-000Cb2-00.np3d-mail-ru@f21.mail.ru>
Content-Type: text/plain;
        charset="koi8-r"
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Reply-To: "Felipe J. Hernandez" <felipe@isla.net>
Message: 2

Andy,

This is all unnecessary, I guess it all started when you posted yourself in
the contest expedition page
of NG3k, it has just created unnecesary BW and efforts on a number of people
from regulators all the way to the software updaters...
Im sure other wise It wouldnt have caused much problems.. this call sign was
issued for the commonwealth
of PR and therefore causes confusion to others.
as per the actual regulations, its not even required to sign /w2 as per  the
rules.. but it just makes operating sense
as saves time.

Felipe
good luck to all in the contest


----- Original Message ----- From: "Andy Drofa" <np3d@mail.ru> To: "Chuck Dietz" <w5pr@swbell.net> Cc: <cq-contest@contesting.com>; "Bill" <Bill@ng3k.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 9:11 PM Subject: Re[2]: [CQ-Contest] What callsign to use in CQ WW CW2003?




Chuck, this is US callsign. It was issued by FCC and allowed to use from


USA.


73 Andrei NP3D

-----Original Message-----
From: "Chuck Dietz" <w5pr@swbell.net>
To: "Bill" <Bill@ng3k.com>, <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 15:44:34 -0600
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] What callsign to use in CQ WW CW 2003?



Don't the rules require your call to indicate your proper DXCC country?

Chuck W5PR
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill" <Bill@ng3k.com>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 11:48 AM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] What callsign to use in CQ WW CW 2003?




Jim Reisert AD1C wrote:



--- "Andy Drofa" <np3d@mail.ru> wrote:




My call is NP3D and I live in Bayside, NY. I am going to participate


in


coming CQ WW CW Contest. Can someone suggest me what callsign I


should


use in


the contest? I do not want to use W2/NP3D or NP3D/W2 - this is too


long


I


hope you understand me. I could use NP3D/2 but this call looks like


from


KP2?


I if use just NP3D this will confuse the people who thinks that I am


working


from Puerto Rico. I posted a message in several Bullettines tht NP3D


is


in


Zone 5 USA, not in Zone 8, PR.


Please use NP3D by itself. The latest country file will score this


as


United


States, Zone 5. Don't sign NP3D/2, that will confuse the software


and


it will


think you are in US Virgin Islands (NP2).


But, what about those who are not using CT?  What about all
the casual participants who are not using any contest logging
software?  If Andy uses simply NP3D, he's going to be called
by a slew of stateside stations who don't realize he's not in
PR, especially in light of the fact that he's planning an 80m
SB operation.  This is likely to prove highly frustrating for
both Andy and the callers.

73,

Bill/NG3K

---------------------------------------------------------------
   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
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---------------------------------------------------------------
   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
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---------------------------------------------------------------
   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest




------------------------------


Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 21:33:27 -0600
From: "Kelly Taylor" <ve4xt@mb.sympatico.ca>
To: "Mark Bailey" <kd4d@comcast.net>, <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] SS KP4 et all
Message-ID: <00ab01c3b3ce$0e1ca8e0$0100a8c0@joe>
References: <129.35d4ec41.2cf39521@aol.com>
        <009101c3b2c7$40768110$9601a8c0@Mark1>
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Message: 3

Good thing the operation of WP3R is private and not a democracy!

The problem with success is someone always tries to shoot you down.

Go get 'em Rich, and let loose the dogs of war!

Funny, what would baseball be like if we hadn't had Ruth, DiMaggio or Aaron
pushing the envelope, or hockey without Wayne and Mario, basketball without
Jordan or football without Marino, Heisman or Favre? Having someone at the
top of his game is good: look at how hard K4XS and K5TR compete, or how
VE4GV's record of success in A has helped push that class forward.

It's also very telling that K4XS and K5TR aren't blaming Rich but instead
are focusing their efforts on where it counts: themselves. And that the
people who are making the most noise admit to not finishing the contest
themselves, admit, essentially, to living in a glass house...

Anyone, with enough heart, can mount a WP3R-like operation. Heck, if you're
really creative, you won't even have to build yourself a station, fill the
generator yourself and sleep under the operating desk. If you're not willing
to do so, that's your problem and nobody else's.

73, kelly
ve4xt




----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Bailey" <kd4d@comcast.net> To: <K5NZ@aol.com>; <cq-contest@contesting.com> Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 2:10 PM Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] SS KP4 et all




Good Grief! What does a response "not in favor of KE3Q" mean, anyway?
If he wins once, he should get out of the way so someone else can win?


:-)


Really?

Rich is an excellent operator who seems to have identified a way to win
Sweepstakes.  He does this by going to KP4.  More power to him.

Heck, I've gone to various Caribbean islands to compete in WAE, myself.
Arranging to operate at a competitive station is a big part of the game,
IMHO.

73,

Mark, KD4D

----- Original Message -----
From: <K5NZ@aol.com>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 12:08 PM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] SS KP4 et all




From KE3Q Post.....

First, WA3FET told me that this popular annual subject had come up again


and


he and I agreed it was best if we stayed out of it. He did note to me


that


most of the comments were supportive of me/us,



Just for the record... the direct response I have received about the


subject


is 4 to 1 and it was not in support of KE3Q unfortunately... I will say


it


is


interesting that the ones not in favor of the yearly KP4 run don't also


post


their comments to the reflector. That's ok.. I love to stir up the


silent


majority and take the heat to boot!

I'm just interested in hearing the different views on the subject... The


only


advantage I can really see is that DX would have the effect of the


casual


op/dxer calling in to work the dx and not bother with working others in


SS.


I will make note that some of your supporters on the reflector suggested


that


you would do almost as well from W9 or anywhere else for that matter. I
think we could arrange a guest op from W5 or W9 to test this theory


whenever you


would like to prove the point and make all eat crow! Hey maybe a trade


off..


KE3Q op from K5TR for SS CW and K5TR op from WP3R for SSB ?

Bottom line, hats off to anyone who can win SS from anywhere! I can't


even


finish the damn thing! : )

Good luck in WW all...

nz
---------------------------------------------------------------
   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
CQ-Contest mailing list
CQ-Contest@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest


---------------------------------------------------------------
   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
CQ-Contest mailing list
CQ-Contest@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest



------------------------------


Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 22:57:28 -0600
From: W0UN -- John Brosnahan <shr@swtexas.net>
To: CQ-Contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Contesting Computer--RFI issue
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20031125225426.0236fdc8@pop3.swtexas.net>
In-Reply-To: <3FC40DEE.30906@twmi.rr.com>
References: <003a01c3b309$25270e60$e1377144@w7why>
<410-2200311124175057930@earthlink.net>
<003a01c3b309$25270e60$e1377144@w7why>
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RE: Computer RFI

Here is my old post and a reply from K6NA taken from
the archives from 1998.

Guess it is still applicable.

73--John W0UN

-----------------------------------------------------

COMPUTER NOISE SOLUTION

W0UN writes:
Many of the new computers are omitting the RFI filter in the
power supply that keeps the garbage from the switching mode supply
from entering the AC mains.  I have had excellent results (as have others
who have taken my suggestion) in virtually eliminating the interference
by replacing the AC connector on the back of the power supply with an
integrated AC connector and RFI filter such as the Corcom 6EF1.  The
mounting hole for the connector must be widened a few millimeters
on each side--something that can be done with a file in a minute or two.
Just make sure there is enough room behind the connector position
to clear the somewhat longer RFI filter.  In one case that I made the
modification I needed to bend a capacitor out of the way.

Some power supplies have a place on the circuit board for a filter but have
eliminated the components to save some money, and have just placed
jumpers in the positions where the components had been.  It would
be possible to make a new filter and add it to the existing location--or to
add it between the circuit board and the existing connector----but the
commercial Corcom filter is probably the best and easiest way to go.

The commercial filter has 1.0 mH coils (bifilar rated at 6 amps in series
with each side of the line.  On the computer side each side of the AC line
has 2800 pF to circuit ground.  On the AC mains side of the filter there
is a 9000 pF capacitor across the mains (not to ground).  Just make sure
that you use capacitors that are rated to be installed across the AC
mains!

The filters are available from most US electronics suppliers for around
$10 or so, but can often be found in the surplus market for $1-$2.  I used
the 3 amp version (3EF1, a little marginal) because I found some for $1.

There is also a 3EF2 and a 6EF2 that will work and may be even easier
to fit inside the power supply--their terminals come out the top/bottom
rather than the end.

If adding and AC mains RFI filter doesn't completely cure the problem then
additional RFI suppression will be needed--but in my cases (3 computers)
it eliminated the problem.

gl es 73

John W0UN

---------------------------

K6NA adds:
All the other suggestions offered may be helpful here and there, but until
you follow John's advice above, you are wasting your time chasing this kind
of noise around the shack.  He offered this advice on here about a year ago.
I've built three computers since then, and EVERY TIME his fix was the answer!

In San Diego we can buy mini-cases for as cheap as $25.00. But the switching
PS is a noisy dog, and there is no filtering.  Replacement of the a.c. input
connector with a filtered type is an easy one-hour job, start to finish and
it will probably get rid of 95% of your problem.  For the remainder you
might want to play with snap-on chokes, but after I ran coax braid from the
computer chassis to the station ground buss to get everything at the same
potential, I needed only one or two chokes to finish the job.

I also noted reduction of video noise when I powered the monitor from the
accessory a.c. socket on the back of the computer p.s., instead of just a
random socket in the station. When inside the p.s. box I also had added some
ferrites to the leads going to this output socket, as a precaution. I
recommend powering your monitor the same way.

It would be a HUGE JOB to successfully shield a monitor completely, for
example, and may not be necessary at all if you take care of business in the
computer p.s. first.

Thank you John!

73, Glenn K6NA





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------------------------------


Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 00:18:24 EST
From: K4BEV@aol.com
To: K-Zero-HB@earthlink.net, cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Contesting Computer --- Feedback
Message-ID: <ad.3692b8be.2cf591a0@aol.com>
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Message: 5

In a message dated 11/25/03 6:47:07 PM Central Standard Time, K-Zero-HB@earthlink.net writes:



Turns out to be a win-win-win situation.



Maybe not.
I have a 4 port Belkin switch which is an RFI magnet.
A manual switch may work, but then again....
Don - K4BEV
------------------------------

Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 23:33:47 -0600 (CST)
From: Zack Widup <w9sz@prairienet.org>
To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Contest Operation With Confusing Callsigns
Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.4.10.10311252330500.19458-100000@bluestem.prairienet.org>
In-Reply-To: <E1AOm32-00098p-00.np3d-mail-ru@f21.mail.ru>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
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Message: 6

FWIW, Romeo (dare I mention his name?) used to sign AH0M/W2.  Left
absolutely no questions about where he claimed to be located.  :-)

73, Zack W9SZ

On Wed, 26 Nov 2003, [koi8-r] "Andy Drofa[koi8-r] " wrote:



Dear Dick,
I just want to respect the rules of the Contest.
Thank you
Andrei NP3D



------------------------------


Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 16:44:37 +1100
From: David Burger <DavidB@facilities.usyd.edu.au>
To: "'cq-contest@contesting.com'" <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Contest Operation With Confusing Callsigns
Message-ID: 
<5D6909BC54CA974E9CF92A61228F397B35D02F@exchange.facilities.usyd.edu.au>
Content-Type: text/plain;
        charset="iso-8859-1"
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Message: 7

I'd suggest some nutty alternatives;

1. Invite a W2 ham to hang around for the weekend, or;
2. Secure a US license,but with only 3 days to go, you won't have time to
get a US call, my experience that took around 8 to 10 days.
3. Get a cheap flight to PR.

David Burger VK2CZ (K3HZ)
------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 04:38:00 -0000
From: "N7MAL" <N7MAL@CITLINK.NET>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] What callsign to use in CQ WW CW 2003?
Message-ID: <000201c3b3e9$af421000$92d043d8@n7mal>
References: <20031125221549.33986.qmail@web13606.mail.yahoo.com>
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Message: 8

There have been replies to this thread from 'Jail-House' lawyers pointing
out rules instead of using common sense. They are correct the rules don't
specifically say you must use a callsign a certain way. Common sense would
tell anyone to at least try to give a clue, with your callsign, what country
your operating in. The purpose, spirit, or theme of any contest is not to
deceive, or make life difficult, for the other participants. Contesting is
challenging enough, with stations who only give their calls when they feel
like it(some of us don't use packet), stations who never send QSL or R,
outrageous pile-ups caused by packet, and a sun that looks like it's going
to be erratic during the weekend. NP3D/2 in zone 5 would be a good
indication he was in the U.S., NP3D/W2 would be even better but NP3D in zone
5 is only going to waste time with repeats, IMI zone 5, and a lot of
zero-point contacts. As much as we would like to think everyone who contests
reads this mailing list, not everyone does so they won't be aware of the
discussion which has occurred here. NP3D without the /W2 is going to be
wasting a lot of peoples time, including his own.
Common sense should dictate the answer, not some mind-numbing
interpretations of general rules.


MAL N7MAL BULLHEAD CITY, AZ www.citlink.net/~suzyq/N7mal.htm www.geocities.com/n7mal

----- Original Message -----

------------------------------

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End of CQ-Contest Digest, Vol 11, Issue 73 ******************************************



---------------------------------------------------------------
   The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
      http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
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