As Frank said, I can see both sides of the issue. I also agree that the focus on Gene's article was on distance scoring, and his points were being made to say that WSJT contacts shouldn't have the sa
A few days ago I noticed that one of my neighbors in our deed restricted neighborhood had erected an outdoor TV antenna, complete with a rotor and heavy duty mast to raise it above the roof line. Som
This past weekend, my wife and I started scouting nearby summits for potential operation spots during the upcoming June contests. First up was a trip to Flagg Mountain in Coosa County, Alabama locate
I'm planning on roving or portable operation during this year's June Contests. My focus is on working new grids, and increasing my totals towards VUCC especially on 2M, 222, and 432. Doing well in th
Thanks to Gene Zimmerman, and others who corrected my mistake regarding VUCC. I've redrawn my maps this morning with a 100km circle around my home QTH. That insures that any contacts made from within
The unlimited rover category sounds like a good fit as well. Am I correct that I can also use spotting aids (such as the 144 Logger) if I operate in this category? 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF EM63nf 121 Ma
In a scene that would be perfect for NBC's "The Biggest Loser", a little bit of exercise shaved ten's of decibels from my indoor antenna farm noise floor last night. It was already hot in the attic,
In an effort to promote VHF contesting, the use of simplex for emergencies, and provide a fun activity, I'm planning to encourage Alabama ARES to conduct a "Simplex Test" on June 13th, sometime late
After finally working W9SE on WSJT Meteor Scatter this morning, I was rewarded with another treat. As I spun the knob to 50.125, I was greeted with a big, booming voice that said, "QSYing to 135". I
I'd like to congratulate the league on these steps. The original idea behind the limited rover category was to allow newcomers like myself to try their hand at roving, and still be competitive. Remov
Steve and I usually see eye to eye, but we seem to be in disagreement over this. 1.2ghz is only available on the IC-910H and the Kenwood TS-2000 to my knowledge. I guess that makes it a little easier
During a nice opening to the Mid-West and the Plains this week, I worked a great new operator in EN16, Horace, ND. His name is John Wickland, KD0GWB. He's just ten years old, and licensed since March
Sometimes a good story can illustrate a point much more accurately than any listing from a database, statistics, or spreadsheet could hope to accomplish. The mental picture of three guys standing 500
I'm trying to plan this rove trip, and it's getting complicated with paper maps, tropo software, etc. Does anyone know of a good on-line resource like Google Earth that has a visible overlay for grid
It looks like I'll be QRV on most of the microwave bands for June, thanks to loaner equipment from Jimmy Long, W4ZRZ, and Bill Capps, AF4OD. Plan to use the K0MS software this weekend for some tests
Jack, WA5UUD just worked them on 50.150 mhz SSB. Some of us are stuck at work, but for the rest of you--go get 'em boys! 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF EM63nf 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 ______________
Friday was a big day for this VHF Man. It started with the news that my good friend Jack, WA5UUD had successfully worked K5N. The chase was on for the rarest grid east of the Mississippi. Then I spen
Please announce this on your local VHF FM nets, the Alabama Mike Net, and in your club newsletters. We'll be making a post on the Alabama ARES web site and also doing a special edition of the newslet
After completing all the cabling for my 9-band rover operation, and doing a series of on-air tests with Jimmy Long, W4ZRZ, I have a new found respect for rovers! As far as I'm concerned anyone stupid
My wife and I depart for a week's vacation in Ten Mile, TN to do some camping and fishing. This is in EM75, where I'll be QRV on 6M and 2M, but just on a casual basis during the week. We return on Fr