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Sunday Sprints

Subject: Sunday Sprints
From: N0bsh@aol.com (N0bsh@aol.com)
Date: Fri Sep 23 01:12:41 1994
I hereby cast my vote as 'YES' for Sunday Sprints.  Or at least give
it a try.  KJ4VH had a good idea - one set on Saturday night, one 
set on Sunday night - at least to try the concept.

Maybe we could run the sprints right after CQ WW and ARRL DX 
when everyone's adrenelin is still pumping!!  (For you ultra-serious 
types... just kidding!!!   >>>  :-)  <<< )

This could very well turn into a time zone issue.  The "problem" I 
have with the current set-up is that with the sprint running from 
7 - 11 PM CDT it means that Saturday night is essentially shot.  
(In my particular situation I also have to throw in a minimum of 
one hour drive time)  A lot of people like to socialize (read 
PARTY!) on Saturday night. I also like to socialize on Saturday 
night.  With 8 -10 other Saturday nights already used up by "real" 
contests, I find it hard to justify killing four more for a four hour 
contest.  Now if I lived in California (or Pacific time zone) I could 
still sprint AND have most of Saturday night to socialize.

I seriously doubt that staying up til midnight on Sunday night is 
going to be a major problem for such driven types as can be 
expected to operate a sprint.

The only problem that I forsee is that I will miss Al Bundy (and 
Kelly!!)... but then that's what my VCR is for.

This idea deserves serious consideration before being dismissed.

Mike  N0BSH
n0bsh@aol.com







>From Lee Hiers <0006701840@mcimail.com>  Fri Sep 23 06:10:00 1994
From: Lee Hiers <0006701840@mcimail.com> (Lee Hiers)
Subject: SUMMARY - 2 radio keying
Message-ID: <14940923051041/0006701840PK3EM@MCIMAIL.COM>

Thanks to the following folks for providing input on my question concering
using the same source to key both a positive- and negative-keyed xmitter:

        K2WK
        KJ4VH
        WB5VZL
        KM9P
        N6TR
        KO0U/4
        KU4J
        KY1H
        N4ZR
        K8MR

I hope there weren't others I missed....sometimes I wonder if I get all my
mail....

Anyway, the summary, along with my thoughts:

        1)  Reed Relay - they seem to be plenty fast for my application.  I
        would want to build one interface for the computer and one for the
        keyer and parallel the two.  Or, if not in the building mood, W1WEF
        reportedly sells a computer interface using a reed relay.  Also, N3JT
        uses reed relays in his computer interface, but I'm not sure if he
        sells them.

        2)  Use TR logging program - it provides for two radios already, one
        just has to build the appropriate interfaces for the type keying
        needed.  I want to try this program anyway, but I'd still like
        to be able to use my CMOS-Super-II keyer...(I know TR has built-in
        keyer...).

        3)  Switch the paddles between separate keyers - Hmmm, hadn't thought
        of that.  I kinda like the idea except that doesn't solve the computer
        keying problem (unless I also use separate computer for each rig,
        which I don't think I want to try yet!).

        4)  Build a solid-state universal interface - it seems that one was
        described in a QST Hints and Kinks article sometime in the past few
        years.  I don't know the issue, but will start digging through my old
        QSTs looking for it.

        5)  Put a positive keying voltage adapter in the old rig so it keys
        just like the new ones - Use a 2N4888 or similar.  I'll have to
        investigate this more.  This post referred to the old rig as a
        "clunker", which definitely describes my potential 2nd radio!

        6)  My idea - I've got an old MFJ keyer that has both positive and
        negative outputs.  Just arrange my switching so that the appropriate
        output is chosen depending on the radio in use...easy, but still
        doesn't get my computer working on both rigs or let me use my Super-II.

So, what am I gonna do?  Nothing if I don't get off my butt and get these
antennas up!  When I do, it looks like I've got a bunch of options, if in a
hurry, I'll do #6 or #3 and just let the computer key the main rig.  I'd like
to eventually come up with an arrangement that combines #4 and #2.

Thanks to all who responded; the variety of ideas was great!

73 de Lee, AA4GA
aa4ga@mcimail.com



>From Richard Hallman <0006135537@mcimail.com>  Fri Sep 23 13:23:00 1994
From: Richard Hallman <0006135537@mcimail.com> (Richard Hallman)
Subject: Sunday Sprints....
Message-ID: <30940923122303/0006135537NA2EM@MCIMAIL.COM>

  I vote....SUNDAY.

  This would still enable you to go on a trip with the Family for the
weekend and just come back a few hours early for the Sprint.  If left
on Saturday.....You could never do this.

   Asked my wife abt the Sprint and she looked at me like I was crazy!

   "What the Hell is a Sprint??"


           See Ya!    Rich  KI3V/7  With Stack TH7's Working REAL well!!!
                                       ...Nevada is back.....


>From sellington" <sellington@mail.ssec.wisc.edu  Fri Sep 23 09:20:03 1994
From: sellington" <sellington@mail.ssec.wisc.edu (sellington)
Subject: Sunday Sprints....

I vote for moving them all to Sunday night.  I'm often away for the weekend,
but could get back for a Sunday night Sprint.

Scott  K9MA
sellington@ssec.wisc.edu 

>From McCarty, DK 'Dav" <DKMC@chevron.com  Fri Sep 23 14:21:05 1994
From: McCarty, DK 'Dav" <DKMC@chevron.com (McCarty, DK 'Dav)
Subject: Sunday Sprint
Message-ID: <199409231321.AA49634@portal.chevron.com>


From: McCarty, DK 'David'
To:  OPEN ADDRESSING SERVI-OPENADDR
Subject:  RE: Sunday Sprint
Priority:

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


 --------- Jim Larson, KK7A wrote:
>Well, I have to vote NO to the move to Sunday.  This is one of the few
>contests I can operate for the full duration and still make it to church on
>Sunday with my family.  I realize church isn't a priority to most people
but
>it is for some.  There is my two cents worth!

Same goes for me.  And if it's on Saturday night, I have a Sunday afternoon
nap with which to recover; on Sunday night it's a lot harder to get to work
in the AM if I've been up contesting.

David K. McCarty, K5GN
dkmc@chevron.com


>From Peter G. Smith" <n4zr@netcom.com  Fri Sep 23 14:20:14 1994
From: Peter G. Smith" <n4zr@netcom.com (Peter G. Smith)
Subject: Station equipment database
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9409230610.A7450-0100000@netcom>

I am toying with the idea of developing a questionnaire that could be 
used to gather information for a database on contest stations.  Using a 
modern database manager such as Microsoft Access, it should be possible 
to crunch the data in a variety of interesting ways -- for example, to 
show "what it takes" to lead in various geographic areas, trends in 
equipment vs the sunspot cycle, etc.

I'm not saying I'm going to do this thing, but as an aid to 
contemplation:

1)  Would the data interest you?  If so, what manipulations of the data 
would be particularly interesting or enlightening?

2)  Has anyone made a systematic effort to collect such data in the past, 
such that either a database or a model questionnaire exists?  No point 
in reinventing the wheel.

Replies directly please, and I'll summarize for the reflector.

73, Pete                                       
N4ZR@netcom.com
"Better, faster,cheaper -- choose any two"


>From Peter G. Smith" <n4zr@netcom.com  Fri Sep 23 14:24:41 1994
From: Peter G. Smith" <n4zr@netcom.com (Peter G. Smith)
Subject: contest reporting
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9409230620.A7450-0100000@netcom>

With all the beefing going on, let me register my impression that the 
reporting of both CQWW and ARRL DX has made tremendous strides over the 
last couple of years.  Regional breakouts, interesting sidebars, lots of 
pix.  Sure, there were holes in some of the commentary, but that just 
gives room for future improvement.  Good going, guys.

73, Pete                                       
N4ZR@netcom.com
"Better, faster,cheaper -- choose any two"


>From Peter G. Smith" <n4zr@netcom.com  Fri Sep 23 14:29:33 1994
From: Peter G. Smith" <n4zr@netcom.com (Peter G. Smith)
Subject: New Plaque Proposal
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9409230647.A7450-0100000@netcom>

I think it's excellent that both CQWW and ARRL DX have plaques for 
under-18 single ops, but shouldn't we also put some more emphasis on 
bringing in new competitors of whatever age?  Why not have PINS-type 
awards, not just for SS, but for all the major contests?  And how about a 
plaque to recognize the highest score by a first-time entrant?  As 
automated as the scoring is getting, it doesn't seem that either of these 
would be too hard to administer.  

Opinions?

73, Pete                                       
N4ZR@netcom.com
"Better, faster,cheaper -- choose any two"


>From DFREY" <HARRIS.DFREY@IC1D.HARRIS.COM  Fri Sep 23 14:31:08 1994
From: DFREY" <HARRIS.DFREY@IC1D.HARRIS.COM (DFREY)
Subject: 2 points
Message-ID: <QCY2.DFREY.4549.1994 0923 0831 0831>


>The only place where we can get 2 points per QSO in the CQWW is
>within North America ...else, a QSO within your own continent,
>but with another country, is worth only one point. Otherwise,
>the Europeans would never bother to work us. The north African
>and Middle Eastern stations really clean up on the European QSOs
>at 3 points each.

>Alan, K6XO


...and why an OD5 or a VS6 just loves to run JAs.  The iniquity
of this rule is a major sticking point amoung non-NA contesters.
There would be a lot more juicy zone 24 & 26 mults if JAs could
work an HS like we work a V3.

Dick, K4XU



>From Paul D. Walker <pwalker@mbi.moody.edu>  Fri Sep 23 15:59:11 1994
From: Paul D. Walker <pwalker@mbi.moody.edu> (Paul D. Walker 
<pwalker@mbi.moody.edu>)
Subject: Saturday Sprints

I vote Saturday.  Sunday is generally family day for my household and we do
like attending church.  Also, I really like to get a good night's sleep
before getting up at 3:30 AM to go to work on Monday.

Beside's folk's, if you work 8-10 majors and throw in 2-4 sprints, thats
10-14 Saturday evening's shot (or weekends if Saturday eve is the crux of
your weekend).  In a given year there are generally 52 weekends (52 1/2
this year - Yes, Mike, that's 53 Saturdays!).  Factor out your 10-14
contest/sprints and that leaves you with 38-42 weekends to do other things.
That, according to my HP calculator, is a whopping 73-80% availability
rate.  Good enough to pass any code or theory test and certainly enough
slack there to enjoy whats left of life after amateur radio.

Determine what's important in life, then plan for it.  That's what a
Day-Timer (TM) is for. ;^)

de N9WHG

Those were my thoughts, not those of who I work for or Who I work for.  I
just hope they are consistent.

--
Paul D. Walker II                       e-mail: pwalker@mbi.moody.edu
Database/System Administrator           phone:  (312)329-4392
Moody Bible Institute                   fax:    (312)329-4496
820 North LaSalle Drive
Chicago, IL  60610

>From Bill Standerfer <bills@hpislwes.lvld.hp.com>  Fri Sep 23 16:14:11 1994
From: Bill Standerfer <bills@hpislwes.lvld.hp.com> (Bill Standerfer)
Subject: Radio Cops
Message-ID: <9409231514.AA02296@hpislwes.lvld.hp.com>

barry@w2up.wells.com (Barry Kutner) writes:
>Bill - your attitude is definitely that of someone not affiliated with a 
>contest club. Here in FRC land we always (usually) compete to boost the 

Thanks to Barry and all the others for explaining the reasoning.

Ya don't know till ya ask...

Bill

Bill Standerfer                        *        Hewlett-Packard Company
CFI-A, IA, ME                          *        VXI Systems Division
bills@lvld.hp.com                      *        Loveland, CO  80539 
Baron N222AB - KF0DJ - Pikes Peak 253  *        303-679-2378

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