In a message dated 10/5/2006 7:44:33 A.M. Central Standard Time,
n4gi@tampabay.rr.com writes:
And the fact that we in the U.S. LOVE deed restricted communities
doesn't help...
73,
Blake N4GI
Blake,
I think we need to accept the challenge of deed restricted contesting. I
fear the degeneration of contesting to merely one multi-op superstation
working
another. The small single-op players are vitally important to the future of
contesting, IMHO.
I've had a great contest experience for the past 13 years from a CCR
neighborhood. I use #22 and #24 wire for my antennas. Hardly anyone notices,
and
since there is no visual impact, nobody seems to care.
I got smart and finally installed roof shrouds with 1.5-3" openings.
Now,from the attic, I can push black PVC and/or fiberglass masts (in 4'
sections)
up through the shroud opening. I put the feedline inside. For day-to-day
operations, I keep the antennas less than 10' above the roofline, but I can
raise them quite a bit higher for contests if necessary. A roofer installed
the
two shrouds (about $5 each) for $30, and did it in about 20 minutes. I had
already cut a couple of 3 inch holes from inside the attic with a power jig
saw.
I can also now do most of my antenna work inside the attic. This same
technique could be used for vertical arrays, and I intend to install phased
verticals in the attic for the upcoming cycle, about 8-10' will stick up out of
the
roof, so it will be a semi-indoor antenna. I have a neighbor who loves phone
contesting, I'm encouraging him to do what I've done.
Anyway, those who play in contesting are hooked, deed restrictions needn't
be the death knell of our sport.
Paul, K5AF
_______________________________________________
CQ-Contest mailing list
CQ-Contest@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
|