Contest Stations==$$$ ??

[John Dorr K1AR]

As a "lucky" guy who often gets a lot of mail related to the subject of 
contesting, there has been a recent wave lately regarding the amount of 
$$ we "contesters" spend on our stations. It seems that Joe-average ham 
has the impression that ALL medium to large contest stations are built 
from vast fortunes. There is an overwhelming perception that winning
efforts are determined by the amount of $$ you apply to your station,
not operating ability or other independent factors.

My belief is that the majority of competitive contest stations are not 
built with owners that have infinite $$ resources. Rather, they reflect 
decades (in some cases) of equipment/antenna accumulation and an 
above-average ability to search out good deals.  Furthermore, most 
stations in this category are not owned by CEOs of Fortune 100 
companies, but simply working boys like you and me.

I am going to be writing a column on this subject in the near future for 
CQ. I thought it may be interesting to compile some data to back up my 
points (if in fact they are indeed valid).  The data that could prove 
interesting would include:

Callsign
Brief station description
Notable contest achievements (if appropriate)
Approx. investment in your station ($$)
Occupation
Notable cost saving achievements (e.g., "I found a 10000' tower for $25 
if I only took it down and hauled it away)
Comments

Don't feel that you need to be W3LPL to respond. Any and ALL responses 
would be enlightening and appreciated.  I think we can have some fun 
with this, so let's have at it!!

73 John, K1AR

p.s. you can either respond via the reflector or to my address directly.
p.p.s. it's not that I really understand this Internet stuff, but my 
"p.s." seemed like the right thing to say, hi!