[CQ-Contest] Contesting on a Budget - Planning Station Improvements

[PaulKB8N at aol.com]

Hi Gang,  

Gary, W9XT's request for inputs for CTT&T reminded me that I need to  get 
started on my column, as September is a crazy month for me.  Sounds  like I need 
to plan ahead a little better.
 
Viola!  My topic is planning station improvements.  What  does that have to 
do with saving money?  I teach project management to  companies, and one of my 
strongest selling points is that planning ultimately  saves money.
 
To put this in the context of contesting, a long-term station improvement  
plan helps identify what needs to be purchased, built or changed in some logical 
 sequence.  By doing so, you can establish a budget and often make  
improvements before obsolescence or equipment/antenna degradation force  improvements.
 
Here's what I'd like to learn from you:
 
- Do you have a long-term or short-term plan for your station, or do you  
make improvements ad hoc?
- How do you identify the weaknesses or gaps in your station  capability or 
design that drive your planning efforts?
- Does planning drive your budget or does your budget drive your  planning?
- Do you chase new technology, hoping for a Quantum leap in your station  
performance?
- How has planning helped you save money in the long run?
 
As always, thanks in advance for what I am sure will be some interesting  
responses.  Please include your call with the input.
 
Thanks, Paul K5AF
 
Paul  Schaffenberger
210-493-6265
210-213-5914(M)

 
Paul  Schaffenberger
210-493-6265
210-213-5914(M)