[Fourlanders] September Contest News

[Jim Worsham]

I have received several emails in the past couple of days about the
September contest so since I may be out of pocket for a while (more on this
later) I thought I should let everyone know what is going on.

Paul, W4SKI contacted me and said that he will be able to contest and cook
in September.  We need to get a count on who will be on the mountain in
September so Paul can begin preparing menus and estimating the food that
will need to be purchased.  At this point in time the list I have is K4EA,
K4SZ, W4KXY (I hope), W4SKI and Bob's friend Ivan (I don't remember his
call).  There are probably others that I have missed so please speak up if
you are going to contest at W4NH in September and I didn't mention you.

I am sorry to announce that Brian, NX9O will not be able to do his usual 222
and computer networking duties in September.  He has a good excuse though
since his wife, Anna, is due with their third child around contest time.
Brian has graciously agreed to let us use his trailer and other stuff for
the contest.  I am sure we will take him up on his offer.  Thanks Brian,
congratulations on the third child and we will be looking forward to having
you back on board in 2005.

WW8RR and WE8W  will also not be able to join us in September.  Those of you
who do not know Ron and Jim, they normally are part of the W9ICE group but
helped us out in June when the W9ICE operation fell through for that
contest.  Jim and Ron will be operating at W9ICE again in September and we
wish them luck.  Jim and Ron, you guys are always welcome to join the W4NH
crew if you ever get tired of that long drive to Indiana.

Given the limited number of folks available in September it looks like we
will have no choice but to operate limited multi (6 through 432).  We will
probably also downsize the setup somewhat.  Probably just single yagis on
each band and solid state power levels (200 Watts) on 222 and 432.  That way
we can run everything on Brian's generator and minimize the setup work.

On a more personal note, some of you have probably been reading lately about
the possibility of a strike against BellSouth by the CWA (Communication
Workers of America).  That possibility has now become a near certainty.  As
a result, starting this Sunday I will probably be on strike duty in Kentucky
for the duration.  Hopefully the strike will last only a few days.  I have
asked Bob, K4SZ as VP to take over for me in my absence.  So Bob, you are in
charge.

Finally, we are still planning to have a meeting at the Shelby hamfest on
Saturday, September 4th.  I certainly hope the strike doesn't last that long
but if I am not back by then, as I said before, Bob is in charge.  I still
don't have an exact meeting location but Bob tells me that he, Robin and
others are going to get some spaces in the flea market and that we can meet
there under Omar's shade.  Bob will have to fill in the details.

That is it for now guys.  See you all when I get back from Kentucky.

73
Jim W4KXY