[Fourlanders] September Contest Update

[Bob Lear]

Well, it's only about 2 1/2 weeks till the contest now.  I haven't heard 
from all of the usual suspects but we have a pretty good list so I think 
we will do exactly the same setup we did for the June contest, unless we 
get some compelling input (or we have too many drop-outs).

We will again do full multi thru 2304.

6m:  Jim W4KXY band capt with the same set-up as June.  FT-2000, 
Commander Amp and the stacked pair on the BlackHawk trailer.

2m:  Bob W4ZST band capt also same.  FT920, 2m transverter, Commander 2 
and the stacked pair on the Black Mamba trailer.

222:  Brian NX9O band capt also same.  FT1000MP, transverter, Lunar Link 
and the stacked pair on the Green Hornet trailer.

432:  Ron WW8RR band capt with some changes.  IC810H, HB amp now with 
mods and the stacked pair of FO-25's on one of the Radio flyer towers.

Microwave:  Bob W4ZST band capt some changes.  Same FT897, transverters, 
but with Rons 1296 amp this time as I haven't had time to troubleshoot 
the solid state amp or build a new one.  Usual antennas on the other 
Radio Flyer tower.

Should be an easy set up as all the feedlines and rotor cables have been 
checked and we have all the new connect-quick plates installed on the 
antennas.  We've checked the existing network cables, making some more, 
fixed the hardline connector that had a problem, Ron fixed his radio 
that he vented smoke from in June and had the 2m filter swept and 
pronounced undamaged.  I can't think of any other issues, but if you do 
please remind me ASAP and we'll get to work on it.

I have the following operators on the list for the contest in addition 
to the four band captains.  They can operate wherever they want or are 
needed for the contest:  Ivan K4VJM, Jim WE8W, Paul W4SKI, Gary N8CQ, 
Bill KI4US, Kim WG8S, Jeff W0ONR and another new member Scott NN4W 
coming along for the first time.
Welcome to the group Scott.  You will have a good time on the mountain.
Scott has a cargo trailer similar to Ivans and was going to bring it to 
be the kitchen trailer for us this trip, however, due to some work 
commitments, we have enlisted him to help pull one of the tower trailers 
which we need more and he's agreed.  Scott can't come up with the convoy 
on Friday and Bill can't stay for Monday as he has a new job and he'd 
like to keep it for a while.  So Bill will pull BlackHawk up with the 
convoy on Friday and Scott will join us Friday night and pull BlackHawk 
(or one of the trailers) back for us on Monday.

Asking around it appears that the same locations for operating and tower 
trailers and same station locations in the trailers are the current best 
plan.  If anyone has any suggested changes to the operating layout, 
trailer locations, station complement, etc. please let me know so we can 
evaluate.  We are always open to suggestions for improvement.

Jeff has offered to be the "Chef de Contest" again and we're looking 
forward to that.  If anyone has suggestions or requests for the menu 
they can contact Jeff at jgrote at cancer.org
We will send a separate request later for meal list and numbers for Jeff 
to plan quantities with.

The only issue I have right now is one trailer to be pulled.  I haven't 
heard from Kos (I will call you tomorrow night if I haven't heard 
sooner), but I do have a back-up position.  Maybe Mac K4RBM might want 
to come also (I will call you too).  and I still have another back-up 
plan.  (Have welder, will make sparks fly!)

So there you have it Gentlemen.  Another foray into the 'ether' for the 
FourLanders awaits us.  This promises to be another good one with the 
crew we have lined up.  I'm looking forward to it.

We will have a workday this Sunday at the W4ZST QTH.  W4KXY and I have a 
couple of things to do and if you'd like to join us to help out or 
render moral support then come on up whenever you feel like it.  I'll be 
here all day.

73, Bob  W4ZST