I experienced the focus problem at least 2 times which affected QSO entry. I also hit the power button on the laptop 2 times during the contest due to the fact that the power button was next to the escape key. I would prefer using the Maestro to fix the focus problem and use an external keyboard to avoid hitting the power key on the laptop.

 

From: Fourlanders [mailto:fourlanders-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of John Kludt
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Bob Lear <w4zst@windstream.net>; FourLanders Contest Team <fourlanders@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Fourlanders] January contest score submitted

 

Bob,

 

It was quite a weekend.  Suggestions follow:

  • 6m - As the band captain I need to know if 6m operators would like to give the Flex 6500 another go or if they want to use the FT-2000.  We have both and will bring both as one can back up the other.  It is somewhat ironic to me the the 6m band captain seldom operates on 6m but so be it.  We have a number of 6m ops that are more skilled than I and I have gotten used to 222.
  • MSK144 - worked well on 6m and I had several requests to go to 2m for MSK144.  Suggest on both 6m and 2m we need to be prepared to go to MSK144 general release V.1.7.0 any time day or night if the bands are slow,  It does need to be the general release version as some of the beta's of 1.7.0 did not have contest mode fully implemented
  • For antennas suggest we swap the places for Blackhaxk and Radio Flyer.  2m goes on Blackhawk in its new location and 6m goes on Radio Flyer down by the generator
  • If we can haul Scott's old trailer, suggest it goes down the hill in the vicinity of Radio Flyer (not quite sure where) as the supply trailer and the antenna location for 222.  The goal is to try and get some increased separation between 222 and 432 and see if that helps with the 432 interference with 222.
  • Suggest if we have bandpass filters we use them.  Might help,
  • As far as FM goes it all depends on the band.  6m no.  1.25m - current setup but advertise more aggressively that we will be on the top and bottom of each hour for five minutes during "normal business hours" - not 2:00AM etc!. - unless there is band opening.  2m same as 222 adding a small rear mount vertical Yagi to the 2m stack.  70 cm is a good question and I suggest we at least try it on Saturday, same schedule as 222.  May need to changed to a stacked pair of Yagi's  with a rear mount vertical in the middle of the stack like 1.25m and 2m to accommodate.  The goal of FM is more Q's not necessarily more grids.  If SSB and Cw can knock off the grids and FM Q could be worth 30, 40 50 points.  On 1.25 and 70cm they are double the value to begin with and we need more 222 and 432 Q's.

No major attachment to any of these ideas.  Sometimes it is fun to switch things around just to see if we can do a little better than the time before.  And it is something different - keeps us on our toes!

 

Johnny K4SQC


-----Original Message-----
>From: Bob Lear
>Sent: Jan 28, 2017 11:03 AM
>To: FourLanders Contest Team
>Subject: [Fourlanders] January contest score submitted
>
>I reviewed the log (which didn't take long) and fixed a busted call and
>a grid mistake. Only reduced by one Q on 2m.
>
>Submitted to 3830 and ARRL. Received ARRL receipt.
>
>Final was 12,285 points. Right now 3rd in multi submissions on 3830 but
>probably won't stay there.
>
>In preparation for June, please send me any suggestions about FM
>strategy or station setup changes that you may have so we can get
>discussion going. We did not come away with concrete plans from the
>meeting last weekend.
>
>Thanks and 73, Bob W4ZST
>
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