[RSM] Current Propagation and more ......

[Tom Haavisto]

Hi Gord

I was thinking the same thing as far as setting up a 5 meg award for RSM.  It is too soon, and I figure another year or two will be a better time to look at it.  Always good to know hows it works though. 

I did like the  idea of certificates for some contests.  I don't need more paper,  but it was fun when I was getting started.

Bands have been a bit rough from down here.  Just got off 17.  Some EU and US, but signals are weak,  and it is rough pulling calls out.  Tried phone, but only 3 Qs, so went back to CW.

Tom




Sent from Samsung tablet

-------- Original message --------
From Gord Kosmenko <gord.kosmenko at gmail.com> 
Date: 10-26-2016  10:33  (GMT-05:00) 
To rsm at contesting.com 
Subject [RSM] Current Propagation and more ...... 
 
3rd post to RSM

This morning with the A at 53 and the K at 5 low bands are open, to my
surprise.
Where you ask, west and northwest.

The following DX was heard and worked at my 53 deg north location.

In the 80M DX window this morning from 1230Z to 1430Z:

JA VK4 RV9 UA0   the exception was YB9 heard but I could not work

Nothing coming thru via the northeast polar path We have 73 hours for this
geoeffective coronal hole with its high speed solar winds to rotate
away and we get recovery from this storming for the contest weekend.

Reading the posts from Ed and Tom - good stuff !

Just getting active during the contest weekend, listen to bands in as many
different
time slots and bands will increase your HF knowledge. If you can't put Qs
in the log
at least keep a RX log.

This will help "wire in" HF operating knowledge and develop skills.
Remember this is not
always all about station hardware. I know guys that have big station
hardware but no
skills.

RSM should continue on the path of core skill development in HF operating
in their
chosen interest of DX and contesting - do not lose sight of this directive.
I got thinking
about the discussion on awards from the webinar last week - IMHO RSM is not
there
"yet" to establish an extensive awards program.

Keep to your prime directive, grow RSM on the HF experience with a focus on
DX and contesting.
Continue to share knowledge and provide an group environment to build one's
skills in;

- comradeship. station building, HF operating, propagation knowledge, CW
skills, logging software use
  antennas (building, what works, what does not work, getting into the air)

RSM needs to build sustainability within the prime directive framework,
before diving into admin complex award
program. The current organization/administrative burden of;

-organizing monthly meetings
- monthly meeting note keeping
- the RSM web site admin work
- the RSM reflector
- time for operating

is a lot for a currently small group. RSM needs to be "on-the-air" as it
provides the engine for group activities.

Why do I get on my soapbox on this, with 45 years of amateur radio
involvement I have witnessed and experienced
ham radio club death by admin loading, occupying member resources that
really do not contribute
to the group's startup directive and purpose.

Think about it!

Thanks for reading .....

73, Gord VE6SV
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