[SECC] Alabama QSO Party

[w4nti@mindspring.com]

I have to agree with John.  I think the lack of publicity and the lack of
activity are the major problems with this contest.

How about a reward of a jug of Sourgum syrup to the highest score in each
catagory?

Just a thought.

Dan/W4NTI

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Laney" <k4bai@worldnet.att.net>
To: <dxcc@dbtech.net>; <secc@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 10:27 AM
Subject: [SECC] Alabama QSO Party


> Hi Bridget:
>
> I reviewed my file on the Alabama QSO Party.  The last copy of the rules
> I had in it was for 1999, although I did participate on a part-time
> basis in 2000.  I don't see anything wrong with the rules.  I'd suggest
> not having different frequencies on 10 SSB for Novice/Techs.  The
> regular frequency suggested of 28390 is OK or the 28360 would be OK.
> Just select one.  There is a lot of 10-X number swapping activity right
> around 28400, but a number of contests (including TN I think) have used
> 28390 as a suggested frequency.  Maybe 28380 would be a good
> compromise.  Whether or not to use 3965 is a good question.  Some of the
> regular net operators may resent contest activity on their frequency
> even for only one day a year.  If the net members support the contest,
> then 3965 is the best frequency.  If there is opposition, I'd suggest
> another frequency.  Many contests use 3850 or 3890, but there are a lot
> of contest haters that will create deliberate QRM to contesters around
> those frequencies.  Lower in the band may be better, but it would
> exclude General Class operators (such as K4BAI).
>
> Many states have been successful in this Sunday afternoon and evening
> concept.  7 hours (18Z to 01Z) allows for other activities on the
> weekend.  The hour selection excludes most DX to Europe and Asia QSOs
> except on 40 meter CW and maybe a little on 20 meters.  Wisc, Ill, Tn,
> are the states that immediately come to mind.  The secret is to get a
> lot of activity in state and a lot of publicity everywhere.  There needs
> to be a large core group of in-state hams supporting it and talking it
> up.  The short length will mean that mobile stations will be limited in
> the number of counties they can cover and people like W3DYA, W5WMU,
> W1NN, etc. who often go to states some distance away will not find it
> worthwhile to go so far for such a short contest.  Their absence can be
> countered by a lot of activity from many stations who might not commit
> to devote an entire weekend to a contest.
>
> You should plan on getting the info out to at least the following far in
> advance of the contest:  QST Contest Coral (K5TR); CQ (K1AR) (they are
> carrying very few rules summaries these days); CQ Contest (for the
> calendar), NCJ (for the calendar); World Radio (VE2ZP, I think), and the
> contest websites of SM3CER, WA6BNM, and LA9HW. Since the contest
> provides awards for QRP entries, there are a number of QRP pages that
> would like to list the contest info.  I don't have those addresses handy
> right now, but a search for QRP in webpage titles would turn them up.
> Of course, there should be a link to a webpage where the entire rules,
> suggested forms, list of counties and their suggested abbreviations,
> and, if possible, logfiles for popular contest logging programs may be
> obtained.  This webpage can also be used to post a list of logs received
> and the results.
>
> Awards are necessary, but really don't have to be exensive.
> Certificates, certainly, and perhaps a few plaques for high scorers.
>
> I still need a few Alabama counties confirmed, although I did pick up a
> few in the most recent Alabama QSO Parties.
>
> As a matter of information, my file includes a certificate for second
> place in Alabama from the 1966 Alabama QSO Party signed by the then
> Alabama ARRL SCM (now called SM), Billy Crafts and the president of the
> HARC (Huntsville I guess).  I was portable at my uncle's country place
> in Russell County, AL.  Unfortunately, he passed away and his heirs sold
> the place, so I don't have a family place in Alabama anymore.  I have a
> typed list of the results of the 1967 Alabama QSO Party showing that I
> was first place in Alabama.  I don't recognize any other Ala calls as
> now being active, but they were:  WA4EEC, K4GMR, W0GKY/4, W4NLI, WA4SUI,
> and WB4EOW in decending order of scores.  The top score out of state was
> W4YWX, who is now N4PN and active in the GQPs.  W3DYA won for DC.  The
> OM/XYL team of WA8USU (now W8YL) and W8WVU submitted scores from
> Michigan and they are still active in state QSO Parties.  I met them at
> a Columbus GA hamfest many years ago.
>
> The 1987 QSO Party was sponsored by The Birmingham Amateur Radio Club
> and run by Bill Levey, WA4FAT, who labored valiently for years when
> there was very little interest in such contests.  One year we even had
> an Ala/Ga QSO Party, but I think it was pretty much a bust.  The Alabama
> stations who sent in scores in 1987 were WA4FAT/M, KI4UX, N4PUN, N4RT,
> and KK4NZ.  W3DYA won for Md, K4BAI for GA, W5NR for TX.  The first
> place out of state was W3SOH in VT.
>
> I have a certificate for first place in GA from the 1997 Heart of Dixie
> QSO Party, which was chaired by K4NR, who moved to Texas after the
> contest.  It is signed by Fob James, Jr., Governor of Alabama!  (or more
> probably his signature machine.)
>
> The results from 1999 show the Ala stations in order of score as:
> W4NTI, W4BXI, W4CCA (KC4OR, opr), and KS4LU.  Only four out-of-state
> scores were submitted:  K4BAI, W3BBO, NA3V, and WA2BQI.  The QSO totals
> by the out-of-staters ranged from 24 to 4.
>
> 2000:  Ala:  W4NTI, KC4OR, KT4XA, W4BXI, AF4QB/M.  Out of state:  K4BAI,
> VE3WZ, and KD7AEE.  QSO totals for out of staters:  18 down to 4.
> Christopher's report (NV4B, ex KT4XA) indicates new all time records, so
> he must have some sort of historical records, although I doubt they go
> back very far.
>
> If the Alabama members of SECC only would support this activity, it
> could be fun for all.  I'll try to go mobile or else borrow an Alabama
> station of a friend in our local club and help out with Alabama activity
> myself.
>
> Good luck and let me know if I can do anything else to help.
>
> 73,
>
> John, K4BAI.
>
>
>
>
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