[TowerTalk] Remote Ham Radio

[Jim Thomson]

Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 23:50:50 -0700
From: Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com>
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Remote Ham Radio

Yep, the best DXCC and contest scores that money can buy!

As I see it, DX and contesting achievements are at least as much the
result of building a station. I've operated a major contest from a
pretty good station in PJ4, but I wouldn't say that it's any better than
the one I built with help from my friends. But location matters -- 90+%
of the contacts are with a different continent, with a great shot to
both NA and EU. Rent a QTH and you can set a world record. Ditto for
places like EA8, Azores, etc.

#### sure  you can set a world record from an exotic location.... but its 
really meaningless. They have the propagation  and the way the rules are written,
the deck is stacked against the fellow in the midwest etc. 



Yes, you can get great QSO/hour rates at places like this, but I get FAR
more personal satisfaction operating the station I built, building my
operating skills, and turning in better scores each year. I have a lot
more respect for someone who and build AND operate that station than for
someone who simply buys time at someone else's station.

###  agreed.  I get zero satisfaction operating another station, club
stations  included.   Back when I would operate the nov ss contest,
it was more competing against myself,   or a few friends with similar
setups and very similar scores. 

##  trying to work DXCC  on 160m  from around here on a  city lot is
a real bitch, but one fellow here in town has 153 countries  on 160m cw
from a city lot, so it can be done. The noise level is so high at my location 
on 160m, I finally threw in the towel.  When the local noise and the
desired station are both in the same direction, you are toast.  When
you are surrounded by noise on 160m, the directional 160m ants
buy you..nothing.   Instead, I now focus on 80 + 40m. 


Not to take anything away from those who are stuck in real estate where
they simply cannot do anything with antennas. We've all been there, and
this sort of thing could be an opportunity for those folks. BUT -- how
about getting together with your club and building a great CLUB station
that you can come an operate? You can learn from the process of building
it, and take pride in what you (and your cohorts) have built. THAT'S the
true spirit of ham radio.

73, Jim K9YC

###  OK, WHO supplies the real estate  for these various club stations ?? 
IF 10 guys bought say 5 acres and a small building to house the gear, it could
get real messy if just 1 of them decides to want out..or has to move etc, 
as the other 9 folks would have to buy his share out.. which might well be
at an inflated price, if property values have risen. 

##  No doubt the concept works... but  there are no doubt various versions
of what consist of a ....club station. 

Jim   VE7RF