[VHFcontesting] 432 activity

[Tree N6TR]

I have seen some references to "activity hours" for 432 in the VHF
contests.  I was wondering how widespread this concept extends?

During the June VHF contest, I was surprised to work 45 stations on 
432.  This increased my lifetime 432 QSO total to about 48 QSOs.  My
station is an FT-736R - sans preamp, with a 100 watt brick.  I had a
28 element M2 up around 55 feet.

I am pondering what could be done with some efforts to improve activity.

One step we are taking is to put a beacon up.  I felt really "in the dark"
about the performance of my station until I actually started working guys
in the contest.  Having some kind of beacon around will allow me to make
sure my systems performance is up to snuff.  It appears I have found a good
QTH for it - about 30 miles from my QTH.  Hopefully, it will be heard from
Seattle down to Salem (a 200 mile corridor).

Another step is to try and be active on the band during the week before
the contests.  

Finally, I am thinking of sending out mailers to the 45 stations I did
work and encouraging them to spread the word.  It would seem that 
announcing some kind of activity period - to focus the random activity 
towards would be useful.

While most of my 432 QSOs were moved from other bands - it seems there might
be some guys that show up here and nowhere else.

Please share any experieces you have had.  

73 Tree N6TR / K7RAT
tree at kkn.net