[VHFcontesting] Re: [VHF] Constructive Gripe--I Hope

[Zack Widup]

It seems that the routine procedure has always been to swing your beam a
lot while listening and find the direction where the signal peaks when you
hear one.

It isn't always in the same direction as the direct path.  E-skip and FAI
will alter the path.  Sometimes tropo takes weird paths.

I generally give my grid square if I call CQ but since I do a lot of QRP
portable operation I do more listening than calling CQ.  And I swing the
beam a LOT with the ol' Armstrong rotor.  :->

73, Zack W9SZ


On Sat, 13 Sep 2003, Rick Robinson wrote:

> Well it's contest time again and once again I am missing contacts due to
> lack of info. Let me put this to the groups and see what you think. My gripe
> is operators who call and call and never once give out their grid while
> soliciting contacts. Here is why I feel I have a legit complaint:
> VHF and above contesting is weak signal by nature.
> Directional antennas are the norm with a few exceptions.
> If I decide to chase their signal by turning the antenna back and forth it
> wastes a lot of time and sometimes loosing their signal in the process as
> conditions are sometimes very brief.
> I have been contesting for a little over 10 years and have made my share of
> mistakes along the way but I have a hard time understanding these multi
> stations and veteran contesters who operate like this. These guys should
> know better and go over proper contest operating procedures with all in the
> group. I always give my grid along with my call when calling for contacts so
> that it will be easier to make the contact. This sure beats a min. or two
> trying to get the call or other info because you don't know where the other
> party is located and have marginal copy.  Let me know what you think about
> this. Please no flaming. I want serious discussion on this matter as I feel
> we all can become better operators with a good discussion. Thanks, Rick
> Robinson. K8DXN
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