[VHFcontesting] Missing logs & VHF speakers

[Bill Burgess]

Greetings,

A deterrent for some in contesting is the push for electronic logs, as for many reasons, some cannot use it.  In the forthcoming CQ WW WPX Contest for example, under XIV Instructions for Submission of Logs, section (b) reads "Electronic submission of logs is the expected method for all participants.  It is required for all top-scoring entrants, for anyone wishing to compete for an award and for all who use a computer to log the contest or prepare contest logs."  This will be a growing trend in contests, I expect.

  For rovers, electronic logging is not often possible as there is no room for a laptop computer in my present rover setup nor in others I know either.  For others, computers are not a part of their life.

I fully support Bill Seabreeze in saying it is up to us to get out and spread the word about full spectrum VHF-UHF activity and hf too, using ssb and cw modes.  Too many clubs are focussing on repeaters, the hamtrap and rut of the hobby, as this is the comfort zone of the leaders of the clubs.  I have given 3 presentations to clubs on Building Your Own Beams including loopers and have a fourth engagement 50 miles away in May for same too.  Next week I present to my own club on Rovering, Hilltopping and Contesting.  I expect to get more requests to speak on these topics too, and I have only been licensed 15 months (but can talk about 807s, 6146's, 813's and such too).

We can make a difference, but to do so we must put our feet forward and make it known to clubs that we are available and ready to do presentations
that will stir up many.  Also, having loaner beams for those with real estate restrictions can allow them to try hilltopping in contests to discover how much they can work using better antenna systems will encourage them to become rovers or hilltoppers.  Also, having a few loaner ssb or all-mode rigs is a great way to introduce the new modes to some, even if only 10 watts output.

With the forthcoming Sprints in April/May, now is the time to start working on this.  

73,

Bill  VE3CRU/R

Email: ve3cru at rac.ca