[VHFcontesting] W0ZQ/R UHF & Rovermania II Score

[jcplatt1@mmm.com]

Summary:
 Band  QSOs  Mults
-------------------
  222:   92    15
  432:   92    15
  902:   40     4
 1296:   55     5
 2304:   32     3
 3456:   33     3
 5760:   18     2
  10g:   27     3
  24g:    6     1
-------------------
Total:  395    51 plus 12 grids activated for a total Score = 158,382

Activated EN12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 35 with 698 miles
of driving.  Of the 395 total QSO's, only 9 (2.3%) were with other rovers.
I had wanted to catch a few of the other Rovermania guys but they zigged
and I zagged so I missed some good multipliers.   Also conditions, on
average, did not seem very good here in the Upper Midwest, or at least
where I was.   There were times on Sat night and early Sunday morning when
the band would extend itself, but generally propagation was very average at
best.   On Sat I had a maximum temperature of 76 degrees with low humidity
while in Iowa, not a good sign for propagation.    Best DX on 222 was from
EN15xb to K2YAZ in EN74, about 540 miles (120 watts and 4 ele).   Best DX
on 10g (6 watts & 22" dish) and 24g (2 watts & 15" dish) was 174 and 114
miles respectively.   I experienced very good activity from the EN50's and
up into Wisc & MN, most likely thanks to Rovermania II and it's promotion
by the NLRS, Badger Contesters, and Chippewa Valley Contesters.   There was
a time span from 6:12 to 7:16pm on Sat evening when I was straddling the
EN22/23 grid line that I made 37 Q's .... gheez, almost Sweepstakes like !
If you didn't have activity like this in YOUR area, its because YOU didn't
promote it.   The ARRL provides us with an excellent tool to generate
activity and have some fun, its called the UHF Contest, but its up to us
(that's you and me) and our local clubs to use it.

Regarding promotion of Rovermania, we will be back next year, August 5 and
6, with Rovermania III.

PS:  Regarding rover circling, WSJT, and anything that generates activity,
interest, and fun (remember fun ?), its a good thing.  Also, anyone who has
tried serious rover circling knows how boring it is and it tends to die a
natural death .... after you have worked W0ZQ/R 250 times while parked
right next to you, you see the light ..... rule changes not required.
Yes, someone who has circled has a gazillion points and the National
record, but as someone pointed out, they are playing in some other contest
then the rest of us are, so let them have their fun too.

73, Jon
W0ZQ/R