[VHFcontesting] vhf/uhf activity

Tue Feb 27 15:39:10 EST 2007

Just a few comments to Tom's rant.

First, as I mentioned in my original post I am not trying to make any sort
of negative comment about Technicians in general or AC5TM in particular.  I
am just offering an observation based on my experience.  I stick by my
observation, Technicians in this area (Atlanta/North Georgia) do not do VHF+
weak signal.  The vast majority of VHF+ weak signal operators in this area
are higher class operators.

Second, the Southeastern VHF Society does not recruit members.  We are not
some secret society.  Our membership is open to all radio amateurs with an
interest in VHF+ weak signal.  Most of our members join during our yearly
conference in April which is open to all.

Third, I have done the presentation at the local radio club thing.  I still
do it on occasion.  Frankly, it has not been very productive.  At one
meeting when I started talking about tropo I was asked if that was the same
thing as "skip".  At another meeting their repeater chairman openly berated
me for "wasting" valuable spectrum.

Fourth, we have discussed doing something with the local school system.  If
it doesn't help them meet their test score targets for No Child Left Behind
so they can keep getting their federal money they are not interested.

Fifth, if AC5TM believes that something is wrong with the Southeastern VHF
Society then I invite him to attend our next meeting in April and join.  The
election of officers and members of the board will be Fridy afternoon at the
conference.  I assume that he will be willing to be nominated for one of
these positions.

73
Jim, W4KXY

-----Original Message-----
From: ac5tm at bellsouth.net [mailto:ac5tm at bellsouth.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:58 AM
To: wa4kxy at bellsouth.net; 'Zack Widup'; 'Lee Kemp'
Cc: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
Subject: Re: Re: [VHFcontesting] vhf/uhf activity

What a bunch of crap.  The membership of any club or society does not
directly repesent the real population of VHF weak signal.  Before I up
graded a number of years ago, the major thrust of my operation as a
technician was weak signal.  My favorite band was and still is six meters.
I enjoyed many hours of operation on 2 meter SSB and FM simplex operation.
Most of those who I worked were technicians.
It is important to cultivate the future weak signal operators.  We are the
ones who will get those hams interested in WS.  Be an Elmer go talk at club
meetings but do not forget to the local schools.  We need to get younger
people involved in Ham radio/WS.
Tom Miller AC5TM ex WA9TMC
IF the membership of Southeastern is 90% extra that is who they have
recruited to join and there is something wrong with.
> 
> From: "Jim Worsham" <wa4kxy at bellsouth.net>
> Date: 2007/02/27 Tue AM 02:14:05 EST
> To: "'Zack Widup'" <w9sz at prairienet.org>, 
> 	"'Lee Kemp'" <n5tiflk at yahoo.com>
> CC: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] vhf/uhf activity
> 
> My experience agrees with Zack's.  I checked the membership roles of 
> the Southeastern VHF Society one time.  Over 100 hams active on weak
signal.
> 90% were extras.  Only a couple were Techs.  Most techs I know/meet do 
> FM and not much else.  Success at attempts to recruit them to weak 
> signal has been almost nil.  This is not a put down of techs just a 
> statement of my observation of the situation.  I don't think giving 
> techs HF priveleges is going to make much difference to us.  Those 
> with the wherewithall and interest will do VHF+ weak signal.  Those who
don't will not.
> 
> 73
> Jim, W4KXY
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Zack Widup
> Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:11 AM
> To: Lee Kemp
> Cc: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] vhf/uhf activity
> 
> 
> I wonder how many Techs are active on VHF+ weak-signal modes? Most of 
> the people I work have General or Extra licenses.
> 
> I am active on all HF bands as well as VHF+.  And I have a lowfer 
> antenna in the yard now, too.
> 
> I've been working on adding a new band: I should have the 24 GHz 
> transverter done in a month. I have a feeling building gear for the 
> bands above that is not for the faint of heart.
> 
> 73, Zack W9SZ
> 
> On Mon, 26 Feb 2007, Lee Kemp wrote:
> 
> > Nate and Bob  said something in there emails that has me greatly
> concerned.  With code gone as an requirement for upgrades many Techs 
> and others will be moving up.  I have seen on a 6m reflector of guys 
> saying they will sell there gear to move up to HF.
> >    
> >    This is the time that we must promote vhf/uhf to try to keep 
> > these guys
> from leaving our weak single bands.  Yes many will get a multi mode 
> rig but I fear that the lure of HF will decrease the numbers that we 
> have today.  I am hoping that with the rules committee that is now in 
> progress makes the right changes that will keep these guys here on 
> vhf/uhf.  But at the same time Enjoy HF.
> > 
> > 
> > Lee
> > N5TIF
> > SWOT#3319
> > 6M VUCC
> > 2M VUCC
> > 
> >  
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> 
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