[VHFcontesting] Poor CQ-VHF Showing...

[K9GTJ]

I entered the month pretty excited about the CQ-VHF contest.  I was able 
to erect a 6 meter and 2 meter beam on July 5th - 
http://www.ap1.net/VHF-BEAMS/ - and quickly made contacts on both 6 
(Grand Cayman Islands) and 2 meters (Canada) confirming the equipment 
was ready to perform during the contest.  Unfortunately several 
unexpected events totally disrupted the weekend.  From being called 
twice into work for false burglar alarms to needing to help a young lady 
in the neighborhood needing to move out unexpectedly when her (no good) 
husband said he had a new girlfriend and wanted her gone to mother 
nature offering up a couple of thunderstorms requiring me to shut down 
my on air activities I didn't get in a lot of time on air.

However I did get to see a different side of VHF contesting even with a 
short amount of seat time in front of the radio.  It was my first time a 
beam antenna and that did take a little more skill in finding which 
direction I needed to be pointing.  I do think on 2 meters it would be 
helpful if someone called CQ a bit slower and even help if they could 
mention their grid in the same process.  A short burst of "CQ Contest, 
CQ Contest, Call Sign"  lasting less than 5 seconds is not very helpful 
when trying to locate which direction to turn the beam.  (I am sure a 
faster ham rotator verses the slow (cheap) TV rotator would help my 
situation.) 

I  really did enjoy 2 meters during the contest and found myself there 
more than 6 meters.  I also discovered I would find more non contesters 
on 2 meters and did take a little bit of time to talk with them.  I was 
disappointed a bit that I kept hearing W3SO calling CQ over and over and 
over and I was never able to get a response from them.  They were 
relentless with calling CQ but I guess their beam was not pointed my 
way.  I tried for 30 minutes or so...

I also worked more grids on 2 meters than 6 meters but both produced a 
pathetic score due to limited operating time..  However I did see how 
adding 2 meters and that multiplier made an improvement to my score.

Maybe next time lady luck will be on my side and allow me to be on more 
during the contest.

Jim
K9GTJ | EN60vl