[VHFcontesting] I'm crazy, right?

[k4gun at comcast.net]

Yes, you're crazy... as are many of us.  I'll see you in the asylum.  LOL.  

Sounds like a great set-up.  I'll aim South a few times and see if we can't get lucky with some e-skip on 6 meters.  

Steve K4GUN/R

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Les Rayburn" <les at highnoonfilm.com> 

> Little over a week to go before contest. I'm out of town this weekend, and then 
> leave for a shoot in Ft. Worth, TX on Tuesday. Return on Friday. 
> During those few days that I'm actually home, I'm trying to accomplish the 
> following: 
> 
> 1. Build and install three improved (longer) antennas for 144, 222, and 432mhz. 
> 2. Install loop yagis for 900mhz and 2.3 ghz. 
> 3. Install a Beko 300 watt 432mhz amplifier. (Loaned to me by a local VHF 
> operator) 
> 4. Learn to use WSJT software (which I just got running tonight) 
> 5. Configure N3FJP VHF Contest software including Digital Voice Keyer, and CW 
> keyer. 
> 6. Install and learn to use a new Icom 756ProIII 
> 7. Install a Mirage 120 watt amp for 222. 
> 8. Install a DEMI 2304Ghz transverter. 
> 9. Test my Kenwood TK-981 FM rig for 900mhz. 
> 
> This is completely crazy. I've finally and completely lost it. You guys should 
> really print warnings in QST or something. I mean, this is worse than Avian Flu. 
> All this for some new "grid squares"? Not countries, not even states, but grid 
> squares!???? 
> 
> I was trying to find and purchase some topographic software at a local map 
> specialty shop today, and I told the clerk that I wanted to be able to view the 
> terrain in "raised relief" type 3-D views. Literally turn it, and move it to 
> visually look at the terrain. She asked what I needed it for. I explained that I 
> was a ham radio operator. She then wanted to know how much territory I wanted to 
> map. I told her just the Southeastern United States. 
> 
> She looked at me and said..."Hmm...my neighbor is a ham radio operator and HE 
> TALKS ALL OVER THE WORLD". She was so smug I wanted to choke her. How do you 
> explain to someone that you're just trying to work into Florida? 
> 
> To make matters worse, I spent some time at the shack of Jimmy Long, W4ZRZ 
> recently. He was rushing to get ready for the contest too. In his case, he was 
> trying to do a stack of eight 432mhz Yagis at about 100 feet! He was having some 
> trouble with his power divider...and oh yeah, the water cooling for his 1.2ghz 
> amp was acting up too. I tried to feel sorry for him, I really did. 
> 
> His place is at 1,400 foot elevation. You could work North Carolina with 5 watts 
> and a dipole. Despite his good nature, I thought about shooting myself on the 
> spot. He also imparted some real "VHF Wisdom" for me. 
> 
> "Move". 
> 
> I've figured out why there are two annual Sporadic E seasons per year. It's just 
> enough to give you hope and get you through the next six months, right? Hope to 
> work you in the contest. Please QSL. I need your grid. 
> 
> 73, 
> 
> Les Rayburn, N1LF 
> 
> 
> 
> Les Rayburn, director 
> High Noon Film 
> 100 Centerview Drive Suite 111 
> Birmingham, AL 35216-3748 
> 205.824.8930 
> 205.824.8960 fax 
> 205.253.4867 cell 
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