[VHFcontesting] January VHF Test (In Memory of Rex Turner, W5RCI)

[Les Rayburn]

What a difference a year makes. Last year's January VHF Sweepstakes was my first ever VHF contest. 40 points and 8 QSO's was nothing to write home about, but I had a blast. 

One year later, I had another great time, managing 50 more Q's for a total of 58, and breaking the 2,000 point mark. Still won't win any paper with that performance, but for indoor antennas, low power, and limited operating time, it was a dream. Highlights included my first ever 2.3ghz contact on CW with W4ZRZ at a distance of about 40 miles, and picking up a new grid on six meters. 

The only downside was not searching on Sunday afternoon for Rex Turner, W5RCI. During the past year, Rex wasn't much into contests, preferring to chase DX instead, but he usually got on during Sunday afternoons and gave out a few contacts to the regulars. He's been the "dean" of our little informal group here during my rookie year, and without him, things don't seem quite the same. He was mentioned often in QSO's that I heard on the band, and I paused to remember him on the "forgotten band" of 222mhz. I always thought of Rex as "Mr. 222". 

Thanks to all who participated, and for all the help that these two lists have given me during this year. I'm enjoying ham radio more than I have in my life, and it's a credit to all of you. 

73,


Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114