[VHFcontesting] Idea to create more activity -- put it to use in 2010.

[Todd Sprinkmann]

     I liked W9SZ's email about generating more activity outside
of the major contest weekends.   Guys like him (and many others)
helped motivate me to improve V/UHF in and near Wisconsin
the past few years.

     Something I posted to my website/blog some days ago ties
directly into what Zach was talking about.
     The direct link is http://kc9bqa.com/?p=1592

      I'll post the text below for those who won't bother to click
the link.   If many of you on this list spread this sort of info in
your area, it will improve V/UHF in 2010.   Everything that is
up on my website is radio-related, so feel free to use it in
your area, if you think it will help.
     Wish List for 2010 and Beyond Item #1
  I got this idea from a ham in another state, so I can't take credit
for it.   But a good idea is a good idea regardless of the source.

   -  Have stations go rover or portable to good QTH's
during weekly nets or activity periods .   Plus, make sure
it's publicized ahead of time, so folks will know to tune in.  -

     V/UHF'ers enjoy working something unusual, or tougher.
When the weather improves, if some guys/gals would take a
decent station on the road for 144, 222 or 432 nets or activity
periods, it would be a real hit.   You wouldn't have to drive
hours away.   Just a grid away from your usual populated areas
would do.   Or if you're tired of operating from your limited
home QTH, then go portable to a hilltop or tower and become
the strong signal you always wanted to be.   Location is so
important with V/UHF.   Why not put a great location to work
and stir up more activity during a net?
     Several of you have expressed an interest in doing this, so I'm
optimistic that in time, it will happen.    The best activity would
occur with some publicity ahead of time.   An email to someone
with a big mouth (like me) a few days ahead of time would suffice.

   There would be multiple benefits to going portable for a net.
   1)   Hand out a tougher grid to several dozen check-ins.
   2)  Test antennas and gear on the air.
   3)  Enjoy fresh air.  Get out of the city, watch the sunset, stars.
   4)  Get some experience with roving, without a large time
commitment.
   5)  Bring along a prospective ham or rover, so they can hear
what activity on weak-signal V/UHF sounds like.
   6)  It would bring contesters and non-contesters closer.
Some contesters don't care for the weekly routine of nets.
Some guys who enjoy nets think contests are too hectic.
Having a portable or mobile station that goes to a different
grid is something everyone enjoys.

     Who is interested in doing this in 2010?   Who will spread the
word to other parts of the country?   There are many good nets
all across the USA.   Sometimes nets can use a little variety, and
this is a great way to create more interest.