[VHFcontesting] More About FM Contests

[Todd Sprinkmann]

    Roy AC9DN told the list about the Pittsburgh area FM 
Simplex contest.  The zip code idea is interesting.  What a 
hoot it would be to make zip codes the prize in SSB contests!  
You sure would hear a lot less, "I didn't bother working him, 
I have that grid square already."  
    I admit to having a thinking problem, lol at myself.  :)  
   
   Back to the topic -- 

    In WI, the Milwaukee Radio Amateurs Club has a 
popular, multi-band FM Simplex contest every February.  
This year it's on Feb. 10th, from 1:00-3:30pm.    
http://w9rh.org/fm_simplex_contest.htm   or 
http://w9rh.org/documents/FM-Contest-Rules-2013.pdf   

    This contest has been around for at least 10 years.   I'm 
sure it's part of why SE WI and N ILL had a good FM 
turnout this past weekend -- there's already some familiarity.  

    FM Simplex contests are popping up all over the country.   
I've read of others in IL, IN, OH, PA, NJ and ME.   I'm 
sure there are many more.  Ask around and see if there's 
one in your area.  If not, do something about it.  Could 
always slide a SSB portion or angle into it, too.  Think 
about meeting the FM'ers halfway.  :)  

    Also think about having some sort of modest plaque/
trophy/certificates for those who compete.  Having some-
thing on your ham shack wall is a great reminder of the 
fun you had.  Keeps the contesting idea in their heads.  

   There was a nice article in the Jan 2010 QST about FM 
contests being a great training ground for VHF/UHF contes-
ters.   It was written by ARRL Contest Branch Manager 
KX9X.   The article is on page 79 of the Jan, 2010 QST.   
   Check it out, take it to your club meeting and try some-
thing new in your area.  Then follow up by making sure 
your club knows about the ARRL VHF/UHF Contests in 
January, June, August, and September.   Plus the CQ WW 
VHF Contest in July, and the V/U Spring and Fall Sprints 
in April and October.  Actually, I would think the Sprints 
might be the best time to "break-in" contesting rookies.  
It's a limited time commitment and only one band to worry 
about.  Remember how your head was spinning the first 
time you played in a V/U contest?  

   Hams want to know where and when the on-air activity is.  
Let them know, and they may stay interested.

    73,
    Todd   KC9BQA    EN63ao    40 N of Milwaukee
    www.kc9bqa.com  For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates
    www.wivuch.com   WI VHF/UHF County Hunters Award