[VHFcontesting] VHFcontesting Digest, Vol 141, Issue 4
Todd
wd0t at mncomm.com
Thu Sep 4 12:41:38 EDT 2014
Curt are you going portable for this one in Sept ?
73 Todd WD0T
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 4, 2014, at 11:00 AM, vhfcontesting-request at contesting.com wrote:
>
> Send VHFcontesting mailing list submissions to
> vhfcontesting at contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> vhfcontesting-request at contesting.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> vhfcontesting-owner at contesting.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of VHFcontesting digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. September ARRL VHF Contest Section Records (Curtis Roseman)
> 2. Looking for a 2m & 432 Xvrts (KC2TN)
> 3. rover antenna alternatives (Pete Kobak via VHFcontesting)
> 4. 1st September Rove (Rob Palmer)
> 5. ARRL Proposal for a combined 10 Meter & 6 Meter Contest
> (Les Rayburn)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 16:47:18 +0000
> From: Curtis Roseman <croseman at usc.edu>
> To: "vhfcontesting at contesting.com" <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] September ARRL VHF Contest Section Records
> Message-ID: <1409762845455.32615 at usc.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> VHF Contesters:
>
>
>
> The section records for the ARRL September contest through 2013 are now up on the ARRL Website: http://www.arrl.org/contest-records
>
>
>
> Please direct any corrections to me.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
>
>
> Curt Roseman k9aks
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 14:53:53 -0400
> From: KC2TN <kc2tn at comcast.net>
> To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com, packrats-members at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] Looking for a 2m & 432 Xvrts
> Message-ID: <305C8DC3-5555-44CF-9BC6-44E3A9F8861B at comcast.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Anyone looking to sell a Demi 2M and/or 432mhz transverter?
>
> I need the IF to be 28mhz and the input able to accept 0dbm level.
>
> Prefer low 2M output or anything I can reduce to 1 watt
>
> Prefer 432 output to be 25 watts.
>
> These will be used with a Flex 6500.
>
> Please email me off list at KC2TN at Comcast.net
>
> Tnx & 73
> Joe
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 20:45:39 -0700
> From: Pete Kobak via VHFcontesting <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
> To: "vhfcontesting at contesting.com" <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] rover antenna alternatives
> Message-ID:
> <1409802339.66904.YahooMailNeo at web121805.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Beginner rover, participated in the July CQ contest from 8 grids. My setup takes a long time (30-40 minutes) to construct and break down, so travel and setup/breakdown leaves little time for making contacts. [I have a ~30 ft walk-up mast on trailer hitch (a Penninger Radio system) and keep the antennas inside the minivan, so I have to assemble the mast and assemble all 3 antennas on the mast and connect coax each time.] For Sept., I'll have a short boom 6m 3el, a 2m 7el, and a 432 15el.
>
> I've been trying to mount loop antennas (M2 "HO" series) on the roof rack rails so I have some limited capabilities on the road and quick grid stops (in addition to the walk-up mast for longer stops). However, I'm getting frustrated trying to mount them (especially the 6m) because they use skinny half-inch masts with standard 3/8 threads. Way too whippy IMHO for highway speeds and there would be tremendous stress on the bolt or nut holding the mast on the mounting plate. Tried using a very stiff antenna spring, but the 6m just flopped over from it's (non-symmetrical) weight. I could get some strain relief with a couple of guy ropes, but I can't get guys in 3 directions, just 2 at a right angle. I'm thinking of using PVC to get both pull and push forces on the masts, but the arrangement I'm starting to try is a horrible hack of cut up PVC connectors and hose clamps.
>
> Since the loop antennas are turning into a big project anyway, I was considering mounting my yagis for use on the road. I'm pretty nervous about it, but I think mechanically I could do it from the trailer hitch with my existing system. Here's some concerns (besides the concern that the antennas will come flying off on the highway and cause a horrific accident):
> 1. I'll only have 5ft of mast or less above the roof. Having the 432 lowest at 1 foot above the roof, that only leaves 2ft max spacing between the antennas. Is it even worth doing with the antennas squeezed so close together?
>
> 2. I don't have a Moxon for 6m, just the short 3el. Having the 6m point down the major axis of the van would be too wide for travel, so I'll have to have it at a right angle to the other two antennas pointing down the major axis. I understand that will be a PITA to have to turn 90 degrees when changing bands with a contact, but my bigger concern is how much performance will be hurt.
>
> 3. I've seen plenty of pictures of rovers with antennas overhanging the back of the vehicle, but I've always wondered about the legality and safety of that arrangement. What if any flags and lights do you put on the overhanging antennas? My antennas will extend 42-56 inches back from the trailer hitch, which is right against the bumper.
> 4. OTOH, I'm hoping when I stop to do a full setup, I'll save some time by having fully-assembled antennas and coax on the top mast segment already ... though taking off the populated segment and moving it to the end of the assembled long mast will be a challenge.
> Thanks for reading through this long post. Is there a better way to do the HO loops, or should I just use two guy ropes and stop worrying? Or, is the compromise mounting of the yagis a better way to go? I appreciate your thoughts.
>
> -- Pete K0BAK
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 23:57:45 -0400
> From: "Rob Palmer" <pinevalleymopars at stny.rr.com>
> To: <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] 1st September Rove
> Message-ID: <FA0C7B7378AD458A98FC128C29A6EE5A at Rob2PC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Look for myself KB2YCC & my wife KB2YVA to be active on 6 meters
> - 3.4GHz for the September contest as rovers. We (and hopefully friends)
> will be around the FN12 FN13 FN03 FN02 area during the first part of the
> contest. We plan on going East for FN23 & FN22 later in the day and down to
> FN21 & FN11 Saturday night to complete Saturday. Sunday is still up in the
> air.
>
> We hope everyone has a great contest and we hope to hear you on
> the air. Rob KB2YCC
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 00:47:02 -0500
> From: Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com>
> To: VHF Contesting Reflector <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>, N1LF
> Radio <n1lf at highnoonfilm.com>
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] ARRL Proposal for a combined 10 Meter & 6
> Meter Contest
> Message-ID: <5407FCD6.9010904 at highnoonfilm.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
>
> A few weeks ago, Steve N2CEI posted an update from ARRL HQ that
> authorized the appointment of an-hoc committee related to VHF
> contesting. Within that posting, he mentioned a desire from ARRL HQ
> staff to enhance operation on the 6 & 10 Meter band that included the
> following:
>
> */PSC requested that headquarters staff explores opportunities to
> emphasize more activity of the 6 and 10 meters bands. Ideas included a
> combined 6- and 10-meter contest, a 10 meter grid square award, and
> emphasis on portable operations. /*
>
> I'm interested in hearing what VHF contest operators think about the
> possibility of a combined 10 & 6 Contest? During sunspot nulls (or even
> the current maximum) 10 Meters often performs more like a VHF band than
> an HF band--so I think the grouping is pretty natural. The CQ VHF
> contest which focus only on 6 & 2 Meters as long been a favorite of mine
> due to the simplicity of the format. I suspect that a 6 & 10 contest
> could have the same appeal.
>
> A 10 Meter grid award also makes a lot of sense to me. It might
> encourage even more FFMA style expeditions.
>
>
>
> --
> --
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
> EM63nf
>
> 6M VUCC #1712
> AMSAT #38965
> Grid Bandits #222
> Southeastern VHF Society
> Central States VHF Society Life Member
> Six Club #2484
>
> Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
>
>
> I have had a chance to review the various reports of the July meeting
> and here are some highlights that are of interest to VHF and above
> operators.First as copied from the report:
>
> VHF and above contesting rules. The PSC voted to authorize the
> appointment of an ad-hoc committee to review and discuss various issues
> related to the ARRL VHF and above contest program. The following
> individuals have been subsequently appointed to this committee:
>
> Kermit W9XA (Chairman)
> Dave Patton NN1N
> Marty Woll N6VI
> Doug Rehman K4AC
> Joel Harrison W5ZN
>
> All have considerable VHF+ contesting experience and perspective through
> involvement with their respective VHF+ contesting communities, and I
> believe they will provide us with sound advice and recommendations that
> will enable PSC to tackle the challenge of improving the entire
> contesting program.
>
> End of Copy.
>
> My personal comments are that it is a great list of individuals to
> represent us as VHF and above operators.
> Since I am an Assistant Director concerning VHF and above matters
> reporting to our Division Director Doug Rehman, I expect to be making
> the SVHF Society's opinions heard on any subject relating to VHF and
> above contesting. As of this writing, I am not aware of the committee's
> plan of attack on such matters but this would be a great place to
> forward any information that the Society and the general VHF and above
> community would be interested in. It would also be a good place to
> request public opinions and any matters we are queried about. So-- keep
> this topic handy and spread the word.
>
> Secondly, an important rule change to Single Op VHF contesting happened.
>
> "On the motion of Mr. Rehman and second of Mr. Norris it was VOTED to
> add a Single Operator Unlimited category that allows passive assistance
> to all Single Operator categories in ARRL VHF/UHF contest to be
> implemented in calendar year 2015. "
>
> All operators interested in competing in this class should review the
> ARRL rules pertaining to "Passive Assistance" I'm sure it will be a
> topic of discussion in the near future but understanding them for the
> Jan. VHF contest, 2015 is important.
>
> Other topics of VHF interest are :
>
> PSC requested that headquarters staff explores opportunities to
> emphasize more activity of the 6 and 10 meters bands. Ideas included a
> combined 6- and 10-meter contest, a 10 meter grid square award, and
> emphasis on portable operations.
>
> PSC agreed to expand the Field Day message handling bonus to include
> formats other than the traditional NTS Radiogram (i.e. ICS-213 and other
> relevant formats), effective 2015.
>
> The following Contest Advisory Committee tasks were assigned. I thought
> these would be of interest to the Society members so were copied below.
> One note is the last on the list concerning public Logs . My
> understanding is if it were to be implemented , it would be across the
> board.
>
> 1. Investigate potential mobile categories for HF contesting.
> 2. Investigate parameters CAC would recommend for a possible 24-hour
> category in the ARRL International DX contest.
> 3. Review scoring topics within the ARRL 160-meter contest.
> 4. Study the feasibility, pros/cons, etc. of potentially making
> submitted logs public for ARRL contests.
>
> If you wish to view the complete report search for "Program and Services
> Committee (PSC)
> Report to the Board ? July 2014, Doc #16" on the ARRL Website Its
> recommended reading to and ARRL member. Also review the July meeting
> Minutes at http://www.arrl.org/board-meetings
> http://www.arrl.org/board-meetings
>
> Steve, N2CEI
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> VHFcontesting mailing list
> VHFcontesting at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of VHFcontesting Digest, Vol 141, Issue 4
> *********************************************
>
More information about the VHFcontesting
mailing list