[VHFcontesting] Hello VHFers

[David Olean]

This is a friendly reminder that it is another Tuesday in a long line of 
Tuesdays.  Of course, Tuesday is THE day when all the 222 MHz fellas and 
gals get on the 222 MHz band and yak up a storm. This gives a good 
indication of how well (or poorly) your 222 setup is working. After all 
the wind storms, tornadoes, ice, storm surges, and what-not, it is a 
good idea to give your setup a quick check just before the ARRL January 
VHF Sweepstakes. Sometimes, little gremlins sneak into the system and 
can wreak havoc. You might not notice the trouble if you do not try 
things out. A test on Tuesday can give you time to fix things before the 
big weekend coming up.  Other times, the problems are obvious and easily 
spotted. I always think of the ham in Stoneham, MA. I think his name was 
Kevin. He was operating his VHF station on the 2nd floor during a bad 
winter storm. All of a sudden, he saw his HF rig start to slide a bit 
backward and to the right.  Then in a big crash, the rig along with his 
transverter and SWR meter all took off and flew out the window as his 
house bracketed tower came down in the storm. He was left with a broken 
window, shards of glass, some snow flakes, and an empty desk.

Things are looking like the dead of winter here in Mumbo Jumbo land. It 
is snowing to beat the band and was in the teens over night.  With all 
the snow on the ground again, it looks like I will have to hike up to my 
shack with my snow shoes. I have not been up there since the last storm, 
so am not sure if everything is still there. The last I looked my array 
was slightly damaged with one of the yagis twisted on the mast and 
pointing inward. At least the four yagis were in one piece.  I swear 
that when 60 MPH winds are predicted, I get 80 mph winds on that ridge. 
It is especially bad with NW winds as the winds get funneled down a 
valley and then get pushed up against the ridge lines. The same idea 
happens on Mt Washington to greater effect as west winds get pushed up a 
larger valley and Mt Washington then acts as a blocking force to those 
winds. The wind speeds get crazy as a result.  But I digress.....

So my plan is to hike up the hill and try to be on by about 00:00 UT. I 
am hoping that I can do it and everything works. That requires the 
diesel genset works and that there is no condensation in the unheated 
shack. It probably was 14 degrees in there this morning. s things heat 
up, water can appear and cause all sorts of trouble. I'll check things 
out when I get there. Do not be surprised if I do not show up on 
222.100.  I will try.  A few years ago, Crazy Wayne, N6NB was here on 
the East Coast in winter and wanted to work me on 50 MHz. I balked a bit 
as I was worried about the intense cold in the shack and the effects of 
condensation.  Well, I decided to go ahead with the plan, and turned on 
the genset and warmed up the big six meter amp. Then I hit the HV 
switch. The step start circuit started up but when it went to full 
voltage, an arc over just about blew out my ear drums. 5300 volts from a 
208V 3 phase supply and a 40 MFD filter cap sure left a mark. Some 
aluminum got vaporized and I retreated rather quickly. Wayne never 
completed the contact.

So dust off your key, shine up your computer keyboard, and rub RF grease 
on your aluminum elements because tonight is the night for some 222 MHz 
fun.  Remember to watch the ON4KST 144/432 Region 2 Chat page for action 
and skeds with far off locations etc.  The Moon is elevated and in a 
good spot this evening. Not a good night for horizon only, unless you 
live on Midway Island.  I will be monitoring HB9Q Chat page in case any 
EME stations are QRV.  My busted up antenna might still work for EME.

CU (I hope) on 222

Dave K1WHS