[VHFcontesting] My Penny's worth

[Herb Krumich]

I've operated VHF contests since about 1959.Needless to say I've seen it all.Running my mountain top location in FN21, with maximum power andstacks of yagi's on all bands, CW was a must.Yes we old timers can still do that deed, but how many new hamshave taken the time to learn CW ?After selling my QTH several years ago, my present location is uselessfor the VHF bands. 
In order for me to operate close to my home portable, I received permissionfrom a local property owner.With no plans of ever running high power or big yagi's I present this pastweekend's findings.Those might say I'm in a very active area for VHF contesting. Your WRONGMy location was FN11XD. 
I can count on one hand stations worked within a 100 mile radius.If anyone thinks that running low power from here on SSB would be 
worth while, think again. I even called CQ on CW many times over on or near144.200, with not one reply.The location was only 1,150 asl, but my signal was able to get over the 2,000 foot 
mountains ten miles away. Sunday afternoon only worked 25 grids on 2 meters
MoralIf CW was still part of licensing, it's possible FT8 would not be the primary mode.
I personally want to thank Joe Taylor for WSJT-X.Without it from where I live, I would be done giving out points73 Herb K2LNSYears on the mountain WA2FGK