The ARRL Sept. VHF QSO Party which runs from 2pm on Sat. the 12th until 11pm on Sun. the 13th. There's a lot of Midwestern activity and we're always looking for newcomers or the curious. Here's the link to the ARRL rules:
http://www.arrl. org/contests/ rules/2009/ sepvhf.html
What follows is a 5-minute primer on how to get started in VHF Contesting.
Remember to get on and have some fun this weekend with the ARRL VHF QSO Party. All bands from 6m, 2m and on up are in play. Operate as much or as little as you like. USB mode is what 80-90% of the contesters use, with horizontally- polarized antennas.
Even modest horizontal loops will work stations out 50-150 miles. I know this because in my first contest (Sept. 2003) I had only horizontal loops for 6 and 2m, and I worked some stations as far away as 300 miles, without any special enhancement. Using headphones and keeping the squelch low is essential for digging out those distant, light signals. You'll be amazed how far some of those S1 signals will travel, if you listen carefully. Also be aware that on VHF/UHF bands, propagation is usually better after sunset and well into the morning hours. If I only had a few hours to spend, I'd operate from about 7-11pm, and then again from about 7-11am.
Those with beams and/or higher antennas (above trees and obstructions) can get out farther. Bread and butter VHF bands are 6 and 2 meters. At least 90% of us have one or both of those bands.
The basic contest exchange is callsign and grid square. Log the callsign of the station you worked, what band it was on, their grid square and the time of the QSO within a minute or two. Most QSO's are voice mode, but there is plenty of CW activity, as well. Each year, more and more ops benefit from using the various digital modes.
On 6m, you operate from 50.125 up to about 50.175 or so. If there's a good band opening, activity can spread above 50.200.
On 2m, the call freq. is 144.200, but tune around and call CQ between about 144.150-144. 250. Maybe more like 144.170-144. 230 if the band isn't that busy.
Avoid the temptation to use 144.200 too much. Far better to tune around and find some elbow room.
On 70cm, the SSB call freq. is 432.100 MHz. Hardly anyone calls CQ on 70cm because of the pointyness of horizontal beams. Standard practice is to do your CQ'ing on either 6 and/or 2 meters, and then "work up the bands" with the station you've contacted. Experienced hams will be happy to help you get your feet wet. VHF/UHF contests are far more casual than HF, and we can always use newcomers.
If you are limited to FM gear, then you'll find the most activity on 146.550, followed by 223.500 on the 1.25cm band. You may also find some activity on the 6m FM call freq. of 52.525 and the 70cm call freq. of 446.000. On FM, use vertical polarization.
VHF/UHF contesting levels in the entire Midwest have really improved the past year. 2010 should see continued improvement.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A Really Good Day
What a great day. Even though things fell through with my daughter, My daughter was to undergo several procedures today for possible future brain surgery. After I logged off the computer this morning I went out to the living room to find Shelby eating a sandwich. She was not to eat due to having to be sedated. We called the Hospital and they said we need to reschedule, to risky if she has food in her system. Looking at 9/25/09 now.
I got my MFJ-1796 this morning. What a nice looking antenna.
My wife and I took my parents out to lunch. What a great time we had. I hope my Mom will still be with us next week at this time. She has a major surgery on 9/17/9. Please keep her in your prayers. Next to my wife, my Mom is my best friend.
I got my MFJ-1796 this morning. What a nice looking antenna.
My wife and I took my parents out to lunch. What a great time we had. I hope my Mom will still be with us next week at this time. She has a major surgery on 9/17/9. Please keep her in your prayers. Next to my wife, my Mom is my best friend.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mom Update 3
Mom did not look to well today. She is in an extreme amount of pain. Due to the pain she is unable to cough and has pneumonia setting in. Dad feels that Mom is much weaker today than yesterday. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Net on the 2 Meter Repeater
Did the W8ZHO net tonight. What fun.
The NCS “NA8M” Bill had introduced us to a really cool software that he uses for his DXing contest.
I checked it out, it is called DX Atlas. I’m gonna download tonight and play around with it.
24 more days till I take my test for General.
Who knows, maybe I will try for the Extra if I pass the General…….Yeah, right.
The NCS “NA8M” Bill had introduced us to a really cool software that he uses for his DXing contest.
I checked it out, it is called DX Atlas. I’m gonna download tonight and play around with it.
24 more days till I take my test for General.
Who knows, maybe I will try for the Extra if I pass the General…….Yeah, right.
Monday, September 7, 2009
My Labor Day
The fifth annual Labor Day "Cars for Cancer" was awesome. I hung out at the W8ZHO both for awhile with some ole friends. After that I ventured around with the wife and daughter to look at the cars. I had several friends with there cars in ...the show. It got pretty warm, the heat started getting to me so the wife dragged me back home to the central air.
-----------------------------------------
Getting out of the house for a while.
Heading down to the K4C event
Car show to rev up funds for cancer victims
-----------------------------------------
Getting out of the house for a while.
Heading down to the K4C event
Car show to rev up funds for cancer victims
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Played w/ the Rigs today
What a great day.
I played Amateur Radio today. I worked with my Vx-7R, trying to reprogram it. I also spent time getting familiar with my FT-7800.
I had sold the rigs to a friend, he is a truck driver. He was going to get his ticket and decided not too. He gave me both rigs back and told me not to worry about paying him back.
What a pal, thanks Dewain.
Now I am going to work on a better antenna and I also studied today for my General.
Got an e-mail today asking me if I would like to design the October 18 exercise for the MCECS/RACES group here in Muskegon.
Gonna give it a try.
I played Amateur Radio today. I worked with my Vx-7R, trying to reprogram it. I also spent time getting familiar with my FT-7800.
I had sold the rigs to a friend, he is a truck driver. He was going to get his ticket and decided not too. He gave me both rigs back and told me not to worry about paying him back.
What a pal, thanks Dewain.
Now I am going to work on a better antenna and I also studied today for my General.
Got an e-mail today asking me if I would like to design the October 18 exercise for the MCECS/RACES group here in Muskegon.
Gonna give it a try.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Early Start to the Day (Again)
Woke up this morning around 2am, I tried to fall back to sleep but my body and mind was not willing to cooperate. (sigh) Getting tired of it. Body hurts and just not feeling well.
So, I checked e-mails, did face book and studied for my General Upgrade.
It is looking good at this point. Then again, been studying for it now for four years or better.
My wife said when I pass I can get a new rig.
I did have my eye on the Kenwood-D710A.
Then the wife informed me that whatever I purchase it better be what I need or better for General Privileges.
That means I’m looking at the Yaesu FT-897D unless someone talks me into something different.
So, I checked e-mails, did face book and studied for my General Upgrade.
It is looking good at this point. Then again, been studying for it now for four years or better.
My wife said when I pass I can get a new rig.
I did have my eye on the Kenwood-D710A.
Then the wife informed me that whatever I purchase it better be what I need or better for General Privileges.
That means I’m looking at the Yaesu FT-897D unless someone talks me into something different.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Cold Winter Prediction for 2009
This is no surprise, after having one of the coldest summers on record.
I hope this comes true and would love to see 15 foot of snow and record low temps Dec-March.
Farmer's Almanac predicts bitterly cold winter for parts of U.S. - The longtime periodical, published since 1818 and famous for its long-range weather predictions, is out with its annual winter forecast, which says Old Man Winter is really going to hammer folks in the Midwest and upper Great Lakes region with very cold and very snowy conditions. "A large area of numbingly cold temperatures will predominate from roughly east of the Continental Divide to west of the Appalachians. The coldest temperatures will be over the northern Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
I hope this comes true and would love to see 15 foot of snow and record low temps Dec-March.
Farmer's Almanac predicts bitterly cold winter for parts of U.S. - The longtime periodical, published since 1818 and famous for its long-range weather predictions, is out with its annual winter forecast, which says Old Man Winter is really going to hammer folks in the Midwest and upper Great Lakes region with very cold and very snowy conditions. "A large area of numbingly cold temperatures will predominate from roughly east of the Continental Divide to west of the Appalachians. The coldest temperatures will be over the northern Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
An Awesome Day
What an awesome day today is.
The last few days have been really great as far as the weather goes.
The last few days have been really great as far as the weather goes.
| Observation Time: Wednesday, September 2 1:00 PM EDT | |
| Humidity | 50% |
| Dew Point | 52°F (11°C) |
| Visibility | 10SM |
| Wind Speed | 5 MPH |
| Wind Direction | West (270°) |
| Pressure | 1026 mb (30.3 in) |
| Feels Like: | 77°F (25°C) |
| 6hr Lo: | 46°F |
| 6hr High: | 72°F |
| Tuesday's High: | 68°F |
| Tuesday's Lo: | 41°F |
Monday, August 31, 2009
Space Shuttle Tracking
I talked to several of you who were looking for a way to track the ISS.
Here is another site to use.
TWO SPACESHIPS, ONE FLYBY: Space shuttle Discovery docked to the International Space Station on Sunday, August 30th, carrying a load of high-tech equipment to outfit the station's science labs. Joined together, the two massive spaceships outshine every star in the night sky. Check the Simple Satellite Tracker for flybys of your hometown.
Here is another site to use.
TWO SPACESHIPS, ONE FLYBY: Space shuttle Discovery docked to the International Space Station on Sunday, August 30th, carrying a load of high-tech equipment to outfit the station's science labs. Joined together, the two massive spaceships outshine every star in the night sky. Check the Simple Satellite Tracker for flybys of your hometown.
Massive Calif. Wildfire
LOS ANGELES — Two Los Angeles County firefighters were killed when their vehicle rolled down a mountain side amid the intense flames of a wildfire that threatened 12,000 homes. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged those in the fire's path to get out as the blazes rained ash on cars as far away as downtown Los Angeles, spreading in all directions in dry conditions.
Things are not looking good in California.
The wildfires have now claimed the lives of 2 firemen.
I am hoping to hear from my friend W2WRX, and others who are involved with EMS.
For info I think is the best.
California Disasters
Things are not looking good in California.
The wildfires have now claimed the lives of 2 firemen.
I am hoping to hear from my friend W2WRX, and others who are involved with EMS.
For info I think is the best.
California Disasters
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Field Exercise
This is the field exercise I participated in tonight. It was my first exercise since early 2006.
I miss Ham Radio. I hope to be involved as much as I can.
I am glad that I do not have to leave my room to participate.
E-Mails sent to me prior to the exercise.
All,
The Aug 23 exercise is coming together. Mark Strait, KD8BIG, is going to coordinate the exercise on the 82 repeater beginning at 7PM. He will make all participant assignments and direct traffic.
I have commitments for Field Stations for the following bands.
Amateur 2 meter - two stations (KD8FBY, W8LGP)
Amateur 70CM - one station (KC8PCJ)
FRS (Family Radio Service) - one station (N8YJT)
CB - one station. (KC8AZR)
There are two categories of stations. Participating Stations and Field Stations. The Field Stations are assigned (as indicated above). Participating Stations may check in to the net with KD8BIG beginning at 7PM on the 82 repeater. This will be an informal net for coordination of the exercise. At 7:30 PM the NCS will assign each Participating Station the job of contacting one of the Field Stations from the Hackley Park starting location. Participating Stations will be given the frequency. All Field Stations will be located within expected simplex range of Hackley Park. When the Field Station is contacted the Participating Station will be given the location of the Field Station. The Participating Station must travel to the Field Station Location and obtain their next assignment and frequency from the Field Station operator(s).
Note: all stations should be prepared to convert CB and FRS frequencies to channel numbers. Resources will be available for those who are not able to come prepared.
More later -
Tom, N8YJT
All,
This is a special invitation to participate in a fun exercise to be held tomorrow night, Aug 23, at Hackely Park in Muskegon. Net will start at 7PM on the 82 repeater (see below). Hope to see many of you there.
Tom, N8YJT
Here's a description
Operation on 2 meters, 70cm, CB and FRS.
5 simplex field stations set up prior to the exercise, about 7PM.
All participants meet at central location (Hackley Park)
All participants or teams receive a slip of paper with a frequency and callsign.
At 7:30PM participants or teams call the assigned field station
Assigned field station provides participant with location
Participants go to assigned field station and get another assignment
Repeat the process
Participants return to central location when they have completed assignments.
Awards ceremony about 8:45 followed by Coffee at Arbys
NCS on the 82 repeater
All,
Things to keep in mind.
1. It is planned that a participant at Hackley Park will be able to make contact with any of the Field Stations from that location. For example, if a participant is not able to make contact with FS5 from FS1, they should go to Hackley Park as the starting point. However, if Participant is able to make contact with FS5 from FS1 they can go directly to FS5.
2. Participants operate from mobiles or with HT.
3. Frequencies of Field Stations should be kept confidential until NCS assigns participants to FS. That will be difficult to do if the frequency is given over the 82 repeater. I need to come up with a work around.
More to come -
Hackley Park (Downtown)
Richards Park (Ottawa St) (KC8AZR)
Heritage Landing (Seventh St) (N8YJT)
Mullally Park (Horton Rd) (KD8FBY)
Quarter Oak Park (Corner of Quarterline and Oak) (KC8PCJ)
J C Beukema Play Field (Corner of Wesley and Roberts) (W8LGP)
I miss Ham Radio. I hope to be involved as much as I can.
I am glad that I do not have to leave my room to participate.
E-Mails sent to me prior to the exercise.
All,
The Aug 23 exercise is coming together. Mark Strait, KD8BIG, is going to coordinate the exercise on the 82 repeater beginning at 7PM. He will make all participant assignments and direct traffic.
I have commitments for Field Stations for the following bands.
Amateur 2 meter - two stations (KD8FBY, W8LGP)
Amateur 70CM - one station (KC8PCJ)
FRS (Family Radio Service) - one station (N8YJT)
CB - one station. (KC8AZR)
There are two categories of stations. Participating Stations and Field Stations. The Field Stations are assigned (as indicated above). Participating Stations may check in to the net with KD8BIG beginning at 7PM on the 82 repeater. This will be an informal net for coordination of the exercise. At 7:30 PM the NCS will assign each Participating Station the job of contacting one of the Field Stations from the Hackley Park starting location. Participating Stations will be given the frequency. All Field Stations will be located within expected simplex range of Hackley Park. When the Field Station is contacted the Participating Station will be given the location of the Field Station. The Participating Station must travel to the Field Station Location and obtain their next assignment and frequency from the Field Station operator(s).
Note: all stations should be prepared to convert CB and FRS frequencies to channel numbers. Resources will be available for those who are not able to come prepared.
More later -
Tom, N8YJT
All,
This is a special invitation to participate in a fun exercise to be held tomorrow night, Aug 23, at Hackely Park in Muskegon. Net will start at 7PM on the 82 repeater (see below). Hope to see many of you there.
Tom, N8YJT
Here's a description
Operation on 2 meters, 70cm, CB and FRS.
5 simplex field stations set up prior to the exercise, about 7PM.
All participants meet at central location (Hackley Park)
All participants or teams receive a slip of paper with a frequency and callsign.
At 7:30PM participants or teams call the assigned field station
Assigned field station provides participant with location
Participants go to assigned field station and get another assignment
Repeat the process
Participants return to central location when they have completed assignments.
Awards ceremony about 8:45 followed by Coffee at Arbys
NCS on the 82 repeater
All,
Things to keep in mind.
1. It is planned that a participant at Hackley Park will be able to make contact with any of the Field Stations from that location. For example, if a participant is not able to make contact with FS5 from FS1, they should go to Hackley Park as the starting point. However, if Participant is able to make contact with FS5 from FS1 they can go directly to FS5.
2. Participants operate from mobiles or with HT.
3. Frequencies of Field Stations should be kept confidential until NCS assigns participants to FS. That will be difficult to do if the frequency is given over the 82 repeater. I need to come up with a work around.
More to come -
Hackley Park (Downtown)
Richards Park (Ottawa St) (KC8AZR)
Heritage Landing (Seventh St) (N8YJT)
Mullally Park (Horton Rd) (KD8FBY)
Quarter Oak Park (Corner of Quarterline and Oak) (KC8PCJ)
J C Beukema Play Field (Corner of Wesley and Roberts) (W8LGP)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Family Reunion today
Today is my Family Reunion. My wife and I have organize it every year now for the last 13 years. This year we have 30 pounds of Hamburger, 20 pounds of Chicken and 10 pounds of Hot Dogs to cook. Those attending will be bringing a dish to pass.
My brother who lives in Kansas will be home this weekend with his family also.
I hope the weather works with me. Looks like rain along the lakeshore, the local weathermen say we have a 30% chance of rain. It looks like a 85% chance of rain showers throughout the early to mid afternoon to me.
Then again, I'm no weather man. Just a weather nut......
My brother who lives in Kansas will be home this weekend with his family also.
I hope the weather works with me. Looks like rain along the lakeshore, the local weathermen say we have a 30% chance of rain. It looks like a 85% chance of rain showers throughout the early to mid afternoon to me.
Then again, I'm no weather man. Just a weather nut......
Friday, August 21, 2009
My Mom
Today I found out my Mom has to have a major surgery and that her outcome doses not look good.
I have this hurt inside me that I have not had in years.
My Mom is my best friend next to my wife.
I wasn’t the typical son; I was always into trouble and stirring up trouble whenever I could.
The hardest thing for me while listening to my Mom explains all this was watching the reactions on my sons face.
While Mom talks about this I can see the hurt in my son, my daughter sat next to Mom playing with her and not understanding what is going on. That is going to be the really tough thing to deal with, trying to explain to my daughter what is going on when the end dose come.
Please pray for me and my family.
I’m gonna be a complete major disaster, yet so many are going to expect me to be the strong one.
I have this hurt inside me that I have not had in years.
My Mom is my best friend next to my wife.
I wasn’t the typical son; I was always into trouble and stirring up trouble whenever I could.
The hardest thing for me while listening to my Mom explains all this was watching the reactions on my sons face.
While Mom talks about this I can see the hurt in my son, my daughter sat next to Mom playing with her and not understanding what is going on. That is going to be the really tough thing to deal with, trying to explain to my daughter what is going on when the end dose come.
Please pray for me and my family.
I’m gonna be a complete major disaster, yet so many are going to expect me to be the strong one.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Muggy Night
I just went outside to sit on the patio. Was out there for not even 2 minutes and started sweating in my summer time places. Way to hot and muggy. Yes, I very seldom leave the house for outdoors. Thank God for Central Air.
I should had looked at my home weather station.
It is showing;
Observation Time: Saturday, August 8 10:15 PM
Indoors;
Humidity 35%
Temp. 67º
Outdoors;
Humidity 83%
Temp.77º
Dew Point 72°F (22°C)
Visibility 7SM
Wind Speed Calm
Wind Direction VRB
Pressure 1013 mb (29.91 in)
Feels Like: 78°F (26°C)
I should had looked at my home weather station.
It is showing;
Observation Time: Saturday, August 8 10:15 PM
Indoors;
Humidity 35%
Temp. 67º
Outdoors;
Humidity 83%
Temp.77º
Dew Point 72°F (22°C)
Visibility 7SM
Wind Speed Calm
Wind Direction VRB
Pressure 1013 mb (29.91 in)
Feels Like: 78°F (26°C)
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