Yes, you're crazy... as are many of us. I'll see you in the asylum. LOL.
Sounds like a great set-up. I'll aim South a few times and see if we can't get
lucky with some e-skip on 6 meters.
Steve K4GUN/R
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Les Rayburn" <les@highnoonfilm.com>
> Little over a week to go before contest. I'm out of town this weekend, and
> then
> leave for a shoot in Ft. Worth, TX on Tuesday. Return on Friday.
> During those few days that I'm actually home, I'm trying to accomplish the
> following:
>
> 1. Build and install three improved (longer) antennas for 144, 222, and
> 432mhz.
> 2. Install loop yagis for 900mhz and 2.3 ghz.
> 3. Install a Beko 300 watt 432mhz amplifier. (Loaned to me by a local VHF
> operator)
> 4. Learn to use WSJT software (which I just got running tonight)
> 5. Configure N3FJP VHF Contest software including Digital Voice Keyer, and CW
> keyer.
> 6. Install and learn to use a new Icom 756ProIII
> 7. Install a Mirage 120 watt amp for 222.
> 8. Install a DEMI 2304Ghz transverter.
> 9. Test my Kenwood TK-981 FM rig for 900mhz.
>
> This is completely crazy. I've finally and completely lost it. You guys
> should
> really print warnings in QST or something. I mean, this is worse than Avian
> Flu.
> All this for some new "grid squares"? Not countries, not even states, but
> grid
> squares!????
>
> I was trying to find and purchase some topographic software at a local map
> specialty shop today, and I told the clerk that I wanted to be able to view
> the
> terrain in "raised relief" type 3-D views. Literally turn it, and move it to
> visually look at the terrain. She asked what I needed it for. I explained
> that I
> was a ham radio operator. She then wanted to know how much territory I wanted
> to
> map. I told her just the Southeastern United States.
>
> She looked at me and said..."Hmm...my neighbor is a ham radio operator and HE
> TALKS ALL OVER THE WORLD". She was so smug I wanted to choke her. How do you
> explain to someone that you're just trying to work into Florida?
>
> To make matters worse, I spent some time at the shack of Jimmy Long, W4ZRZ
> recently. He was rushing to get ready for the contest too. In his case, he
> was
> trying to do a stack of eight 432mhz Yagis at about 100 feet! He was having
> some
> trouble with his power divider...and oh yeah, the water cooling for his
> 1.2ghz
> amp was acting up too. I tried to feel sorry for him, I really did.
>
> His place is at 1,400 foot elevation. You could work North Carolina with 5
> watts
> and a dipole. Despite his good nature, I thought about shooting myself on the
> spot. He also imparted some real "VHF Wisdom" for me.
>
> "Move".
>
> I've figured out why there are two annual Sporadic E seasons per year. It's
> just
> enough to give you hope and get you through the next six months, right? Hope
> to
> work you in the contest. Please QSL. I need your grid.
>
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
>
>
>
> Les Rayburn, director
> High Noon Film
> 100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
> Birmingham, AL 35216-3748
> 205.824.8930
> 205.824.8960 fax
> 205.253.4867 cell
> _______________________________________________
> VHFcontesting mailing list
> VHFcontesting@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
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