As I mentioned before, I don't think FCC or anyone else really cares whether we are using the spectrum in a manner that looks productive from people outside of our subculture. They are only concerned
Here in central Illinois, it's about 50/50 as to whether stations have 222 or 1296. Probably there are a few more with 222 capability than 1296. Most people I work who have multiple bands seem to hav
I don't think I am missing the point. I've been saying and recommending that all along. My preference is to do weak-signal operating, so I'm mainly interested in those small slices of the spectrum. B
The funny thing is no one "needs" all this broadband usage. Of course, people who have a vested interest in making money from it will say we "need" it. But I got along without it just fine for at lea
You may look at it as a big amateur radio club, but it IS an organization. A club or organization is usually formed to do some things the members by themselves cannot easily do. How many of you have
Well, in terms of required grids, you need 50 for 222 MHz VUCC and 25 for 1296 MHz VUCC. So you only need half the grids for 1296. Whether that is easier or not is hard to say. Usually when I can wor
If the weather continues as it is supposed to be here this weekend, I'll be on once again as a Single-Op Portable from the hill in EN50rl with 144 through 10368 MHz. If we have zero-degree nights and
I have had great luck with the "A VHF/UHF/Microwave Transverter IF Switch" by Zack Lau (KH6CP at the time). It was in August 1988 QEX. The adjustment on it allows input ranges from about 200 mW to 5
I'll keep an ear out for you but I will only be active on Sunday, from EN50rl as a QRP-Portable. Weather forecast is for warmer temps (~45) but rain. I don't mind a little rain, though. I should have
I think the general rule of thumb I see mentioned is to use a dish with a diameter at least 10X the wavelength being used. However, I have been using a 2-foot diameter dish on 2304 and up and it work
Murphy was sure aginn' us this year on the contest weekend! 73, Zack W9SZ _______________________________________________ VHFcontesting mailing list VHFcontesting@contesting.com http://lists.contesti
Strange. I recall seeing it about a month ago along with the QST article. It isn't there now. 73, Zack W9SZ _______________________________________________ VHFcontesting mailing list VHFcontesting@co
Because how can I, honestly running 10 watts or less from a hilltop and using a battery, really compete with the likes of K2DRH? I would continue to participate in the contests because doing it is to
It might do me some good! Frankly, I don't plan on ever using internet when I'm on a hilltop 10 miles from the nearest town (I can't even do that right now), but if some people spot me and some other
In one of last year's contests I managed a 2.5 QSO/hour rate! When condx are that bad, I don't mind chatting for a while with someone who can hear me. 73, Zack W9SZ __________________________________
Hi Chris, You could throw together a simple diode sampler using a 1N5711 or HP2800 diode. I actually made a couple of these, using HP2800/1N5711 for up to about 2 or 3 GHz and an HSMS8202 for up to 1
Has anyone seen anything yet about a schedule for the Spring VHF Sprints? Just trying to plan ahead a bit. 73, Zack W9SZ _______________________________________________ VHFcontesting mailing list VHF
I recall a Field Day in the dim, distant past where we had about 20 people in one of the operating tents and each of us worked a guy picked at random with our own calls and "1A". I think we gave him
Since I am primarily operating as a QRP Portable in VHF contests, I need all the help I can get in the antenna department. It would be nice to have a multi-band antenna that performs as well as a sin
We might be able to make it with some tropo. I usually operate portable from a hilltop in EN50rl with about 10 watts. I've worked people at your distance before. It's also a short drive to a hill in