Zack Widup wrote:
>
> >
> >OK, new subject, let's get back to operating and station building!
> >
> >Field Day and contesters.
> >
> [snip]
> >Some of my earliest ham radio experiences (besides operating on 2M FM as a
> >Novice and still deciding to get into contesting) involved Field Day. A
> >bunch of older guys let me operate at a really nice radio all night long - it
> >was great! They were happy to see me learn to run stations, I was happy
> >because of the opportunity.
> >
> >As one YCCC member said, newcomers don't get as intimidated by operating at
> >Field Day (a pseudo-contest) as they do at a M/M or M/S contest effort.
> >
> >Are any other contest clubs doing something similar? Wonder what your
> >experiences have been.
> >
> >73 Tom
> >
>
> Ah, yes! Field Day is a great intro to contesting! I fondly remember many
> Field Days ... stumbling around in the back 40 of W9UCW's farm, trying to
> find the generator which ran out of gas ... and ending up in the pond...
> getting to keep dupe sheets or logs for the REAL ops... (remember those
> paper logs?) ... this when I was a Novice...
>
> I think that was what got me started in contesting. Even though it's not
> supposed to be a "contest" it sure can start a flame and then it doesn't
> take much to fan it. A lot of non-hams and new hams stop by to see what
> it's all about. Let's show them what fun it can be!
>
> Zack W9SZ
My first contest was really FD in 1976. I was operating with the
Columbus Amateur Radio Association (CARA) ... forget the call that we
used. I was the pimply kid with the Novice ticket on cw trying to
convince the gang that I could run 40 meter cw.
Other ops were W8ZCK, W8ZCQ, WB8 (Ron Long... what's your call?), and
the multitude.
I have the MOST fond remembrances of that "contest". Havent missed a FD
since. Even though I was married on FD weekend.
See you from W8TK 1B OH this year.
Doug, WD8AUB
|