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Re: [VHFcontesting] Getting beginners interested in VHF Contesting

To: VHF Contesting Reflector <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Getting beginners interested in VHF Contesting
From: Sebastian <w4as@bellsouth.net>
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 23:06:47 -0500
List-post: <vhfcontesting@contesting.com">mailto:vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
The subject says it all.  

QSO exchanges on the -FM- satellites are similar to contest contacts, which 
makes them an excellent introduction, or a continual exercise of many contest 
skills.

73 de W4AS

On Mar 8, 2010, at 4:54 PM, David Pruett wrote:

> John,
> 
> Your points about satellite operation are good ones, but this is a 
> reflector about VHF/UHF Contesting, not general VHF/UHF operating.
> 
> I think contest operation on satellites (other than Field Day) is 
> discouraged due to current drain issues for the bird.
> 
> Dave/K8CC
> 
> John Geiger wrote:
>> I have this antenna up now.  I went into it knowing it would be a bit of a 
>> compromise but it was the best fit for the size and layout of the station 
>> when I put it up.  It is also nice for the 857/706/FT100 crowd because it 
>> uses a single feedline which fits with the signal SO239 those rigs use for 
>> 2m/70cm.  Overall, I have been pleased with its performance given its size.  
>> I have worked 350 miles on UHF with it on tropo, and made a few 800 mile 
>> plus QSOs on 2m during an Es opening.
>> 
>> It is currently getting a pretty good workout on the satellites, and I think 
>> that is an area to also point beginners in VHF/UHF comms to keep up their 
>> interest.  Yes, 2m and 70cm SSB/CW terresterial is a blast and there is 
>> nothing like a good band opening to really get you going, but those don't 
>> happen all of the time.  The satellites give you a chance to use your 
>> 2m/70cm equipment on a daily basis, chase new grids squares and go for your 
>> VUCC.  Plus it is "predictable propagation."  You know when the "band is 
>> going to be open" by using the satellite tracking software.
>> 
>> I know this is a thread about getting new people into VHF contesting but I 
>> think that also directing them to the satellite operation potential of their 
>> SSB/CW gear may help to increase their interesting and keep them going 
>> between contests and band openings.
>> 
>> 73s John AA5JG
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