>WRTC-96 plans to pay for their local lodging, meals, transportation,
>public events and awards during the week of the contest.
> And of course, if a $1,000 contribution is
>beyond your budget, we certainly will appreciate whatever amount you can
>contribute."
> The two-operator teams include not only
>contesters who have won world or continental championships from their own
>countries but also the defending champions from WRTC-90, held in Seattle,
>WA in 1990. The teams will operate matched stations in the 1996 IARU HF
>World Championship contest to determine the "best of the best." A group
>of twenty-one judges, themselves a Who's Who of international contest
>winners from around the world, will oversee the competition and confirm
>the results.
> Recently incorporated as a California non-profit public
>benefit corporation, WRTC-96 now is seeking additional donations from
>businesses and individuals in support of its projected $90,000 expense
>budget.
Get a list of all the participants and judges. Add up the number of people
this includes.
Divide this number into the amount of cash still needed. Charge everyone the
appropriate fee. Problem solved. Anyone who is not a "who's-who" will not
have to pay up one red cent. All of the "who's-who" folks will thus be
financing their own WRTC. After all, who else could possibly benefit from a
private contest but the "who's-who"? Will we finally find out who the best
contesters really are? Did we ever really care? Will the losers whine about
how they were not really at an actual "evenly-matched station? (This one we
probably know the answer to.) IMHO, anyone willing to pay the above
mentioned red cent is a fool. However, I would obviously support their right
to spend money anyway they see fit. After all, this is a free country and a
mostly free world.
Who's-nobody (but I wish I was
special)
>From Ed Tanton N4XY <n4xy@avana.net> Wed Mar 13 01:58:53 1996
From: Ed Tanton N4XY <n4xy@avana.net> (Ed Tanton N4XY)
Subject: Rohn 25G Summary
References: <960312125044_348980456@emout07.mail.aol.com>
Message-ID: <31462BDD.90B@avana.net>
Reading this I wondered why someone didn't measure tension by measuring
the force required for a given perpendicular deflection of the wire
under tension? Seems to me that would directly proportional to the
tension. Not being the least bit mechanically inclined I thought I'd
ask. Thanks.
--
Ed Tanton N4XY (770) 971-0436 Marietta, GA
email: n4xy@avana.net URL: Coming Soon
>From Martin Bluhm <w8aks@tminet.com> Wed Mar 13 10:20:45 1996
From: Martin Bluhm <w8aks@tminet.com> (Martin Bluhm)
Subject: Qsling
Message-ID: <3146A17D.7C2D@tminet.com>
As I read the thread concerning qsling practices, I would like to share
my philosphy as related to my experience. Many eons ago (50's), I wanted
to become a ham operator. I experienced negative vibes from my parents
(big time). Money could be spend better than on a "worthless" hobby. Tks
to good talking ELMER, I was able to join the "elite". When the Qsl's
came in (nothing special, Pa, Ky Va , etc). Guess who was the first one
to read them? Of course, my mother. These Qsl's turned an negative
attitude into a positive one. One that tolerated my hobby and allowed the
new antennas, etc. This I try to remember when the Qsl's come in.
Think about it, guys. Remember your days and what the Qsl's meant to
you!
73 and CU in the pileups. Marty
>From Carlos Augusto Silveira Pereira <silver@ax.apc.org> Wed Mar 13 02:26:27
>1996
From: Carlos Augusto Silveira Pereira <silver@ax.apc.org> (Carlos Augusto
Silveira Pereira)
Subject: DX REFLECTOR
Message-ID: <199603130226.XAA26383@fama.ibase.br>
I have not received any messages from the DX refletor! Does anybody
know what is happening?
73,
Carlos - PY1CAS
E-mail: silver@ax.apc.org
>From Bruce Lallathin <aa8u@voyager.net> Wed Mar 13 02:38:38 1996
From: Bruce Lallathin <aa8u@voyager.net> (Bruce Lallathin)
Subject: Contest Logging -Reply
Message-ID: <199603130238.VAA13984@vixa.voyager.net>
At 12:46 PM 3/12/96 -0600, you wrote:
>
>
>>
>>The signal report exchange has become the defacto constant of 59(9).
>>No challenge of correctly copying anything.
>>
>>Personally, I would be in favor of the contests sponsors requiring
>>the exchange of something more meaningful than a canned signal
>>report, along the lines of Sweepstakes. I am not advocating a long
>>exchange, just something more useful or interesting.
>>
>>It is good to see the gentlemanly and sportsmanlike contest attitudes
>>of KM0L and the other stations who will work and log non-contest ops
>>during a contest, even if it may reduce the op-rate for a short time.
>>
>>73 de KA2GSL
>
>I still like the idea of grid squares. It could be the 4-character grid
>square (e.g. mine is EN50) or just the 2-letter main square (e.g. EN).
>
>This has been working fine on VHF contests ... in fact, on the VHF
>reflector we were discussing going to the 6-character squares as
>exchanges (e.g. EN50vc).
>
>But the 2 or 4 character squares really don't take up any more time than
>"599". CT already has the provision to log grid squares for the VHF
>contests ... I wouldn't think it would be that hard to add the feature
>for other contests. (I know a FEW contests such as TOEC already have this
>as the exchange, too.)
>
>73, Zack W9SZ
>
>
Gee Whiz!! If contesters can't guess / assume at least half of the contest
exchange than the "rate" for many will fall. Under marginal conditions far
fewer valid Q's will appear in the logs. Taken to its logical conclusion,
the records posted for all contests after the exchange is changed would be
like starting all over. Who wants to compete with a 5000 Q record, where the
many signal reports were an educated guess. On second thought, there lies a
challenge in itself. Maybe some skill long dormant will have to be re-born!
I am in favor of making the exchange distinctive, simple, but not entirely
predictable. If we are going to call it a signal report, then that is what
it should be. If a two letter grid square is adopted, than at least it is
meaningful information.
It is my belief that for all their advantages and convenience, it is the
major logging software packages that have significantly led to the current
state of affairs wherein most contest exchanges have become meaningless QRM.
By making it awkward to log anything realistic for a sent signal report we
have all been led astray in a way. Sure we all do it...to survive mostly,
and to be half-way competitive. Think what it sounds like to the "casual"
that turns on a radio on contest weekend and hears 59(9) handed out to
everyone. "Hmmm, those contesters must have damn fine ears!" as he
struggles to hear a peep form the stations being given that report.
Once in a while you should try to see our activities through the eyes of all
those that seem to despise our favorite pastime. Given a little thought, you
might find there is some justification for their lack of support. HI HI
Probably not getting my point across very well. Just blowing off again here
I guess. And yes, you will most likely be a solid 59(9) regardless of what
you do at your end as long as I get part of your call, or even think you
were responding to my cq. One person is not going to change the current
state of affairs, least of all me.
For all of you who pay by the Byte and find this a waste your time and money
I extend my appologies. I'm just using my freedom of speech while it still
exists....some may think it is merely mental mastrubation.
Guess its time to order a copy of TR logging software and give it a whirl. I
hear it allows sent reports effortlessly. Just in case I feel the need to
impress you with an accurate signal report to break the boredom during those
"occasional" dry spells. Hey! Smile dammit! This is a hobby after all......
>From Bruce Lallathin <aa8u@voyager.net> Wed Mar 13 02:52:57 1996
From: Bruce Lallathin <aa8u@voyager.net> (Bruce Lallathin)
Subject: Contest Logging, exchange info.
Message-ID: <199603130252.VAA15463@vixa.voyager.net>
Gee Whiz!! If contesters can't guess / assume at least half of the contest
exchange than the "rate" for many will fall. Under marginal conditions far
fewer valid Q's will appear in the logs. Taken to its logical conclusion,
the records posted for all contests after the exchange is changed would be
like starting all over. Who wants to compete with a 5000 Q record, where the
many signal reports were an educated guess. On second thought, there lies a
challenge in itself. Maybe some skill long dormant will have to be re-born!
I am in favor of making the exchange distinctive, simple, but not entirely
predictable. If we are going to call it a signal report, then that is what
it should be. If a two letter grid square is adopted, than at least it is
meaningful information.
It is my belief that for all their advantages and convenience, it is the
major logging software packages that have significantly led to the current
state of affairs wherein most contest exchanges have become meaningless QRM.
By making it awkward to log anything realistic for a sent signal report we
have all been led astray in a way. Sure we all do it...to survive mostly,
and to be half-way competitive. Think what it sounds like to the "casual"
that turns on a radio on contest weekend and hears 59(9) handed out to
everyone. "Hmmm, those contesters must have damn fine ears!" as he
struggles to hear a peep form the stations being given that report.
Once in a while you should try to see our activities through the eyes of all
those that seem to despise our favorite pastime. Given a little thought, you
might find there is some justification for their lack of support. HI HI
Probably not getting my point across very well. Just blowing off again here
I guess. And yes, you will most likely be a solid 59(9) regardless of what
you do at your end as long as I get part of your call, or even think you
were responding to my cq. One person is not going to change the current
state of affairs, least of all me.
For all of you who pay by the Byte and find this a waste your time and money
I extend my appologies. I'm just using my freedom of speech while it still
exists....some may think it is merely mental mastrubation.
Guess its time to order a copy of TR logging software and give it a whirl. I
hear it allows sent reports effortlessly. Just in case I feel the need to
impress you with an accurate signal report to break the boredom during those
"occasional" dry spells.
Hey! Smile dammit! This is a hobby after all......
>From Bill Fisher, KM9P" <km9p@akorn.net Wed Mar 13 03:10:12 1996
From: Bill Fisher, KM9P" <km9p@akorn.net (Bill Fisher, KM9P)
Subject: Getting better
Message-ID: <199603130310.WAA08015@paris.akorn.net>
Wrote this just after the ARRL SSB contest...
Well I hate SSB contests. But after getting my station real power, two real
amps, and reading K3ZO's inspirational message about contesting I decided to
operate.
Glad I did. I'm sure dealing with the blood bath on 20M this weekend made
me a better op. There were many times that I was basically sharing a
frequency with someone else, and not always a USA station that I could
barely hear... Sometimes with a fairly loud European.
You want to know the differnce between a good op and a great op? The
difference is that the great op will ALWAYS makes something happen. When I
was at K1EA's for CQWW and things started getting flat, we turned to AR to
make it happen again. Guess what? It did. The same thing used to happen
at K4VX with KR0Y.
You have to acquire the sense of when things should change, and then have
the ability to make it happen. I remember putting the Y-adaptor in the
phono jack of the rig at K4VX and listening to KR0Y operate. What great
experience. It seemed he had a 6th sense about what to do. Mostly I think
he just had more hours in the chair.
So what's the most important trait of a great contester? He likes (no
loves) to stay in a chair, in front of a radio, for very long periods of
time, regardless of conditions or radios or antennas. All of the rest of it
falls in to place.
73
Bill, KM9P
>From Bruce Lallathin <aa8u@voyager.net> Wed Mar 13 03:45:18 1996
From: Bruce Lallathin <aa8u@voyager.net> (Bruce Lallathin)
Subject: WARNING Antenna Aloft!!!
Message-ID: <199603130345.WAA20431@vixa.voyager.net>
Not long ago the 160M contest took place, not news, but in an effort to
compete more effectively, one of my friends launched a balloon supported
vertical antenna. I am told that while it was aloft, the darn thing was
awesome. It ended up somewhere over Lake Erie I believe, not long after it
was launched as the winds suddenly intensified and blew it away.
On my way home from work today I was considering using this method of
launching a monster 160M antenna of my own. (after a while even a full size
insulated base vertical seems inadequate) I had it almost all figured out,
even how I could launch a pair and keep the proper spacing and phase them.
Neat!
It was about this time that a chill ran down my spine as I cruised down I-94
half aware of my surroundings. You see, I work for the local electric
utility as a Power Quality Engineer. This background and a little common
sense and imagination brought horrific scenes to my mind of the entirely
possible and lethal consequences of launching a conductor into the air by
balloon (or by kite).
Think what would happen if the balloon parted from the antenna wire in such
a manner as to allow the antenna wire to fall and drape itself across your
local electrical distribution or transmission line facilities. I did. It is
so scarry that I decided against using this method and I strongly recommend
you carefully consider all the factors before you launch your next monster
flying antenna farm.
We all have heard horror stories of some poor soul being fried to a crisp as
his new 30' TV tower falls into the utility lines. Similar tragic results
could visit themselves on you at near the speed of light as you crank out
the Q's in the "safety" of your shack, likely unaware of the danger you and
others are in with your new secret weapon aloft.
Ok, so the balloon stays attached.....the wire just breaks away near ground
level and floats off over Lake Erie or wherever. It has to come down
somewhere friends. It is likely it will descend gradually and get snagged by
some Charlie-Brown-Kite-Eating-TREE!!!, but then it might not. It just might
land in a neighboring community, on a power line, putting someone else in a
world of hurt!
Please, use your common sense. Do it safe or just don't do it!
Note to Dave: Please see that this gets in the next Mad River Flash. Edit as
appropriate. TNX
73,
Ugly
dit
dit
>From David L. Thompson" <thompson@mindspring.com Wed Mar 13 04:51:29 1996
From: David L. Thompson" <thompson@mindspring.com (David L. Thompson)
Subject: E-mail Receipts for CQ WW 160
Message-ID: <199603130443.XAA10420@borg.mindspring.com>
I now have over 650 CW and 200 SSB logs in hand. I am willing to provide
confirmation via E-mail that I have your log or logs for the 1996 CQ WW 160
Contests.
I have only received one box from CQ in NY..if your log went there you will
have a 3 week delay.
73, Dave K4JRB
PS: Still waiting on 1995 certificates. Please be patient.
>From David L. Thompson" <thompson@mindspring.com Wed Mar 13 04:51:31 1996
From: David L. Thompson" <thompson@mindspring.com (David L. Thompson)
Subject: IL3/IK2NCJ Is this Africa????
Message-ID: <199603130443.XAA10441@borg.mindspring.com>
I just received a log from IL3/IK2NCJ. I know that Lampedusa is Africa, but
is this? Lampedusa used to be IL but is now IP (I have QSLs with both
prefixes). Can someone tell me?
If no answer I will write IK2NCJ.
73, Dave K4JRB
PS Two lucky 6's worked XV7SW on CW. 5N0MVE again complains neither W/VE
or EU listen very well (and he has a TL-922)...talk about missed mults!
>From Jim - KK7A <kk7a@micron.net> Wed Mar 13 05:05:00 1996
From: Jim - KK7A <kk7a@micron.net> (Jim - KK7A)
Subject: Rohn 25G (was: Rhon 25G)
Message-ID: <m0twikq-000QdzC@mis01.micron.net>
At 10:39 AM 3/10/96 -0800, you wrote:
>On Sun, 10 Mar 1996 K7LXC@aol.com wrote:
>
>> [...] My advice is to study the Rohn book
>> religiously and then BUILD EVERYTHING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECS. You'll be
>> in a potentially dangerous position if you don't.
>
>My 70's vintage Rohn Catalog (Rohn Dwg Nr B-690712 R2 dated 1-7-75) shows
>the "proper" way to construct a clipped guy cable connection with thimble
>and clamps. The 14" "dead" end of the cable has the strands cut off to
>different lengths and "served" (each strand seaparately wrapped around
>the live cable). Now c'mon, Steve. Nobody in the WHOLE WORLD really does
>that, do they? They just cut off the dead end some polite distance beyond
>the last clamp and call it good...
>
>Big Don
Don,
FYI, I served all my 3/16" EHS cable ends. It took several weekends but
I feel more secure about the whole installation.
Jim
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Larson - KK7A - Boise, Idaho
http://netnow.micron.net/~kk7a/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|