Barry, K4CZ

I'd like to Embarrass Barry, K4CZ. Sorry, I don't have a picture of K4CZ.

Barry is a friend of mine from PVRC. He is a newcomer to the contest scene (as am I, just newer than me, so I can call him a newcomer ;-) He writes prolifically and I always read what he has to say. I have to say that if Barry were to write a book about accounting, I know I would enjoy reading it. To see what I mean, here is Barry's submission the the PVRC reflector for his WPX effort this past weekend.

Call: K4CZ ...

Comments:
My primary rig is out for repairs so I dusted off my TS-830 for some
casual operating between family events. The TS-830 is one of the last of
the"hybrid" rigs (6146B finals). The rig doesn't have a port for computer control and its grid block keying (-60V at the key terminal) isn't compatible with my Microkeyer so it was a "back to basics" contest for me.

I connected my N0XAS Pico Keyer and hand-sent all code with my
paddle...nottoo difficult but it made me realize how "lazy" I had become...I've
actually worked entire CW contests by pushing N1MM macro buttons and almost
never touching my CW paddle. The TS-830 definitely doesn't have QSK
either...theT/R relay is loud enough to rattle the shack windows...even my dog
couldn't sleep in his usual spot under the shack table! Quick
bandchanges?...fuggedaboutit...even if I write down the load, plate and
drive settings, I like to touch up the tuning while transmitting into a
dummy load...way too much work for casual operating. Like to
operate assisted?...well you can't just click on a spot and go there...you have
tospin the dial...and make sure you subtract 800 Hz from the spot since the rig
display is offset in CW mode when receiving. Crowded
band conditions?...well there aren't any roofing filters or non-stock filters
in my TS-830...just IF shift, VBT and a manual notch...provides a
completely different perspective on the fiercely debated comparisons between
the performance of the Orion II and the FT-1000MP.

Am I complaining?...sure am. Did I have fun?...absolutely. By the end of the contest, I even improved my CW sending skills quite a bit. I enjoy the competitive
aspect of contesting and am constantly striving for personal bests and higher
finishes in the rankings. Like most of you, one of the joys of contesting
for me is constantly refining my station to maximize the Qs obtainable within the
constraints of my equipment budget, operating skills and available time.
What I learned this weekend, however, is that in the process of "optimizing" my
station, I've computerized and automated so much of the contesting process that
the joy of radio is sometimes lost. I'm not going to give up my Microham
Microkeyer with its 150 features and capabilities or any of the other
conveniences of my station. However, I am going to make sure that I pick at
least one contest each season when I go"back to basics"...use the tube rig, send
CW manually, turn off the packet spots and maybe even log by hand...well, maybe
not log by hand. But don't worry...I won't take my nostalgia trip
during Sweepstakes...based on my slide rule calculations, my QTH is 140.701 miles
from the center of the PVRC universe so my modest scores will still contribute to
the greater good...assuming the universe remains circular and its radius doesn't
shrink significantly ;-)

Thanks for all the Qs from PVRC members and apologies to those who were subjected to my occasionally sloppy CW sending.

73, Barry K4CZ

Well, see what I mean? Good job Barry! Yes, operating was different back in the bad old days. And, no, I agree, don't go back to hand logging. I wasn't a contester back then, but I do remember Field Day and logging with a pencil and road map sized dupe sheet! If you were low man on the totem pole at Field Day back then, you spent the bulk of your time fueling generators and sharpening pencils! Yikes, perish the thought.

Rock on!

WPX is Over / Whew!

I've been busy with the test so haven't visited here since Friday. Along with working WPX (see score at left) I built a horse platform (don't ask, XYL's horse hobby) Was working on it when I jammed a wood splinter into my left ring finger between my fingernail and finger tip. Ouch! Now I know what Chinese bamboo torture is all about. Good thing it was on my left hand, I'm right handed and need it for ..... CW sending, yea that's it, CW sending.... HI!

Anyway, WPX, yes, Don't think I'm going to win this one! 8-) But I broke 400!

Ahhh, the life of a contester!

WPX is This Weekend

I have to start taking my own advice. Operate! I haven't made a QSO in two weeks, and with Field Day coming up, I sure don't want to get rusty! Note to self, operate!

So, WPX CW is this weekend. Its one of those 48 hour tests that I have to pick 36 hours. Since I am off this weekend, I'm going to give it a concerted effort. Dust the rust off so to speak.

My Superloop80 is down for use at the Field Day. I've got the StepIR in the yard and have half a notion to put it on my tower at 30' and point it west. Hmmmm might just do that.

So, look for me! Good prefix hunting! 73

Character

Is what you decide to do when when no-one else will know.

PVRC (Potomac Valley Radio Club) leadership took it upon themselves yesterday to relinquish the hard fought 2006 November Sweepstakes club championship gavel. It seems that there is a geographical rule that all participants of any given club must all reside within an imaginary circle having a 175 mile radius. There apparently was some sort of violation of this rule that was brought to light within the PVRC ranks which precipitated this move. A class act making me proud to be part of this organization.

A little history. Radio contesting is alot like Grand Prix car racing. There is one track on which all the competing cars take to at the same time. There are many races going on within the big "race" where different classes, teams, and point standings are all competing within their respective groups. The Ferrari's are not racing against the Volkswagen Bugs, though they are on the track at the same time.

When a radio contest starts, everyone takes to the air to contact (and out contact) as many other hams as possible. But, like the Grand Prix, many competitions are going on at once. Throw all the manners your mother taught you right out the window. Its dog-eat-dog. Anyway, One of these "sub contests" is the club competition. Members of different clubs throw their final score in one big pool of fellow members with the object being the club with the most overall points wins.

PVRC was declared the winner for the 2006 Fall competition, but has shown immense character by declaring a self discovered foul passing the gavel to previously second place finisher NCCC (Northern California Contest Club)

I'm sure there will be plenty of Monday morning quarterbacking on this issue in the coming weeks.

Thanks for stopping by! 73 CUL Marty / W4MY

I'm Flabbergasted!

I won 1st place (Mobile/In-State) in 2007 NC QSO Party!

Pinch me, is it real? Check it out!

It was a very slim victory, but even coming close to Jeff, NY4N, would have made me happy. Maybe Jeff just had an off day. I actually e-mailed Jeff last year after the 2006 event which he won and asked for some tips. He was more than helpful, a true sportsman and gentleman.

I have to mention, also, Jeff, NX9T. He only made 15 QSOs, all with me (I presume). He even went to the trouble to submit his log so as to facilitate my confirmation in the log checking. Class act, Jeff, thanks! Those 15 Q's (when weighted with my 57 multiplier) represented the value of my margin of victory.

Also, my friend Barry, K4CZ followed me for a much appreciated number of Q's. Seems that maybe Barry got into it as a result because he walked away with second place overall in the fixed single-op category. I remember Barry asking me if I thought anyone would want a Q from Durham county. I guess they did!

Last, but certainly not least, go my thanks to my lovely and gracious XYL, Christina, KC4HDI (You're still a YL in my eyes, honey!) for driving me while I operated, the whole 10 hours. We made only 3 stops; one for gas, one for the flat tire in the rain (a famous story by now, I'm sure), and one necessary. I take back everything I said when you kept making wrong turns!

Up until now, the only wood on my wall was in some of the picture frames for my certificates.

Not any more!

I won! (something)

I just got an e-mail from Henry, W2DZO, chairman of the 2007 NC QSO Party stating that I was going to receive a plaque. The email looks like a generic going to all the plaque winners so it didn't state what it was I won. Here's part of the e-mail from Henry:

Congrats! You are receiving this email because you/your club has/have won
aplaque for your 2007 North Carolina QSO Party effort. As usual, we will bring
your plaque to the Dayton Hamfest, Fleamarket spot #3301 if you would like to
pick it up.

Now I entered the Mobile/In-State category, so one would assume I won that. But I talked to NY4N during the GA QSO Party and he was also in the same category and got a few more Q's than I did. Its conceivable I had more mults, thus a higher score, but why then was NY4N listed as a plaque winner also? I seriously doubt I beat out NY4N. Therein lies the consternation.

I just guess I'll have to wait for the results to be posted. Hurry up, Henry!