Fireman Training Grounds

Today I participated in a recognisance mission to review our field day site at the Rocky Mount Fireman's Training Grounds. I met with John Faulkner, KR4SV, who has our connection with the fire department. Robin, WA4WPD, was supposed to also be there but was unable due to an emergency.

Evaluation List:

1. Fire Tower - this is a 68 foot structure that can be easily ascended via a steep staircase and is relatively safe to operate on the top. It has plenty of room to work at the top to place the StepIR and D40 Dipole.

2. Low Band Antennas - one end can be tied to the fire tower at 68 feet and the antenna extend outward over an open field. The Superloop 80 can get tied to a non working light pole at about 30 feet. The Carolina Windom 80 will go out over the middle of the open field and we will have to construct a counterpoise with an extension ladder.

3. Shelter - The gazebo attached to an activity building is about all that is usable, as the inside of the building is being used for storage. It is adequate for adverse weather and will be OK.

4. Stations - Stations will be located in the ERV, Camping trailer, and under the gazebo (GOTA). The gazebo is about 150 feet from the tower and is located in the shade, so it is quite pleasant despite the mid day sun.

5. Necessary Facilities. The plumbing in the bathroom is not functioning, so there will have to be a portable toilet rented for the weekend.

6. Enjoy the pictures, see everyone at the June TRARC meeting.

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!

Radiocoversdot Com

I found a couple of years ago some great felt covers for radio gear by Radiocoversdot Com. Each one is made to fit the particular radio model. The embroidery is a nice touch.

Keeping the radios under the covers has really kept them looking nice and free of dust in the tiny crevasses. My only pet peeve is that the mic connector on the front must be removed for them to fit right. Small inconvenience, though.

They are fairly inexpensive and are a great value. here, the blue one for the IC-746 is about 2-3 years old, and the black one for the Yaesu is about a year old. The cleaning instructions state to be dry cleaned only, lest you will end up with a new keyer cover! HI!

I didn't really mean for this to sound like an advertisement, as I have no vested interest in this company. Just its something that has really worked well for me.

Memorial Day

To the members of all the US armed forces, past and present:

I know that this is not directly related to ham radio, but with so much owed by so many to so few I believe it is worth setting our hobby aside one moment. (I am re phrasing the famous Winston Churchill quote referring to the RAF pilots at the end of the Battle of Britian)

Without the sacrifice of those who went into harm's way on my behalf, I would not be able to opine on this blog, speak to others all over the world via radio, and assemble with my friends of a like mind at my monthly ham radio meeting.

My pale "thank you" is small in comparison. I'd like to mention specifically the ham radio operators that entered the US armed forces in the middle of the 20th century where communications was not nearly developed as it is today. Back then, America entered a great world war woefully unprepared. Hams were regarded as a "God-send" to the signal corps hitting the ground running in establishing quickly a ready communications infrastructure so critical for the survival of our civilization. Every time you see an old black and white news-reel picture of a B-17 spiraling to earth realize there was a radio operator on board most likely a ham. I mention that in hopes to bring this solemn holiday closer to home.

Thank you

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!

New Tacoma Truck

Well, you all have seen my Tacoma truck in an earlier post (a week or so ago). We are now a two Taco family as my lovely and gracious XYL, Chris, KC4HDI has a new 2007 model. This was her choice.

So here is the question. She wants her 2M rig back in so she can talk to me. Unlike me, however, she does not want to drill any holes in it for an antenna. Does anyone know if the "through the glass" V/UHF antennas work all that well? A "lip" mount would have to be on the hood as this is a pickup truck.

So I'm open to suggestions and opinions. I am going to change the comments to "un-moderated" as I don't think this blog needs a security level [yet]. If you have figured out this is a veiled attempt to see if anyone is reading this thing yet, go to the head of the class! :-)

So let me know you are out there, and what Chris should do with her new truck.

73 and Go PVRC! ...Marty

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