Tiny Elephant's Contest Corner

The Latest Contest News -
A NARC Bulletin Exclusive

A monthly column by Ed Deichler, K2TE

Never...Again?

Well, Field Day 1999 is over at last and I swear, “never again!” By now, I’m sure everyone has seen the N1FD web site on the NARC home page to check how we did this year. I think NARC did a terrific job pulling together 28 stations - our most ever - in a bid to top our record-setting score from last year. As reported in the NARC Bulletin last month, we fell about 850 QSOs short of the number we had in 1998. We had been hoping that the improving sun spot cycle over the past year would bless us with a bountiful pile-up on 10 and 15 meters but it seems both bands went to sleep for several hours. The sun spot numbers and solar activity reports for the high bands for the month of June had been very good - for DX operation. However, the DX type conditions did enhance six meters as NARC set a record on sideband this year.

Speaking of records, we did not have near the number of band-mode records as we did last year. This year saw more “non-ham” records set such as the hottest Field Day ever a record fluid consumption, and a dust bowl in what was a quagmire last year. The heat had everyone wondering when the WW1Y Field Day Water Cannon was going to show up; I guess it’s no fun dousing folks when they WANT to get wet.

In spite of the heat, everyone in the club put forth their usual maximum effort to keep stations operating and to enjoy the weekend to the fullest. It was great to see a lot of new faces step forward this year to set up and operate a station. Ron, NU1U, had a 4- lander (sorry, the call escapes me) helping him on 15 SSB from the Martin Memorial Motor home. (I guess Ron needs someone from the South to interpret for him.) Al, K1ALH, was one of two new faces that took on the heterodynes of 40 SSB for the weekend and did a great job with “only” a single two-element beam where we have used 2 over 2 the past 2 years. Justin, N1TZD, reveled in the fun as stationmaster for several of the VHF bands. Marc, KB1DFE, with help from Stu, N1STY, stepped in to fill the shoes of the soft-spoken N1FCC to handle the hunt for satellite contacts. Dave, KW1DX, is proving his mettle as a sideband contester by operating a stint on 75 SSB and helping Ray, KB1SO, take the frenetic 20 SSB station to a new NARC record. Neil, N1DMA, has got to be more anxious than ever to move up to Advanced after operating on 75 and 40 SSB. Bruce, W1GQ, and Spi, K1CWZ, operated the 10 CW station from the air-conditioned comfort of the ICOM Funmobile. Gary, W1GRY, proved that the new Field Day RTTY operation can co-exist with the traditional CW/SSB stations as he worked several dozen RTTY stations while operating QRP .

Last but not least, hats off to Tracy, N1WIR, for her willingness to try 75 SSB. Tracy was a little apprehensive at first since she had never heard voices on anything other than full-quieting, static-free 2 meter FM. The constant splatter and static crashes of HF sideband can be quite confusing the first time one hears it; I know it cowed me into staying on CW for many years. I coached her along with the first few contacts, focusing on search and pounce for a while to get the hang of it. When I came back hours later, she was proud of the mini-runs she was doing. Ready to upgrade now, Tracy?

So, what did I think of Field Day 1999? The title of this article may seem strange and that is the way I feel about it. I think it is finally “never again” for our terrific site and host, Buzz, KA1OMJ since the tree stumps are rotting quickly and the farm may be sold. It may mean “never again” for 4 towers if we are unable to find a place with enough room. For me, it means “never again” for poison ivy, yeah! The extreme heat made me throw caution to the wind and wear shorts, exposing me to the malicious weed more than normal. I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to get it all over my torso, leaving welts that looked like Zorro doodled on my chest. I think I’ll volunteer for gene-splicing experiments with someone who is immune to the stuff.

I wonder if a lot of us are thinking “never again” after we staggered home tired and drained by the weekend. NARC has enjoyed a tremendous show at the Field Day box office the past 4 years (and probably a fifth year, as well). Our effort has grown from a 12A operation to more than twice that in the time we have been in Hollis. It is a tribute to everyone in the club that NARC has defied ham radio statistics by growing in numbers and enthusiasm throughout the decade. As we approach the new millennium, maybe we will have our own Y2K problem as we tackle the prospect of a new site and a whole new set of logistics. At this point, I find myself thinking, “again?” as if maybe it isn’t so bad after all.

If you are pondering this question like me, maybe some of these contests can help re- ignite the desire for 2000:

North American QSO Party, 7-8 August (CW); 21-22 August (SSB)

The summer editions of the North American QSO parties occupy a Saturday evening in August. Each contest is 12 hours long (1800Z on Saturday to 0600Z on Sunday) and features single operator and multi- operator/2-transmitter classes. Both classes are limited to 150 watts output and can operate on 160 to 10 meters. The single operator stations are limited to 10 hours of operation. The objective is for the rest of the world to work North American stations while North American stations try to work everybody (North America included), sort of a variation of the ARRL DX contest. Contest exchange is operator name and location. Each contact is worth 1 point; multipliers are all the states, Canadian provinces, and Central American countries. CW logs go to K6ZZ and SSB logs go to WA7BNM. If sent by email, submit them in ASCII text format with a summary sheet to w9nq@ccis.com (for CW) and bhorn@hornucopia.com (for SSB).

SARTG RTTY Contest, 21-22 August

RTTY enthusiasts often use this contest as a tune-up for the CQ Worldwide RTTY contest in September. The contest covers 3, 8-hour blocks of time: 0000Z-0800Z and 1600Z-2400Z on Saturday, and 0800Z- 1600Z on Sunday. Operation takes place on 80 through 10 meters and is open to single operators for single band or all band operation, and a multioperator/single transmitter setup. Packet spotting is permitted for ALL classes, contrary to most contests. The exchange is RST and 3-digit QSO number. Contacts within the US count as 5 points; with other North American countries, 10 points; and all other countries, 15 points. Multipliers are all the DXCC countries and each call area in the US, Australia, Canada, and Japan. If you are not operating from your callsign area, add “/x” at the end of your call. In other words, I would have to sign “K2TE/1” to qualify. Contest logs go to SM7BHM by October 10. Electronic submission may be made via sm7bhm@kristianstad.mail.telia.com.

Tiny Elephant’s Safe Driving Tip.

Here is an idea that will solve a common driving hazard and get rid of a nasty problem at the same time. It is especially suited for folks who own a pickup truck. Have you often found yourself getting uptight with those rush-hour tailgaters who just want you to GO FASTER? Well, here’s a way to make them back off to a safe distance. Empty the contents of the cat litter box into the bed of your truck. When you head down the highway to work, the wind around the cab will blow the wonderful aroma into the air vents and open windows of that bumper hugger behind you, forcing him to drop back out of self-preservation.

But what if he has air-conditioning and the windows are up? No problem. The vortex over the bed will suck up kitty’s finest and hurl it onto Mr. Cool’s windshield.

Got a cap on your truck? This can work to your advantage as well. The buildup of heat during the Summer will magnify the effects of the truck’s contents many fold. When you leave for your commute, just open the tailgate to direct the smell. One precaution: remember to open the back window slider AFTER you get up to speed! Have a safe and relaxing Summer!

73, de K2TE