Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
On Fri,12/25/2015 9:53 PM, Michael Adams wrote: One thing to keep in mind: for those folks who are actually competing in SP...read Rule 6 before submitting your log. Rule 6 is quite simple. NO ASSISTANCE. No cluster. No spots. No skimmer. It's "a boy and his radio." 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
One thing to keep in mind: for those folks who are actually competing in SP...read Rule 6 before submitting your log. :) If you run afoul of Rule 6, I'm sure that checklogs, especially from LP and QRP stations, are very much appreciated. -- Michael Adams | N1EN | m...@n1en.org -Original Message de K2AV- CQ SP K2AV K2AV (running QRP, CQ SP ticks the skimmers, that's for the stations using assistance.) _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Op Times
On Fri,12/25/2015 3:12 PM, dick.bingham wrote: I am not allowed to use my arms for the next several months due to a chest-cracking and some bypass surgery on the heart. Me too -- 5 weeks ago. Thanks to friends who did some antenna maintenance for me, I'll be on for the Stew. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: Stew Op Times
Merry Christmas to everyone Jim and Rick along with so many of you have done their antenna homework and others should emulate that sort of work. It seems like something is always getting in the way come Stew-time. I will not be on this year. Rick's several point comments are spot-on for all 160-meter op's. I had planned on using a half-wave balloon supported this year like I did a year or two before. I live in a CC&R antenna restriction area and used 280-feet of #30 wire as the radiator. It lived up to the EZNEC predictions and worked lots of folks toward the East earlier than what I normally experienced. Rain finally brought the balloon down and ended my participation. . . This year, no antenna ===> no Stew . . . I am not allowed to use my arms for the next several months due to a chest-cracking and some bypass surgery on the heart. Have a great Stew . . . 73 Dick/w7wkr CN97uj - Message: 8 Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2015 09:37:17 -0800 From: Jim Brown To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew operating times? Message-ID: <567d7ecd.5040...@audiosystemsgroup.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > On Fri,12/25/2015 9:22 AM, K4OWR wrote: > Since it's 1500-1500, and I need to pick 14 hours, I'm guessing about > 6PM Sat to 8AM Sun ??? In order to maximize propogation? It depends on your QTH. Here in W6/W7, the Stew begins just before our sunrise, so most of us start out at 1500 hoping to work JA. By 1600, there's nothing but locals, so we QRT until an hour or so before our sunset. >From your QTH in central TN, you'll probably want to start an hour or so before sunset Saturday, and operate through the night until an hour or so after sunrise, taking breaks for dinner and social time with the XYL. Remember that the hour or so either side of sunrise and sunset are peak times for DX, so you'll want to be on the air. Around sunset and in the evening, you'll have peak opportunities to work east; around sunrise, to the west. And both times, good propagation N and S. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
On Fri,12/25/2015 12:24 PM, mstang...@comcast.net wrote: I operate QRP and normally give out that information as well as my power levels after the signal report. As a QRP op myself, I urge you to NOT do that. If I had worked to dig a weak signal out of the noise, I would interpret ANYTHING after R or TU as telling me I had miscopied something, and you are repeating it. NEVER send anything extra. I agree 100% with Jim on this. The only thing sending /QRP or anything unnecessary does is make it take longer and make it more difficult. I honestly think a good number of people will either just ignore a station signing nonsense or be confused by it. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to dig out a callsign or complete a contact with unnecessary meaningless stuff tacked on. 73 Tom _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
i have always sent /7 or /something when i was away from the home shack. i am too old to change now mike w7dra 1 Secret To Cut 15 Years Of Mortgage Payments HARP Gives Homeowners a Once In A Lifetime Mortgage Bailout http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/567db0ba6895330b91f58st02vuc _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
One note about QRP stations in the Stew. You do not need to sign /P so that the person knows you are QRP. What you need to do is send in your log. The QRP bonus is given when doing the cross checking automatically during the log check process. So - signing /P does not good. Sending in your log in the QRP category is the only way to give out the 4X multiplier. 73 Tree N6TR On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 9:54 AM, Robb Webb Proprietor of Robb Webb Photography wrote: > So what should I sign > G0URR/QRP/P > G0URR/P > > How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. > > I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical > portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! > > Hoping for good things > > Robb > G0URR > > Robb Webb Photography > Bringing Photography to life > Mobile: 07891 575892 > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
On Fri,12/25/2015 12:24 PM, mstang...@comcast.net wrote: I operate QRP and normally give out that information as well as my power levels after the signal report. As a QRP op myself, I urge you to NOT do that. If I had worked to dig a weak signal out of the noise, I would interpret ANYTHING after R or TU as telling me I had miscopied something, and you are repeating it. NEVER send anything extra. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
Robb, I operate QRP and normally give out that information as well as my power levels after the signal report. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Robb Webb Proprietor of Robb Webb Photography To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Fri, 25 Dec 2015 17:54:14 - (UTC) Subject: Topband: re topband QRP So what should I sign G0URR/QRP/P G0URR/P How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! Hoping for good things Robb G0URR Robb Webb Photography Bringing Photography to life Mobile: 07891 575892 _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew operating times?
Last year I made a serious full-time effort from W3LPL, maybe the only full-time effort I'll ever make in TBDC. I looked at local sunrise/sunset times and found out that there is 14.5 hours of darkness but only 14 hours of op time. I started about 10 minutes after my sunset and ran till about 10 minutes after my sunrise. I was hoping to maybe catch a JA. I took a half hour break from 0832Z to 0905Z. My slowest half hour was 0730Z to 0800Z, where I worked only 6, but two of them were Europeans after their sunrise (and I did not work a lot of Europeans overall!!!) Since scoring is weighted by distance... I was called by KH6's and VK's around their sunset and I would not want to miss those. If I were to do a 14-hour over again... I might start before sunset and take two half-hour breaks after EU sunrise, and stay on longer after sunrise to catch locals as they wake up and maybe a chance at JA. Tim N3QE On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 12:22 PM, K4OWR wrote: > What operating times are recommended? > Since it's 1500-1500, and I need to pick 14 hours, I'm guessing about 6PM > Sat to 8AM Sun ??? In order to maximize propogation? > BILL K4OWR > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Contest fills
Another word of advice for QRPers. . . for those that have multiple RX antennas in multiple directions. . .it takes a while for us to get you on the right antenna. Be patient and don't give up.73 and have fun. . .Dave, W0FLS - Original Message - From: "Mike Smith VE9AA" To: Sent: Friday, December 25, 2015 12:43 PM Subject: Topband: Contest fills All this QRP talk had me coming up with more nugget of advice on top of the great suggestions Rick N6RK has already made. A word of advice especially for QRPers in the Stew, who will mostly be weak and dodging the static crashes. If a station sends "W1A??" and you are W1ABC, try sending BC BC BC W1ABC to see if he gets it. If he sends LOC LOC or GRID GRID, please please do not repeat the whole exchange all over again. Like VE9AA de W1ABC 5NN FN41 FN41 Just repeat the FN41 part. If he sends "FN?? FN?? or FN? Just send the 41 part. IOW, just send what he asks for. In all likelihood you are weak and he's having a hard time. Sending it all over again just increases the chances he or she will miss the element needed once again. Have fun out there ! Mike VE9AA FN66 Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: SPDC Plaque, Daylight Operation
Top Banders, For those who might not have read closely the list of the numerous plaques being sponsored for operations in the upcoming (21 hours distant) Stew Perry Distance Challenge, better known as the 'Stew', I offer the following information about one of those plaques that I sponsor. It is 'Highest Score Daytime operation only' plaque available to be won by any single operator in any part of the world. The intent of the award of this plaque is to encourage all SPDC contestants to operate with another call sign outside the 14 hours of core operation. More operating, more FUN. Why be limited to the 14 hours when there is fun to be had in another 3-4 hours, or more, during the contest period? I have been doing this operation for a number of years, and find it rewarding to see what I can do while the sun is in the sky, AND to add some points to others' scores who are operating in darkness. I use a club call sign of which I am the trustee for my secondary, 'daylight only' operation. If the option of a club call sign is not available to you, then borrow a call sign from a friend, family member or otherwise. General class call signs can be used anywhere in the 160 Meter band, so an Advanced or Extra Class call sign is not necessary. Below is my post to 3830 from last year to refresh your memories of how I do it to have more fun. The definition I provided to the Boring ARC to administer the plaque award I sponsor was ‘Sun above the 0 degree horizon’. The BARC not only approves of this type of operation, but encourages it, as it provides more activity and more entries in the contest. The 2013 winner was LY5E (LY2IJ). Last year’s winner was K8IA. Who out there will be the winner of this plaque in the 20th running of the STEW? As the sponsor of the plaque, I am not eligible to win it. I could have won my own plaque each year by nearly doubling the score of the winners. But, I just try to lead the way and hopefully show folks how much fun it is to operate as two different entities in the contest. And also to show what really can be done while the sun is in the sky. It provides more contacts for the folks already in darkness and participating in the core contest. For me it would be super to have a whole bunch of southwest and California guys be on the air just after Z and contact me and all the others already operating in darkness, using a 2nd call sign while the sun is still in the sky for them. Then they could start operating the core contest, at their sunset, with another call sign. This same trend can be used ahead of the terminator as it moves westward, and after local sunrise and an end to anyone's core operations. That is exactly what LY5E (LY2IJ) did in eastern EU to win the plaque in 2013. I have pasted below my 3830 report from 2014 for my daylight operation as N7GP. This will give each of you and idea of how I do it; the time frames that fit for me. I will again this year operate as N7GP during my daylight hours. My core 14 hour operation will be as N5IA. I hope to be able to contact many, many of you with one or the other, or BOTH call signs. Merry Christmas to everyone in the world. 73, and good luck in the contest, de Milt, N5IA, and also operator of N7GP == -Original Message- From: Milt -- N5IA Sent: Monday, December 29, 2014 10:12 AM To: 3...@contesting.com Subject: N7GP daylight operation in SPDC Stew Perry Topband Challenge Call: N7GP Operator(s): N5IA Station: N5IA Class: Single Op HP QTH: AZ - DM52 Operating Time (hrs): 3 Remote Operation Summary: Total: QSOs = 126 Total Score = 470 Club: Arizona Outlaws Contest Club Comments: This report is for my daylight only operation. From Southeast Arizona the sun is nearly one hour high in the morning sky at the time the contest starts. 50 minutes of operation yielded 26 Q's; 11 LESS than 37 Qs last year. In 2012 I made 33 Qs during this morning operation. In the afternoon I started at 2230Z for 1.5 hours of operation before it was sundown and time to start my N5IA core operation. The conditions were decent, but not nearly as good as last year. 60 Qs were made with K1LZ being the most distant; a good 8-pointer. Krassy called in at 2255, a full one hour and 15 minutes before the sun set at my location. Last year, 2013, I made 51 contacts during this period (more FM & FN stations), and in 2012 I made 55 Qs during the same period of time. At 1400Z I again resumed this daylight operation. 45 minutes of time as relatively 'New Meat' put another 44 Qs in the log. Not bad. Last year, 2013, I made 31 contacts during this period, and in 2012 I made 31 Qs during the same period of time. BUT, no DX other than Lloyd, KH6LC. The recap is as follows: 2012 = 118 Qs and 504 points, with 3-JAs and 3-KH6s in the log. KH7X was logged at 1444Z. 2013 = 118 Qs (yes, exactly the
Topband: Contest fills
All this QRP talk had me coming up with more nugget of advice on top of the great suggestions Rick N6RK has already made. A word of advice especially for QRPers in the Stew, who will mostly be weak and dodging the static crashes. If a station sends "W1A??" and you are W1ABC, try sending BC BC BC W1ABC to see if he gets it. If he sends LOC LOC or GRID GRID, please please do not repeat the whole exchange all over again. Like VE9AA de W1ABC 5NN FN41 FN41 Just repeat the FN41 part. If he sends "FN?? FN?? or FN? Just send the 41 part. IOW, just send what he asks for. In all likelihood you are weak and he's having a hard time. Sending it all over again just increases the chances he or she will miss the element needed once again. Have fun out there ! Mike VE9AA FN66 Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
well, i am not at my daughters house in Aberdeen WA yet, but they have a basement room right next to a tall tree, so i can get somewhat of a vertical with two crinkled radials out the basement window and not bother the rest of the Christmas festivities i have a powerful 6AG7/2x 807 rig with a 36 pound power supply but i am remiss of disturbing any working radio set up in the ham shack. the 6AU6/5763 was sitting on a shelf along with the NC125, fair game not disturbing (make that destroying, dropping, or breaking) any operational rig. i have 1804, 1808, 1822, 1825, and 1828 rocks along with several politically incorrect (1978, 1987, 1993) i probably won't be using. i don't expect VE3CX or N8OO will be answering my CQs like in the ARRL 160, but i will be down there pounding away anyway mike w7dra/7 Ally Bank, Member FDIC Consistently competitive rates, 24/7 customer care, Member FDIC http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/567d8e2950d8be297475st02vuc _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
Do not sign /QRP. If your country's rules require you to, do sign /P. Do send your log in and make sure CATEGORY-POWER says you are QRP. Many of us look at the stew perry score summaries as they are released/updated, and I take special delight in finding out which were QRP stations and the best QRP-distance I worked. A commenter in the other thread had it right... QRP out to 800 miles is usually easier than working a high power station at 3500 miles. Strongly recommend anyone who wants to try QRP 160, try out the NAQCC 160M QRP Sprint: http://www.naqcc.info/sprint201601_160.html Tim N3QE On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 12:54 PM, Robb Webb Proprietor of Robb Webb Photography wrote: > So what should I sign > G0URR/QRP/P > G0URR/P > > How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. > > I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical > portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! > > Hoping for good things > > Robb > G0URR > > Robb Webb Photography > Bringing Photography to life > Mobile: 07891 575892 > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
Amen. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Mike Smith VE9AA Sent: Friday, December 25, 2015 12:26 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: re topband QRP Do not ever EVER sign /QRP !!! You are already most probably weak. It is NOT part of your callsign and worst of all, it wastes time. PLEASE ! 73 de Mike VE9AA - - - - - - - - - - - -- So what should I sign G0URR/QRP/P G0URR/P How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! Hoping for good things Robb G0URR Robb Webb Photography Bringing Photography to life Mobile: 07891 575892 Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: a plaque for all you NINE's out there in the Stew
I just sponsored a plaque (waiting for the money to transfer) but here's one for anyone with a 9 in their callsign (as heard on the air), regardless of where you are Worldwide. ".Real Live Wire 9's with up to 9 Live Wires - Top Score Worldwide, 9 heard in callsign using up to and including 9 wires." No aluminum or steel 4 squares made of towers or folks in 9 land but with a different number in their call. Good luck nines ! This ones for you. Mike VE9AA Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
Do not ever EVER sign /QRP !!! You are already most probably weak. It is NOT part of your callsign and worst of all, it wastes time. PLEASE ! 73 de Mike VE9AA - - - - - - - - - - - -- So what should I sign G0URR/QRP/P G0URR/P How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! Hoping for good things Robb G0URR Robb Webb Photography Bringing Photography to life Mobile: 07891 575892 Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
Hi Robb, Please sign only your call- G0URR- without any other letters or numbers. Where the QRP business comes in, is in your submitted log where you note your power level. That is where the power levels matter to yourself and to the others for scoring purposes. Same goes for your grid square locator. When I am trying to work you from West Coast USA getting your call will be difficult and your grid square will be nearly impossible. Adding /qrp or /just married or /just paroled only makes the exchange more difficult and is totally unnecessary. So...be sure to peruse the plaque list on the web site and note any particular plaques you may qualify for and properly fill out the log headers so we know your power situation, location and call in your submitted log. 73 and I remain, Leww7ew The Boring Amateur Radio Club Committee on QRP Designations On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 9:54 AM, Robb Webb Proprietor of Robb Webb Photography wrote: > So what should I sign > G0URR/QRP/P > G0URR/P > > How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. > > I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical > portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! > > Hoping for good things > > Robb > G0URR > > Robb Webb Photography > Bringing Photography to life > Mobile: 07891 575892 > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
On Fri,12/25/2015 9:54 AM, Robb Webb Proprietor of Robb Webb Photography wrote: How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. You DON'T. I don't care -- all I want is your QSO. In Stew Perry, where we get points for working a QRP station, those points are awarded by log checking when the QRP station turns in a log. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: re topband QRP
"How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station." You don't; it's your choice, or it's forced on U, as many of us have high noise, rabidly anti-ham councils, vandalistic neighbours and so on. There are poor, inept, operators and have little time but we don't expect others to make special allowances for us. That raises an interesting point; what ARE we expected to do ? It's like those ludicrous annoying "Baby on board" signs; So what ? It is known what causes it; it's not my fault. One is reminded of the offensively patronising farewell: "Take care". One is tempted to answer, "Well, I wasn't going to, but since you order it..." 73 - Mort, G2JL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
Rick has provided excellent advice on all counts. A few comments -- W6JTI and N6WG are both superb operators -- W6JTI, W6GJB, and I worked FD together this year QRP, and won class 1A Battery, and Frank regularly turns in great scores -- 3830 lists him as the top QRP score west of Chicago for CQWWCW, top QRP score in ARRL 10M, #2 west of Chicago in ARRL DX CW. N6WG has been inactive for several years -- his XYL has had health issues. Second, emphasizing Rick's advice for a QRP op to NEVER send anything extra, and NEVER repeat anything the other station has copied correctly. Once he's got your call right, NEVER send it again, only send your exchange, and ONLY send parts of the exchange that the other station hasn't gotten right. Example -- if I'm being copied as K0YC, I'll send "K9 K9 K9". If he's got my call right, I'll send only "CM87", and if he's having a hard time (he's asked for repeats more than once), I'll repeat it several times without his asking. Likewise, in ARRL 160, I'll send only "SCV" as a repeat. Remember, making a successful QSO means catching the PEAKS of QSB -- don't waste time sending anything un-necessary. Third, successful QRP requires catching optimum propagation times, and prop on 160 can vary a LOT during the night and from one night to another in ways that aren't predictable. It's worth studying chapters in the ON4UN book that address propagation. 73, Jim K9YC On Fri,12/25/2015 9:27 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote: Here is my 2 cents worth: 1. Running QRP with a decent antenna makes sense. W6JTI runs up great QRP scores from his mountain top. N7WG worked tirelessly to get a 50 foot vertical up on a postage stamp lot in the SF Bay Area and was a fixture in 160 meter contests for years. He even achieved 160 meter WAS QRP. I used to work him on ground wave from 50 miles away at 2PM local time using my Bay Area beverage. _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 6:46 AM, James Rodenkirch wrote: > Those suggested "QRP watering hole freqs" do nothing but undermine and > constrain, mentally, the typical QRP operator's ability to make Qs, whether > in a contest or not. Indeed. The thing to remember is that the calling frequencies are intended for lean QSO times, as in weekday afternoons and evenings so that those looking for QRP can find them, or those calling can have a chance at being heard because other stations check there first. The QRP calling frequencies are to call, connect, then move off, so someone else can use the calling frequency. They are not designated QRP parking spots. They are not a cage for weak signals. PARTICULARLY in the Stew Perry, where you get points for WORKING a QRP station, folks will be looking for weak signals calling CQ. If it only takes them three times as long to work a QRP, they are AHEAD of the game. At this point, other than admittedly lower rates, the main distinction between QRO and QRP is that for QRP search and pounce in the early hours is not so good an idea. Call CQ instead. Stay on the high end, and move up and down to be above the mob but not TOO far above the mob. CQ SP K9XYZ K9XYZ. The "CQ" will make sure the skimmers pick you up for contest spotting. Keep your exchanges lean. Do NOT repeat the exchange unless asked. Only send the grid square in the exchange. Don't send anything they don't have to put in the log, other than his call sign, and that only once per contest QSO. If you're quick, people will wait to work you. CQ SP K2AV K2AV (running QRP, CQ SP ticks the skimmers, that's for the stations using assistance.) K9YC (answer to CQ) K9YC FM05 (my minimum transmission) NR? (he didn't get it, I've gone into a fade) FM05 (bare minimum repeat) NR? (still didn't copy) FM05 FM05 (send twice on third send) TU CM87 (he got it, his grid) TU K2AV (minimum, minimum) Note that if there is a station waiting for this QSO to complete he will likely have already copied your grid square. The only way to take advantage of that is to send the absolute bare minimum. The faster you are when your signal is in the open while the QSB is up, the better the score. QRP calling CQ is contained in the same non-intuitive class of confounding truths as QRP needing QRO tuners and antennas where loss has been minimized. Loss hurts QRO by burning things up, the same loss hurts QRP by further dragging down the transmitted signal. And the most important piece of equipment for a 160 QRP station is an efficient antenna counterpoise. 160, especially, is really not the band for noodle antennas and noodle counterpoises. A listener's worst nightmare: a QRP station with micro tuner using coils of AWG 28 wire, a wire stapled to the basement rafters as an antenna, a city water pipe counterpoise, and always signing /QRP to make copying the call doubly hard. If you must have such a station, then you must. Just please don't sign /QRP. See you in the Stew. 73, Guy K2AV _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: re topband QRP
So what should I sign G0URR/QRP/P G0URR/P How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! Hoping for good things Robb G0URR Robb Webb Photography Bringing Photography to life Mobile: 07891 575892 _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew operating times?
On Fri,12/25/2015 9:22 AM, K4OWR wrote: Since it's 1500-1500, and I need to pick 14 hours, I'm guessing about 6PM Sat to 8AM Sun ??? In order to maximize propogation? It depends on your QTH. Here in W6/W7, the Stew begins just before our sunrise, so most of us start out at 1500 hoping to work JA. By 1600, there's nothing but locals, so we QRT until an hour or so before our sunset. From your QTH in central TN, you'll probably want to start an hour or so before sunset Saturday, and operate through the night until an hour or so after sunrise, taking breaks for dinner and social time with the XYL. Remember that the hour or so either side of sunrise and sunset are peak times for DX, so you'll want to be on the air. Around sunset and in the evening, you'll have peak opportunities to work east; around sunrise, to the west. And both times, good propagation N and S. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op
In Germany it is by rule of our authorities not use to use other appendages then /m /mm /am or /p. But there are always some rule breakers... 73 Peter -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Freitag, 25. Dezember 2015 18:17 To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op On Fri,12/25/2015 9:09 AM, Mort wrote: > I hear oafs signing "/QRP" I NEVER work any lid signing /QRP. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
Here is my 2 cents worth: 1. Running QRP with a decent antenna makes sense. W6JTI runs up great QRP scores from his mountain top. N7WG worked tirelessly to get a 50 foot vertical up on a postage stamp lot in the SF Bay Area and was a fixture in 160 meter contests for years. He even achieved 160 meter WAS QRP. I used to work him on ground wave from 50 miles away at 2PM local time using my Bay Area beverage. The opposite philosophy was famously KH6DX/6 who ran up amazing scores from his mobile station. One year he parked on the North Dakota/South Dakota boundary and gave out two rare mults with every QSO. He even achieved DXCC mobile on 160 meters, probably the only one. But he ran 800 watts. (He seems to have vanished from top band since completing DXCC, but I recently worked him in an HF contest, where he was back in Hawaii.) These kinds of operations make sense. What doesn't make sense is QRP to a random wire in the basement, etc. Save all of us, and yourself the frustration, and at least run 100 watts. You'll still be nearly inaudible. 2. Rather than a QRP calling frequency, which as has been pointed out, the QRO stations are unaware of (I know I was until this week), a "rally time" would make more sense, like top of the hour as has been suggested. Speaking of time, if you are a QRP'er on the east coast, we aren't going to hear you on the west coast until something like 0800Z, or midnight your time. Don't assume the band has dried up and go to bed early. Or as K9YC likes to recommend, get up an hour before your sunrise. Here on the west coast, we'll be listening carefully for JA's, but also check for the east coast. Possibly 0800Z and 1200Z (sun rise peak) would make good rally times for coast to coast. 3. By all means call CQ. I usually run low power in contests because I can normally work 99% of what I can hear. (I am always working on better receive antennas.) I disregard the fact that I am running low power and CQ anyway. I expect to get run off my frequency occasionally, but I know that I must CQ or miss working all the S&P only stations. I usually get some JA's to call me (they never CQ, except maybe JA3YBK). One year JA3YBK called me at 0800Z at his sunset. Another year a VK6 called me at 1100Z. I don't know how much of this carries over to QRP, but its worth considering. 4. CQ high up in the band to get a clear frequency. If the phone ops don't like it, they can go above 1900. I tune up to at least 1850 and call any station I can hear, no matter how weak. You just never can tell if he can copy unless you try. I have been surprised by weak stations who came right back to me. There is a phenomenon I have noticed that it seems like ops tune up the band, and then stop as soon as a few kHz go by without a signal. This forces me to choose a CQ frequency in the congested area. When S&Ping, tune up to at least 1850 or even beyond. 4. Don't skimp on receiving antennas, thinking that you are limited by your transmit signal. You need good receive antennas to work QRP to QRP. Also, it is a lot easier to get make a difficult QSO if only one direction is marginal. If you are not loud, and also can't hear well, it will be much more difficult. 5. When I hear an extremely weak signal, I don't know if the station is QRP, has a poor antenna, or has an out of district call, etc. In the big DX contests, the DXpeditions post themselves on an "announced operations" web page It might be useful for QRP stations to announce before the contest that they are QRP. I try to handle out of district call signs by using a "call history" file, although I can remember many of them from previous contests. (You still have to actually copy the QTH as a check on the call history file). If I hear a weak W6, he may be QRP, or he may be in the ground wave area, or he may be on the east coast. 6. If you are running QRP, don't compound the problem by being a clueless operator. Call zero beat when it makes sense, call with a strategic frequency offset when that makes sense. Don't send any unnecessary information. Send at 20 to 24 WPM. Faster might be too hard to copy. Slower runs the risk that your signal fades out before I can get the whole call. Send all CW from your computer logging program. Nothing is worse than a nearly inaudible signal where the op makes sending errors, is using a bug, etc. Run a band map and check back in with stations that you couldn't work 15 minutes ago. Sorry for the lecture; most of you are probably already doing the right thing. 7. Just for you QRP'ers, for the upcoming SP contest, I have resurrected my 40 foot perimeter receiving loop at the back corner of the property, 1/4 mile from the power lines along the road, and farther than that to any other lines. My two neighbors to the rear live at the other end of their 80 acre farms. I hope this helps. It does seem to hear better, especially in terms of power line trash, than the loop by the shack that is only
Topband: Stew operating times?
What operating times are recommended? Since it's 1500-1500, and I need to pick 14 hours, I'm guessing about 6PM Sat to 8AM Sun ??? In order to maximize propogation? BILL K4OWR _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op
On Fri,12/25/2015 9:09 AM, Mort wrote: I hear oafs signing "/QRP" I NEVER work any lid signing /QRP. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op
I agree wholeheartedly; It sticks in my craw when I hear oafs signing "/QRP" and expecting others to take pity & do their work for them, with liquid-helium-cooled stacked rhombics & so on. Nobody returns to me when I sign "G2JL / PPA" (pretty poor antenna). I reckon anyone using QRP for reasons other than RFI or penury is a Masochist. As a Sadist, I ought to be kind to Masochists, but I have my limits, like when my blood boils. QAC - Mort, G2JL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op
On Fri,12/25/2015 8:39 AM, kol...@rcn.com wrote: What would be much more fair is to go by ERP. 5 watts from one of tho se sophisticated antenna farms may very well be stronger than 100w or even 600w from, let's say, a Butte rnut with a vestigial radial field. As a guy who worked 160M from a Chicago city lot, I feel your pain. BUT -- QRP is about operating skill and antenna farms, both TX and RX. The Stew Perry rules reward the TX station for his TX antenna and skills, and the RX station for his RX antenna and skills. And I can tell you that 160M contesting with a mediocre antenna and/or QRP is MUCH easier from Chicago than from W6, because the distances to areas of high ham population density are so much shorter. And for the same reason, it's even easier from W1/2/3. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: A brief Boring report
One of my Elmers was Norm Koch K6ZDL (SK).a true CW expert who looked like a Marine Corps recruiter picture. I observed him operate CW many times on 80 and TB. He helped many of us new guys learn high speed CW back in the late 50's and early 60's. I mention this because Tree said a certain callsign tickled his ear..it tickled my ear as well. 73 David Harmon K6XYZ Sperry, OK -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Tree Sent: Friday, December 25, 2015 10:30 AM To: 160 Subject: Topband: A brief Boring report The HQ for the Boring report has moved to Hillsboro, Oregon - but alas - the reports are still Boring. During the ARRL 160 - at 1500Z - on Sunday - when the rate was near zero - a very familiar callsign ticked my ear drums. It was W0ZTL. There are many callsigns that I remember from the "old" days on Topband (let's call that pre-1980) - and W0ZTL is certainly one of them. I have Alex's QSL card from 1975 here as I write this - sent to my Mom's address - with an eight cent stamp on it. Just for sentimental purposes - I sent a new QSL to him for this most recent QSO - and received a prompt reply. He has been on the air since 1937 and is less than two years away from his 100th birthday. It's always such a pleasure to hear old friends like this on the band. He always seems to call in well after his sunrise - but always with a good signal on an otherwise lonely band. Thanks for being there Alex. I hope to work you many more times on Topband. 73 Tree N6TR _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op
Last year - I was operating the Stew from a temporary location - and with a bench power supply that could only provide enough power to set the K3 power at about 3.7 watts. My antenna was a low dipole about 15 feet off the ground. It was about the worst possible setup you could have and still claim you were on the air. I did manage to get a few answers to CQs even with that setup. Each and every QSO was like Gold - and I was heard as far away as New Mexico (couldn't quite reach to Texas). This weekend - I have much better antennas and will operate 14 hours high power with K7RAT - but put in a few hours QRP with N6TR and see what I can work. It's fun giving out the 4X multiplier to those who have cleaned out their ears for the contest. 73 Tree N6TR On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 8:39 AM, wrote: > > What would be much more fair is to go by ERP. 5 watts from one of tho se > sophisticated antenna farms may very well be stronger than 100w or even > 600w from, let's say, a Butte rnut with a vestigial radial field. T he > Butternut guy gets no consideration (in fact, generally he gets derision) > but the (often louder) 5 watt guy is hailed as a great big QRP hero (hi > hi) . Somehow, r unning a compromise antenna marks us as not caring but > running QRP is "noble". > > To me, the weird thing is that, at least for most of us running compromise > antennas, our choice is made out of the necessities of real life, that is, > we do what we can do from a small lot or an antenna restricted development > or where zoning laws are especially hostile to amateur antennas. In some > cases , it's may even be a concession to a neighbor that be insan e (don't > ask me how I know). The decision to use 5 watts, on the other hand, is > basically whim. M ost of our radios output 100w out of the box, so one > operates at 5 watts because he wants to, not because he has to. A nd there > are plenty of reasonably priced used 600w+ amps available if one wants > even more power that basically only take desk space, no zoning required. > > 73, Kevin K3OX > > > - Original Message - > > From: "Milt" > To: topband@contesting.com, "Robert Harmon" > Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 8:59:13 PM > Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op > > Hmmm. If that is the case, then QRP should NOT be used on any band for > contesting or otherwise. That is the name of the game; dig out the weak > ones. > > I personally have nothing against QRP, having operated QRP in the Stew > Perry > contest for 16 of the 19 runnings. I even have a plaque on the wall for #1 > World operating QRP. > > IMHO the SPDC is the BEST contest to use QRP because #1-You get more points > per given Q, and #2-The other station gets equal compensation in points for > copying your QRP signal. What could be more fair? > > CU all in the SPDC as N7GP during my daylight hours and as N5IA during the > core night time 14 hours. I will make the best effort to put every caller > in the logs; even the real strong QRP guys and the QRO stations I can > barely > discern through the din, static and fades receive equal treatment. > > 73, and Merry Christmas to everyone everywhere. > > de Milt, N5IA > > -Original Message- > From: Robert Harmon > Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 6:43 PM > To: topband@contesting.com > Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op > > Herb, > > I feel the same way. > I have nothing against QRP, but for me personally I don't have the > desire to > handicap myself with QRP power especially on 160. It doesn't seem fair > to me for the guy > on the other end to be burdened with trying to dig my weak signal out so > I can make another > contact. ( Just my opinion, guys. ) > > 73, > Bob > K6UJ > > On 12/24/15 3:44 PM, Herbert Schoenbohm wrote: > > Peter, If you think calling CQ in a contest while running 5 watts and > not > > getting a single reply is fun then have at it. Working some stations with > > 100 watts is more fun for me. > > > > > > Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op
What would be much more fair is to go by ERP. 5 watts from one of tho se sophisticated antenna farms may very well be stronger than 100w or even 600w from, let's say, a Butte rnut with a vestigial radial field. T he Butternut guy gets no consideration (in fact, generally he gets derision) but the (often louder) 5 watt guy is hailed as a great big QRP hero (hi hi) . Somehow, r unning a compromise antenna marks us as not caring but running QRP is "noble". To me, the weird thing is that, at least for most of us running compromise antennas, our choice is made out of the necessities of real life, that is, we do what we can do from a small lot or an antenna restricted development or where zoning laws are especially hostile to amateur antennas. In some cases , it's may even be a concession to a neighbor that be insan e (don't ask me how I know). The decision to use 5 watts, on the other hand, is basically whim. M ost of our radios output 100w out of the box, so one operates at 5 watts because he wants to, not because he has to. A nd there are plenty of reasonably priced used 600w+ amps available if one wants even more power that basically only take desk space, no zoning required. 73, Kevin K3OX - Original Message - From: "Milt" To: topband@contesting.com, "Robert Harmon" Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 8:59:13 PM Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op Hmmm. If that is the case, then QRP should NOT be used on any band for contesting or otherwise. That is the name of the game; dig out the weak ones. I personally have nothing against QRP, having operated QRP in the Stew Perry contest for 16 of the 19 runnings. I even have a plaque on the wall for #1 World operating QRP. IMHO the SPDC is the BEST contest to use QRP because #1-You get more points per given Q, and #2-The other station gets equal compensation in points for copying your QRP signal. What could be more fair? CU all in the SPDC as N7GP during my daylight hours and as N5IA during the core night time 14 hours. I will make the best effort to put every caller in the logs; even the real strong QRP guys and the QRO stations I can barely discern through the din, static and fades receive equal treatment. 73, and Merry Christmas to everyone everywhere. de Milt, N5IA -Original Message- From: Robert Harmon Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 6:43 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL 160CW Contest QRP Portable Op Herb, I feel the same way. I have nothing against QRP, but for me personally I don't have the desire to handicap myself with QRP power especially on 160. It doesn't seem fair to me for the guy on the other end to be burdened with trying to dig my weak signal out so I can make another contact. ( Just my opinion, guys. ) 73, Bob K6UJ On 12/24/15 3:44 PM, Herbert Schoenbohm wrote: > Peter, If you think calling CQ in a contest while running 5 watts and not > getting a single reply is fun then have at it. Working some stations with > 100 watts is more fun for me. > > > Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: A brief Boring report
The HQ for the Boring report has moved to Hillsboro, Oregon - but alas - the reports are still Boring. During the ARRL 160 - at 1500Z - on Sunday - when the rate was near zero - a very familiar callsign ticked my ear drums. It was W0ZTL. There are many callsigns that I remember from the "old" days on Topband (let's call that pre-1980) - and W0ZTL is certainly one of them. I have Alex's QSL card from 1975 here as I write this - sent to my Mom's address - with an eight cent stamp on it. Just for sentimental purposes - I sent a new QSL to him for this most recent QSO - and received a prompt reply. He has been on the air since 1937 and is less than two years away from his 100th birthday. It's always such a pleasure to hear old friends like this on the band. He always seems to call in well after his sunrise - but always with a good signal on an otherwise lonely band. Thanks for being there Alex. I hope to work you many more times on Topband. 73 Tree N6TR _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
I call CQ during any contest as a QRP entry (is there, really, any other fun category?) and have mini-runs of 5 to 10 return calls often, especially during the 160 meter events. I can't say, for certain, the % of Qs that have resulted from a "run attempt" but I'm thinkin' in the order of 10 to 15%, at a minimum! The key to run "success" is: keep moving up or down the band 'till you quit hearing signals, move back down or up 'till you start hearing signals, ratchet down your receiver's band width 'till comfortable with the least amount of "interference" from the closest contester and start calling CQworked very well for me during the Pre-Stew this past October - even added my first of several HI Qs for that contest during a "run period"!! Those suggested "QRP watering hole freqs" do nothing but undermine and constrain, mentally, the typical QRP operator's ability to make Qs, whether in a contest or not. I subscribe to several QRP focused reflectors and see posts, often, where the decision to "get on the air" is hampered by the posting ham's reluctance to stray from those "blessed frequencies"; it's difficult to chase DX that way and equally difficult to enjoy LOTs of QSOs. 71.5/72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: Topband on behalf of Jim Brown Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 1:05 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ? On Thu,12/24/2015 11:45 AM, Barry N1EU wrote: > Realistically, 95%+ of the QRO guys hunting for a clear run frequency are > not going to have a clue that 1810 is anything other than totally available > to them. Right. And sometimes I'm part of the QRO crowd. :) FWIW, I consider reserved frequencies a pretty bad idea. Whether QRP or QRO, I do my best to find a frequency to run that will be clear at the DX locations I want to work. And when QRP, I don't CQ a lot -- mostly when I'm wanting to pass out Qs to locals. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRPers calling CQ in the SP ?
Of course, any frequency ending in a zero is almost guaranteed to have a constant broadcast station harmonic. I almost always hear them here, especially at night. And very often, that BC carrier is stronger than stations zero-beat with them calling CQ! Better to be slightly off of zero, if you're QRP and want to be heard. I could never understand that either. Anything USA on the 10's is likely to, sometime or another, have a mixing product or harmonic. _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: Best Wishes
Merry Christmas to all from Bill and Carolyn. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
