Re: Topband: Stew Beef
ENOUGH of this silly bickering! Ham radio is supposed to be FUN! (Remember that? You know, where we smile, and get a warm fuzzy feeling? :-) Instead, some curmudgeons chose to frown, pout, fume and fulminate --and attempt to share their misery with as many others as possible-- over things that are NEVER going to change. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
How? I don´t remember any rig at that time showing signal strength correctly and I started in the hobby in 1958. Only a few modern SDR rigs do it nowadays. And how to you report genuine signal strength reports with AGC turned off? Or while receiving on special rx antennas? Signal strength reports are totally meaningless, are just there to synch to something following. 73 Peter -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mort Sent: Freitag, 8. Januar 2016 17:34 Genuine RST seemed to appear in contests until the mid 70s _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 12:20 PM, wrote: > Hopefully we are using real signal reports during the Stew Perry contest. > Stew would have wanted it that way. It's interesting to see people complaining about general contest issues when the thread is specifically about the Stew Perry. Some clearly are clueless about the Stew Perry format. All one has to do to see what is going on in the "Stew", is Google "Stew Perry Rules" and go look. Not a great inconvenience, really. Hint: " 4. Exchange: Four character grid square (i.e. CN85). RST is optional." Once in a great while I will hear a 599, but just about always only the grid square. N1MM's entry window for the Stew has call and grid, so that's it. 599 is in the Cabrillo log format, but that is probably just a concession to log-checking programs. And how many of us were actually acquainted with Stew before he joined the ranks of Silent Keys, while he was still wandering upon the face of the earth? Without that, how does one know what Stew would have wanted? Voodoo? Seance? 73, Guy K2AV _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
On Fri,1/8/2016 8:34 AM, Mort wrote: Now, stuck with a DOS log, too old for exporting, I blench at the thought of typing 62 years'-worth, especially as I've made more QSOs since retiring than before. Before giving up on exporting it, cast about for text-based methods of exporting it to various spreadsheet programs. You may spend a week figuring out how to do it, but that's a LOT less than retyping it. :) Several years ago, I dug out old logs from the '50s when I was W8FNI, then the 60s and 70s when I was W9NEC. All paper. My first challenge was to try to figure out what time zone I was using, and in most, I still don't know. Other tasks have percolated to the top, and I've never taken the time to type most of them (although I did start). 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
You don't USE signal reports in Stew Perry, just grid squares. The only place anybody might use real signal reports in contests these days is QRP contests. 73, Barry N1EU On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 12:20 PM, wrote: > > I agree. This is my biggest gripe about contests, meaningless signal > reports. > > You hear SIG 599 PSE RPT. Any data sent which does not convey information > is noise. > > This turns off hams, and more importantly, prospective hams. > > Hopefully we are using real signal reports during the Stew Perry contest. > Stew would have wanted it that way. > > Mike N2MS > > - Original Message - > From: Rob Atkinson > To: topband@contesting.com > Sent: Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:12:31 - (UTC) > Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > > I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly > meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator > too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value > of contests sink to zero. > > They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio > economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the > plugging. > > 73 > > Rob > K5UJ > > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
On Fri,1/8/2016 6:49 AM, kol...@rcn.com wrote: In my experience, the average contester is more operationally and technically savvy than the average ham, especially the average ham that complains about them. I agree. The contesters I know have better rigs, better antenna systems, better operating skills, better knowledge of propagation than the average active ham. And they chose/put together those "better" things by a lot of study. There are, of course, exceptions. :) 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
No he just ducked "...some folks cried fowl" So, did he chicken out ? 73 - Mort, G2JL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband . _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I agree. This is my biggest gripe about contests, meaningless signal reports. You hear SIG 599 PSE RPT. Any data sent which does not convey information is noise. This turns off hams, and more importantly, prospective hams. Hopefully we are using real signal reports during the Stew Perry contest. Stew would have wanted it that way. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Rob Atkinson To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:12:31 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value of contests sink to zero. They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the plugging. 73 Rob K5UJ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Eggsactly. -- Michael Adams | N1EN | m...@n1en.org -Original Message- "...some folks cried fowl" So, did he chicken out ? 73 - Mort, G2JL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
"...some folks cried fowl" So, did he chicken out ? 73 - Mort, G2JL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
"...The days of "honest reports" in a contest? I am 63 years old, operated my first contest when I was 18 and I don't remember those days. You found out how well your station "got out" by how long you waited in the pileups and how much of the time you could call CQ. ..." Well, when I retired at 60, because the employer decided that at this age, brain-rot sets in, I spent three months of new-found 'spare' time typing my logs for the last 40 years. Genuine RST seemed to appear in contests until the mid 70s. Now, stuck with a DOS log, too old for exporting, I blench at the thought of typing 62 years'-worth, especially as I've made more QSOs since retiring than before. When I win the lottery [my XYL believes in The Power of Positive Thinking; I believe in Sod's Law] yes, when, I shall employ a typist who might be able to do things even a modern Window$ log-prog can't, too. I shall also employ tramps [hobos] to march the streets with sandwich-boards proclaiming "Genuine RST or Nothing". 73 - Mort, G2JL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
So for contesters the next logical step would be to eliminate the signal report. Doug I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could. -Original Message- Does anyone recall the signal reports provided by Shortwave Listeners? It was SINFO, later SINPO. Signal, interference, noise, propagation, and overall. - If I recall correctly. It gave a better picture of signal quality, but took time. SWL's have time, Contesters do not. My $0.02 Art - NK8X --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Does anyone recall the signal reports provided by Shortwave Listeners? It was SINFO, later SINPO. Signal, interference, noise, propagation, and overall. - If I recall correctly. It gave a better picture of signal quality, but took time. SWL's have time, Contesters do not. My $0.02 Art - NK8X > > > > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > ᐧ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
It's been a long time since I entered a contest seriously so I can't get DQd. Doug I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could. _ One really needs to look at the contest rules before deciding to not send RST. If it is the rules, please send it. A few years ago, there was a bit of a blow up on the CQ Contest reflector over this very issue. A high scoring station decided to not send RST. He did this in order to shave a few seconds off his contest exchange, and some folks cried fowl. In the end, he decided to submit his log as a checklog. So - instead of a big score, he scored zero... So - do whatever you like. SP does not require RST, so no problem there. But - be aware that some contests require RST, and may lead to a DQ for not following the rules... Tom - VE3CX --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Aren’t we forgetting that the signal report is how well the other station is receiving us, not how well we are “getting out”. One receiving station may have a high local noise level and reports your signal as 449, another station with less local noise gives you a 559, and another station with low local noise and/or an effective noise cancelling system gives you a 599. All for the same number of desired signal microvolts arriving at their location. The signal report is more of an indication of their RX conditions rather than indicative of your TX capability. 73 Lloyd - N9LB -From: "Rob Atkinson" To: Cc: Sent: Fri, 8 Jan 2016 08:12:31 -0600 Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value of contests sink to zero. They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the plugging. 73 Rob K5UJ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
One really needs to look at the contest rules before deciding to not send RST. If it is the rules, please send it. A few years ago, there was a bit of a blow up on the CQ Contest reflector over this very issue. A high scoring station decided to not send RST. He did this in order to shave a few seconds off his contest exchange, and some folks cried fowl. In the end, he decided to submit his log as a checklog. So - instead of a big score, he scored zero... So - do whatever you like. SP does not require RST, so no problem there. But - be aware that some contests require RST, and may lead to a DQ for not following the rules... Tom - VE3CX On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 10:06 AM, Doug Renwick wrote: > What I often do during a phone contest exchange is omit the signal report > and only give out the section, serial number, etc. Very few operators > request the signal report and when they do I reply 'my report to you is > already in your logging program, there is no use in repeating it.' I could > say a lot more but it would be deemed 'not politically correct.' Have we > hit bottom yet? > Doug > > I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could. > > -Original Message- > > I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly > meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator > too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value > of contests sink to zero. > > They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio > economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the > plugging. > > 73 > > Rob > K5UJ > > > << that > your RST is likely to be "599" regardless, even when the other op can just > barely dig you out of the noise. Same with contests on other bands, both > phone > and CW. That nonsensical practice has eliminated what was erstwhile > perhaps > the most useful function of contesting, and IMHO, diminishes the worthiness > of > contests altogether. Back when the signal report was a real part of the > exchange and contesters tended to exchange honest reports, a major contest > could be an opportunity to determine how well your station got out, and > into > what localities you put the best and worst signal strength, providing some > insight to improvements you might wish make to your transmitter and antenna > system. >>> > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Especially on 160 meters I don't think the S in RST has a lot of scientific value since there is no real numerical standard as it relates to true signal strength. In my own mind I have come up with a standard in which the S is directly related to the S meter reading on my radio (so I don't have to guess on what S value I should assign to a signal), but on 160 meters when my noise floor is typically S 6.2, that only leaves me with the ability to send a 6, 7, 8, or 9 for the S value (sometimes I will send a value of 5 for the S value when the the signal is right at my noise floor). Others might consider a value of 9 for when a persons signal is 30 dB over S9. So no matter what a person sends you for the S value, what does it really mean, not much (regardless if you are in a contest or not on 160 meters). Contests have a lot of value regarding improvement in technology to handle nearby strong signals, improve or maintain operator proficiency under difficult conditions, motivation to improve your stations efficiency (including the ability to multi-task), justification of spectrum (increase activity on our bands which often are under utilized), provides an event to look forward to and often social interaction, etc. I would have no problem getting rid of RST reports in contests as they really are meaningless (based on my above comments), but I have come to find contests (especially on 160 meters) a great way to evaluate and improve my station and my own skills. I often go back to the reverse beacon network after a contest to compare my signal with other nearby stations to see how well the signal level from my station stacks up. 73, Don (wd8dsb) On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 9:12 AM, Rob Atkinson wrote: > I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly > meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator > too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value > of contests sink to zero. > > They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio > economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the > plugging. > > 73 > > Rob > K5UJ > > > << that > your RST is likely to be "599" regardless, even when the other op can just > barely dig you out of the noise. Same with contests on other bands, both > phone > and CW. That nonsensical practice has eliminated what was erstwhile > perhaps > the most useful function of contesting, and IMHO, diminishes the > worthiness of > contests altogether. Back when the signal report was a real part of the > exchange and contesters tended to exchange honest reports, a major contest > could be an opportunity to determine how well your station got out, and > into > what localities you put the best and worst signal strength, providing some > insight to improvements you might wish make to your transmitter and antenna > system. >>> > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Touché > On Jan 8, 2016, at 8:49 AM, kol...@rcn.com wrote: > > In my experience, the average contester is more operationally and > technically savvy than the average ham, especially the average ham that > complains about them. > > 73, Kevin K3OX > > > > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
What I often do during a phone contest exchange is omit the signal report and only give out the section, serial number, etc. Very few operators request the signal report and when they do I reply 'my report to you is already in your logging program, there is no use in repeating it.' I could say a lot more but it would be deemed 'not politically correct.' Have we hit bottom yet? Doug I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could. -Original Message- I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value of contests sink to zero. They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the plugging. 73 Rob K5UJ <<>> _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Sorry, I think this is nonsense, especially directed toward SPTBDC. If you want to know "how well you got out" and better yet, how well you're hearing, just look at your results listing in columns BestDxKM/MAXP/QRP/LOW and compare with similar stations in your region. Also check whether you appear in anybody else's BestDX column listing. 73, Barry N1EU On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 9:12 AM, Rob Atkinson wrote: > I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly > meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator > too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value > of contests sink to zero. > > They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio > economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the > plugging. > > 73 > > Rob > K5UJ > > > << that > your RST is likely to be "599" regardless, even when the other op can just > barely dig you out of the noise. Same with contests on other bands, both > phone > and CW. That nonsensical practice has eliminated what was erstwhile > perhaps > the most useful function of contesting, and IMHO, diminishes the > worthiness of > contests altogether. Back when the signal report was a real part of the > exchange and contesters tended to exchange honest reports, a major contest > could be an opportunity to determine how well your station got out, and > into > what localities you put the best and worst signal strength, providing some > insight to improvements you might wish make to your transmitter and antenna > system. >>> > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
"Back when the signal report was a real part of the exchange and contesters tended to exchange honest reports, a major contest could be an opportunity to determine how well your station got out" The days of "honest reports" in a contest? I am 63 years old, operated my first contest when I was 18 and I don't remember those days. You found out how well your station "got out" by how long you waited in the pileups and how much of the time you could call CQ. "...the minimal value of contests sink to zero." As opposed to all the valuable weather reports, in ane chatter, QRM on DX stations, character assassination and kvetching about "Obama" in the rest of ham radio... "They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the plugging." In my experience, the average contester is more operationally and technically savvy than the average ham, especially the average ham that complains about them. 73, Kevin K3OX - Original Message - From: "Rob Atkinson" To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Friday, January 8, 2016 9:12:31 AM Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value of contests sink to zero. They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the plugging. 73 Rob K5UJ <<>> _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I completely agree with Don on this. the incessant and utterly meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value of contests sink to zero. They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the plugging. 73 Rob K5UJ <<>> _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef - RST
During slow times, like noon on 160m, you can always ask for a "real
RST" and will likely receive one. DXpedition ops will often do this to
check band conditions.
Some of my favorite 160 QSOs were at lunch time when I was in college in
IL. I would work W9QS ("W9 Quer Signal, the voice of the sand
dunes.") in northern IN on 1817 kc AM.
--
73,
Mike Cizek WØVTT
On 06-Jan-16 11:35, Donald Chester wrote:
I love contests, especially those with QRP categories AND, as a QRP
afficionado, I do wish more hams would get on the air on Top Band just for the
sake of making QSOs > I thoroughly enjoy working any ham on 160 CW, find
out what my RST is, the other fella's power and antenna - that sort of general
info - AND experience more about the
Propagation Princess' vagaries.
de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV
I have never been a contest lover, but I did work the CQ 160m CW contest a
couple of times, back in the LORAN days, and once won top score for my state.
Only thing, there were but three other logs submitted from my state that year,
total. I still sometimes make it a point to get on 160m CW around high noon
local time during a Topband CW contest just see how far I can work and what
kind of signal reports I get.
But that brings up a problem with most contesters these days, the fact that your RST is
likely to be "599" regardless, even when the other op can just barely dig you
out of the noise. Same with contests on other bands, both phone and CW. That
nonsensical practice has eliminated what was erstwhile perhaps the most useful function
of contesting, and IMHO, diminishes the worthiness of contests altogether. Back when the
signal report was a real part of the exchange and contesters tended to exchange honest
reports, a major contest could be an opportunity to determine how well your station got
out, and into what localities you put the best and worst signal strength, providing some
insight to improvements you might wish make to your transmitter and antenna system.
I would find it extremely boring to spend hours exchanging meaningless numbers
in order to compile a long list of callsigns and states; I could find more
productive use for my time, but to each his own.
One thing I can guarantee, however, if you do happen to work my during a
contest you will receive an honest signal report.
Don k4kyv
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
> I love contests, especially those with QRP categories AND, as a QRP > afficionado, I do wish more hams would get on the air on Top Band just for > the sake of making QSOs > I thoroughly enjoy working any ham on 160 CW, > find out what my RST is, the other fella's power and antenna - that sort of > general info - AND experience more about the > Propagation Princess' vagaries. > de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV I have never been a contest lover, but I did work the CQ 160m CW contest a couple of times, back in the LORAN days, and once won top score for my state. Only thing, there were but three other logs submitted from my state that year, total. I still sometimes make it a point to get on 160m CW around high noon local time during a Topband CW contest just see how far I can work and what kind of signal reports I get. But that brings up a problem with most contesters these days, the fact that your RST is likely to be "599" regardless, even when the other op can just barely dig you out of the noise. Same with contests on other bands, both phone and CW. That nonsensical practice has eliminated what was erstwhile perhaps the most useful function of contesting, and IMHO, diminishes the worthiness of contests altogether. Back when the signal report was a real part of the exchange and contesters tended to exchange honest reports, a major contest could be an opportunity to determine how well your station got out, and into what localities you put the best and worst signal strength, providing some insight to improvements you might wish make to your transmitter and antenna system. I would find it extremely boring to spend hours exchanging meaningless numbers in order to compile a long list of callsigns and states; I could find more productive use for my time, but to each his own. One thing I can guarantee, however, if you do happen to work my during a contest you will receive an honest signal report. Don k4kyv _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Some scattered thoughts. This topic has been discussed before but found new life with the planned addition of a Spring Stew Perry contest. As a die hard 160m fan an additional minor contest or two have little or no effect in my opinion on rag chew operations, JT65 or RTTY operation in the band. Instead they tend to increase world wide interest in this crazy band. Let's face it times have changed. Gone are the days of cw rag chews for the most part with the Old man W1BB, Earl, K6SE or even Keith, W6DAO. Equinox operation to be honest is at my limits of noise tolerance with early Spring being better than Fall at least in North America.160m is open somewhere anytime in darkness. Bored and need an alternative, get up in the morning and SSB rag chew with the ranchers and farmers. In my opinion there is very little difference between perhaps between 160m, 6m or 10m usage where 95% of the time the band is nothing but noise. Operating is more fun than staring at a DX reflector waiting to work a new one. Work them in a contest and you have accomplished something. We don't need band allocations as there is 200kHz to operate. That is what the "Gentleman's Band" is all about. Bob, W7RH -- W7RH DM35OS Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Mark - I'm with you, sort ofI love contests, especially those with QRP categories AND, as a QRP afficionado, I do wish more hams would get on the air on Top Band just for the sake of making QSOs I thoroughly enjoy working any ham on 160 CW, find out what my RST is, the other fella's power and antenna - that sort of general info - AND experience more about the Propagation Princess' vagaries. 71.5/72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: Topband on behalf of lmlangenf...@tds.net Sent: Monday, January 4, 2016 10:13 AM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Without taking a particular position on this issue, I have to wonder if any consideration has been given to this contest's namesake. How, exactly, would Stew Perry have felt about more contests (especially in his name) on Top Band? Personally, I have no idea. I pose the question merely for reflection/discussion. 73, Mark -- WA9ETW _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Without taking a particular position on this issue, I have to wonder if any consideration has been given to this contest's namesake. How, exactly, would Stew Perry have felt about more contests (especially in his name) on Top Band? Personally, I have no idea. I pose the question merely for reflection/discussion. 73, Mark -- WA9ETW _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Gary, while I am primarily a contester, I have been surprised by the amount of EU DX I can work on some non-contest nights. I agree with you; I have to say my best nights on 160M are in fact non-contest nights. Often my new 160M DXCC's have been coming not from contest nights themselves, but from pericontest activity especially in the week before CQWW. Last week on a weeknight, I noted at the end of the 0300Z CWT that 160M seemed to be pretty decent to Europe. I called CQ on 160M that night, and proceeded to work 50 different European stations in the next 3+ hours. Most of those stations, I had never worked on 160M before. That's was surprising to me as mostly-a-contester, because even on a good contest weekend over two nights I might work 50 EU stations. I was amazed not only at the good conditions, but that there were 50 European guys up in the middle of their night! There were only a couple other NA stations who CQ'ed in those 3 hours. There were several other NA stations responding to EU CQ's in those hours. I think fundamentally... we need to get on 160M and CQ more outside of contests!!! In a different thread, folks talk about wanting E-mails when 160M conditions are good. For me, a very valuable tool is to turn on the radio, call CQ, and look at my reverse beacon reports in EU. Tim N3QE On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 4:40 PM, Gary Smith wrote: > For me, unless I use the amp, I get more DX on quiet nights than > during a contest on 160. The more powerful stations always trump me > when it comes to DX but while I'd rather make the contest DX Q, it's > part of the game I chose to play, I could turn on the amp and I know > if I hear them, I can work them. > > With that said, I get far more enjoyment out of working so many > people on 160 during a contest than I do prowling the band, looking > for a weak signal from a DXCC entity I haven't worked before. > > And thinking about it while I type this, I don't believe I have > worked a DXCC ATNO or even a needed 160M ATNO during a contest in the > last 5-6 years now. To that end, I'm usually listening to 160 most > every night and I haven't worked a non-DXPedetion new one on 160 in > maybe, the last 3 years. > > In summation; I agree with Tree's assessment. To me, for the very few > nights per year with a contest on and considering the tremendous > activity they generate; the rest of the year is not impacted by them > and the amount of operators found on 160 on any given non-contest > night, is minuscule in comparison. > > I don't see Contesting interfering with my contacts in the least, it > only increases my log numbers... :D > > 73 & HNY, > > Gary > KA1J > > > > Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective > > > > Plus, I love the increased DX activity a contest brings. > > > > Bob AA6VB > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I, too, have to agree with Larry, K5RK. From my location in NTX in a noisy urban area I struggle to hear any 160m DX (using an SAL-20 RX antenna). Last week there was a thread about a "Huge NA-EU opening last night". I had to chuckle because I heard nothing. I know there are other Texas stations (like K5RK) that can hear a pin drop on 160 but as for me IF I can hear any DX I have to be the only one calling. In a contest situation my chances are slim to none of even hearing the DX much less working them because there will always be a contest pileup. As a point of reference I have worked 5 (five!) European station this season, and 0 (zero!) Asian stations on 160m. (And I am up every morning 1-2 hours before SR for Asia.) So, to my point. If one of those 10 days of contesting corresponds to the one day there is an opening strong enough for me to hear/work a DX station then I will have no chance of making a contact. I agree that a contest-free zone at the bottom of the band is a good idea for consideration. 73, Kris N5KM PS, I do participate in the 160m contests but only casually for the reasons given above. -Original Message- Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2015 15:48:43 -0500 From: "Joe Wilkowski" To: "'Larry Burke'" , Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Message-ID: <001201d1440c$a3ba31c0$eb2e9540$@k8fc.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme too far. - Joe K8FC -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry Burke Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of chaos that it causes. - Larry K5RK - _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
On Sun,1/3/2016 11:02 AM, K4OWR wrote: I've never noticed any amount of activity, specifically on 160, on a non contest weekend, that would be impacted since there typically is hardly any...again, specifically on 160 meters. There's a segment about 5 kHz wide that is quite active 7 nights a week with three of K1JT's digital modes -- WSPR (the one-way propagation monitor), JT65 and JT9, both of which are used for 2-way, weak signal work. The segment runs from about 1838 kHz to about 1843 kHz. On a typical evening, there's more JT65 and JT9 activity in that 5 kHz than in the rest of the band combined. Contests make a mess of that segment, just as they do with comparable segments in the HF bands. I occasionally use JT65 and JT9 when I'm not contesting. They have their uses, require different skills, and can be fun. But I view contests exactly as Tree has articulated -- they tend to make it easier to work DX because there's much more DX on the air, and it's often possible to work contest expeditions on the days before and after. 73. Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Tree and Gary, Very well said indeed. It's about "tolerance" and the Golden Rule. "Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself." --Robert Green Ingersoll "It is essential to employ, trust, and reward those whose perspective, ability, and judgment are radically different from yours. It is also rare, for it requires uncommon humility, tolerance, and wisdom." --Dee Hock "It is thus tolerance that is the source of peace, and intolerance that is the source of disorder and squabbling." --Pierre Bayle As long as we all tolerate others with opposite interests and opposite opinions about contests, modes, etc. than ours, and simply allow them to do what they enjoy, then 160 meters will remain the Gentlemen's Band. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 2:12 PM, Tree wrote: > I would like to point out that we all have different perspectives and > should allow that some people are going to look at things differently than > ourselves. > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
> WHO is there in March and June to be interfered with? I don't see DX activity tapering off in March. Heard, Cocos (Keeling), Juan de Nova and Iran show up on my calendar as potentials for March 2016. I worked my first 160m Vietnam in March 2014. That same month Z81Z was worked. In March 2015 I worked E30FB on Topband. My log shows it's a good month for LP to places like DU and 9M2. I see 3C0 and 9M0L worked in March 2012 the list goes on. It's actually a pretty good month for DXing here. One of the best months in some respects. Larry K5RK From: guyk...@gmail.com [mailto:guyk...@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Guy Olinger K2AV Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 7:34 PM To: Michael St. Angelo Cc: Joe Wilkowski; Larry Burke; TopBand List Subject: Topband: Stew Beef On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo > wrote: The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. Does sound concerned, nice, fair, decent, honorable, etc. But... We already have the winter Stew and a warm-up Stew. Have had winter Stew for a long, long time. Those are there and established. Of the two, the winter Stew is the one that is clearly in the hopefully quiet DX season. If your main purpose in the contest is to pick a date to get out of other people's way, discontinue the winter Stew. That will get most out of other people's way. Huh? Oh yeah, that really sounds weird. :>) So we would be complaining about the two Stews in March and June? WHO is there in March and June to be interfered with? In the northern hemisphere the Summer Stew by itself probably accounts for more CW activity in one night than for any other reason for all June, July and August nights combined. There ARE openings during the summer months, but almost NOBODY is listening in the Northern Hemisphere. The only other competition is the few minutes of 160 at the end of the quickie mid-week CW contests as they all dash to 160 at the very end for a few more Q's and mults. They'll be happy to get five six seven Q's in four five six states in three minutes, and poof, they're gone. Are you really sure you heard them? Better freeze the P3 screen for proof. Otherwise you might be hallucinating. Was that a light-switch band opening? In March some stations are rolling up the radials for the planting season, some already did in February. What will we be interfering with in late March? In this era QRN and tornados barely end by January, and start anew in February, so those of delicate ears that cannot stand to hear anything except sweet DX will have departed for quieter bands. IF the four seasons approach to Stew Perry runs for a while, AND the non-winter scores actually count in a year's end annual summary score, we will see folks in the non-winter runs for something other than practice or run-up to the perceived real Stew Perry in December. Maybe DXing to down under will increase if more of us actually show up on 160 in the months of long southern nights. As to the timing, IMHO we should keep to the seasonal Solstices and Equinoxes. Easy way to remember four Stews. 73, and a great new year to all Guy K2AV -- Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Tree, The contests may operate 10 nights a year but those nights are usually weekend when I, as well as others, have time to operate on the Topband. Why not take advantage of the unused nights and schedule the content during the week? By the way, thanks for reinforcing idea that discussions about the "Gentleman's Band" should be gentlemanly. One thing this discussion as brought up is that 160 has unique propagation characteristics are not found on other HF bands and we have to find out a way to accommodate all operators and legacy modes as well as newer modes. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Tree Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about 10 nights a year. In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading up to the contests. That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests. I understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band during those 10 or so nights. Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind. Tree N6TR _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
For me, unless I use the amp, I get more DX on quiet nights than during a contest on 160. The more powerful stations always trump me when it comes to DX but while I'd rather make the contest DX Q, it's part of the game I chose to play, I could turn on the amp and I know if I hear them, I can work them. With that said, I get far more enjoyment out of working so many people on 160 during a contest than I do prowling the band, looking for a weak signal from a DXCC entity I haven't worked before. And thinking about it while I type this, I don't believe I have worked a DXCC ATNO or even a needed 160M ATNO during a contest in the last 5-6 years now. To that end, I'm usually listening to 160 most every night and I haven't worked a non-DXPedetion new one on 160 in maybe, the last 3 years. In summation; I agree with Tree's assessment. To me, for the very few nights per year with a contest on and considering the tremendous activity they generate; the rest of the year is not impacted by them and the amount of operators found on 160 on any given non-contest night, is minuscule in comparison. I don't see Contesting interfering with my contacts in the least, it only increases my log numbers... :D 73 & HNY, Gary KA1J > Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective > > Plus, I love the increased DX activity a contest brings. > > Bob AA6VB _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I would like to point out that we all have different perspectives and should allow that some people are going to look at things differently than ourselves. Trying to call someone's position "ridiculous" is well - ridiculous. We can all make our points without having to make personal comments like these. Thanks. Tree On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 11:02 AM, K4OWR wrote: > Your contention that a few hours of a contest "interferes" with > DX'ing, QRP, and digital is ridiculous since it provides many more > opportunities to pursue those very activities by providing contacts when > there is typically very little to behad. I've never noticed any amount of > activity, specifically on 160, on a non contest weekend, that would be > impacted since there typically is hardly any...again, specifically on 160 > meters. > BILL K4OWR > > On 1/3/2016 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo wrote: > >> The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry >> and >> Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes with other form >> of >> operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. >> >> What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free >> of >> contest operation. >> >> Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of >> the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies? >> >> Mike N2MS >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe >> Wilkowski >> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM >> To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com >> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef >> >> Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am >> a >> contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree >> that >> too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked >> forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme >> too far. >> - Joe K8FC >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry >> Burke >> Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM >> To: topband@contesting.com >> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef >> >> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. >>> >> Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in >> this >> event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend >> of >> chaos that it causes. >> >> - Larry K5RK >> >> >> _ >> 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: Stew Beef
Bill, I'm not familiar with what you are using on 160m or how often you get on the band, but just because you have never noticed any DX activity on a non-contest weekend does not mean it is not there. There is plenty of DX on Topband when conditions are good. And while a contest might bring out some DX activity, it also drives some away. I can't tell you how many times there has been non-contest DX underneath some contest CQ machine that cannot hear them. I've personally missed several new ones that way. Mike made a reasonable request for compromise by establishing a segment of the band for non-contesting during the Stews. How is that "ridiculous"? - Larry K5RK -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of K4OWR Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 1:03 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Your contention that a few hours of a contest "interferes" with DX'ing, QRP, and digital is ridiculous since it provides many more opportunities to pursue those very activities by providing contacts when there is typically very little to behad. I've never noticed any amount of activity, specifically on 160, on a non contest weekend, that would be impacted since there typically is hardly any...again, specifically on 160 meters. BILL K4OWR On 1/3/2016 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo wrote: > The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with > Larry and Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes > with other form of operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. > > What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is > free of contest operation. > > Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion > of the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies? > > Mike N2MS _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective Plus, I love the increased DX activity a contest brings. Bob AA6VB Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 3, 2016, at 11:03 AM, Tree wrote: > > I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the > contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about > 10 nights a year. > > In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active > outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading > up to the contests. > > That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests. I > understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but > if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it > to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band > during those 10 or so nights. > > Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind. > > Tree N6TR > > On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 10:54 AM, Michael St. Angelo > wrote: > >> The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and >> Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes with other form >> of >> operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. >> >> What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free >> of >> contest operation. >> >> Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of >> the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies? >> >> Mike N2MS >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe >> Wilkowski >> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM >> To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com >> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef >> >> Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a >> contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree >> that >> too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked >> forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme >> too far. >> - Joe K8FC >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry >> Burke >> Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM >> To: topband@contesting.com >> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef >> >>> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. >> >> Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in >> this >> event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of >> chaos that it causes. >> >> - Larry K5RK >> >> >> _ >> 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: Stew Beef
* Excellent! Point made far better than I did** **BILL* On 1/3/2016 2:01 PM, Tree wrote: I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about 10 nights a year. In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading up to the contests. That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests. I understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band during those 10 or so nights. Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind. Tree N6TR _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Your contention that a few hours of a contest "interferes" with DX'ing, QRP, and digital is ridiculous since it provides many more opportunities to pursue those very activities by providing contacts when there is typically very little to behad. I've never noticed any amount of activity, specifically on 160, on a non contest weekend, that would be impacted since there typically is hardly any...again, specifically on 160 meters. BILL K4OWR On 1/3/2016 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo wrote: The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free of contest operation. Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies? Mike N2MS -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe Wilkowski Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme too far. - Joe K8FC -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry Burke Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of chaos that it causes. - Larry K5RK _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about 10 nights a year. In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading up to the contests. That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests. I understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band during those 10 or so nights. Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind. Tree N6TR On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 10:54 AM, Michael St. Angelo wrote: > The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and > Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes with other form > of > operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. > > What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free > of > contest operation. > > Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of > the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies? > > Mike N2MS > > -Original Message- > From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe > Wilkowski > Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM > To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com > Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > > Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a > contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree > that > too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked > forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme > too far. > - Joe K8FC > > -Original Message- > From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry > Burke > Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM > To: topband@contesting.com > Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > > > Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. > > Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in > this > event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of > chaos that it causes. > > - Larry K5RK > > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and Joe. Contests tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators. What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free of contest operation. Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies? Mike N2MS -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe Wilkowski Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme too far. - Joe K8FC -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry Burke Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of chaos that it causes. - Larry K5RK _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Good point Gary. My feelings exactly. HNY. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Gary Smith Sent: Friday, January 01, 2016 11:35 PM To: Topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef To me, I say what the hell, a good contest is a good contest. You want four of them, then run four of them. You don't want top run four, don't operate on all four of them. The gem is you don't have to operate on any you don't want to. Why rain on someone's parade if they chose to work every contest they can? Bring em' on. If I can work them, I will. If I can't, I'll work the next one I can. Easy Peasy. 73 & Happy New Year to all. Gary KA1J _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
To me, I say what the hell, a good contest is a good contest. You want four of them, then run four of them. You don't want top run four, don't operate on all four of them. The gem is you don't have to operate on any you don't want to. Why rain on someone's parade if they chose to work every contest they can? Bring em' on. If I can work them, I will. If I can't, I'll work the next one I can. Easy Peasy. 73 & Happy New Year to all. Gary KA1J _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
What do you mean by that crack? (hi hi) Kevin K3OX - Original Message - From: Bill Cromwell <wrcromw...@gmail.com> To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Thu, 31 Dec 2015 18:37:51 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef As per usual... It all depends on whose ox is being gored. 73, Bill KU8H On 12/31/2015 03:48 PM, Joe Wilkowski wrote: > Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a > contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that > too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked > forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme > too far. > - Joe K8FC > > -Original Message- > From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry > Burke > Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM > To: topband@contesting.com > Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > >> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. > Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this > event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of > chaos that it causes. > > - Larry K5RK > > -Original Message- > From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff AC0C > Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:31 PM > To: Steve; topband@contesting.com > Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > > Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. > Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the > midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many. > > April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions. > > 73/jeff/ac0c > www.ac0c.com > alpha-charlie-zero-charlie > > -Original Message- > From: Steve > Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM > To: topband@contesting.com > Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > > I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. > > Steve > > > > WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl > > VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": > http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > > _ > 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: Stew Beef
A topband contest in early-mid March The biggest problem I see with the concept is that (assuming not abnormally warm weather) for some of us that's the time of year by when Ol' Man Winter will almost certainly have brought down the good tx and/or rx antennas, but before the snowpack shrinks enough to do anything about it. :) Seriously thoughwhile I don't think there is such a thing as "too many contests" (after all, there are some successful, fun weekly contests being run), I'll admit that I tend not to get too excited about summer or fall Stews because of the relatively limited participation levels. There may be something romantic about the image of a boy and his radio endlessly calling CQ through the night, but I have to maximize the fun I have in the limited amount of play time the XYL allows me. If there's a contest and if I'm in the shack, I'll probably tune around to see if there's any fun to be had. But I am constrained on just how often I can clear a block of time to make a serious effort. Nevertheless, I welcome the extra serving of Stew. -- Michael Adams | N1EN | m...@n1en.org _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I totally agree with Mike. VE7CA Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 31, 2015, at 3:08 PM, Mike Waters wrote: > > Four Stew Perry events is *not* going too far. > > Here's why I say that. > > The Stew Perry Topband Challenge --compared to other 160 CW contests-- is > by far the fairest of all 160m CW contests. It was simply a stroke of > genius, the way it is set up. Period. > > It is also shorter! If it were as long as the others, four events might be > a different story. But it's only 24 hours long. > > In the Northern hemisphere, the two Stews in the warmer months are --for > most of us-- almost always guaranteed to be marred by very strong lightning > QRN. On top of all that racket in our ears, some of us will simply be > unable to operate without risking a damaging lightning strike. > *However*, those two Stews are more optimal for our Topband friends in the > Southern hemisphere. Eliminating those two would simply be discriminating > against them. There's just no other way to say it. (And now that I think > about it, perhaps adding this new winter event now evens things out a > little for the entire world to at least some extent. :-) > > During the Stew last week, conditions in North America were terrible. > (That's happened before, and it'll absolutely happen again.) This new > wintertime date gives us a second chance to experience the magic and > challenge of the Top Band; and I for one, embrace it wholeheartedly! It > gave me a new enthusiasm for operating 160 CW. > > The only thing I might change is to move the March 12/13 event to an > earlier date. If (for example) it was in February, the chances of QRN would > be less. But since I don't know what the QRN season is in the Southern > hemisphere, perhaps that's not the case. > > What the exact dates should be, and whether a separate category for the sum > of all four Stews in a year should be created, others can vote on. But > leave it at four! Please. :-) > > 73, Mike > http://www.w0btu.com/160_meters.html > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
As per usual... It all depends on whose ox is being gored. 73, Bill KU8H On 12/31/2015 03:48 PM, Joe Wilkowski wrote: Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme too far. - Joe K8FC -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry Burke Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of chaos that it causes. - Larry K5RK -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff AC0C Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:31 PM To: Steve; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many. April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Steve Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ 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: Stew Beef
Four Stew Perry events is *not* going too far. Here's why I say that. The Stew Perry Topband Challenge --compared to other 160 CW contests-- is by far the fairest of all 160m CW contests. It was simply a stroke of genius, the way it is set up. Period. It is also shorter! If it were as long as the others, four events might be a different story. But it's only 24 hours long. In the Northern hemisphere, the two Stews in the warmer months are --for most of us-- almost always guaranteed to be marred by very strong lightning QRN. On top of all that racket in our ears, some of us will simply be unable to operate without risking a damaging lightning strike. *However*, those two Stews are more optimal for our Topband friends in the Southern hemisphere. Eliminating those two would simply be discriminating against them. There's just no other way to say it. (And now that I think about it, perhaps adding this new winter event now evens things out a little for the entire world to at least some extent. :-) During the Stew last week, conditions in North America were terrible. (That's happened before, and it'll absolutely happen again.) This new wintertime date gives us a second chance to experience the magic and challenge of the Top Band; and I for one, embrace it wholeheartedly! It gave me a new enthusiasm for operating 160 CW. The only thing I might change is to move the March 12/13 event to an earlier date. If (for example) it was in February, the chances of QRN would be less. But since I don't know what the QRN season is in the Southern hemisphere, perhaps that's not the case. What the exact dates should be, and whether a separate category for the sum of all four Stews in a year should be created, others can vote on. But leave it at four! Please. :-) 73, Mike http://www.w0btu.com/160_meters.html _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this. I am a contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that too much of a good thing gets old quick. It used to be that you looked forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme too far. - Joe K8FC -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry Burke Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef > Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of chaos that it causes. - Larry K5RK -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff AC0C Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:31 PM To: Steve; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many. April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Steve Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ 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: Stew Beef
WWSD? ᐧ On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 6:47 PM, Bill Cromwell wrote: > I was hoping for a weekly Stew. > > Think about that and maybe you'll feel better about a seasoned stew. > > 73, > > Bill KU8H > > > > > On 12/30/2015 06:05 PM, Steve wrote: > >> I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. >> >> Steve >> >> >> >> WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl >> >> VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to >> Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ >> _ >> 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: Stew Beef
I was hoping for a weekly Stew. Think about that and maybe you'll feel better about a seasoned stew. 73, Bill KU8H On 12/30/2015 06:05 PM, Steve wrote: I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I'm a new top band user. I need all the opportunities I can get, but I do understand the issue. As for me I am not going to "stew" over it. :-) 73, Bob K6UJ On 12/30/15 3:31 PM, Jeff AC0C wrote: Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many. April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Steve Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ 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: Stew Beef
> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of chaos that it causes. - Larry K5RK -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff AC0C Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:31 PM To: Steve; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many. April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Steve Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ 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: Stew Beef
Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many. April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions. 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: Steve Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Stew Beef
I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing. Steve WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
