Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[Theresa via BVARC]

I agree with Jerry on this,   I can "run", I'm not a pro but I do my best, but 
it's not my favorite thing to do.  Half of what field day is for is introducing 
ham radio to non-hams.  Do you really think that by introducing people new to 
ham radio to a room full of people who are much more interested in racking up 
QSOs/points than stopping and taking time to explain what's going on and 
answering questions is going to make them any more inclined to become hams?  I 
can hear the argument of "That's what GOTA's for" and to a degree can agree 
with that.  The problem I have with that is, especially in the case of a new 
ham or an old ham that doesn't have the ability to work HF, is that limits the 
ability of other hams to ELMER the new or non-hams. The first field day I went 
to, I learned a great deal about field day and operating HF sitting with Ross 
on a splitter scribeing for him.  Later I actually worked up enough courage to 
work a half hour or hour trying to make contacts, something I wouldn't have 
done if I hadn't sat with Ross for that time.  I don't have an issue with 
having contesters there and letting them run but making field day, or at least 
our field day, a nothing but contest stations event would effectively end my 
participation in Field Day with BVARC.  I know points wise, I don't do much, 
and my help with set up and tear down is limited, and my presence may not be 
missed at the event.  But I have no love for serous contesting (of any kind), 
I've done serious contest don't like it.

As far as how freaking HOT it got in that house, it was built in the early 
50's, I DOUBT anyone has had new insulation blown in in the last 20+ years.  
Doesn't matter how good/new your AC is, if the house can't hold the cold in or 
keep the heat out, it's going to be hotter that hell.  Auxillary AC would help 
if the house can handle them.

As far as MIDRATS go, Kellie and I did have the idea of either making a big pot 
of Mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches, I'm not sure why we didn't.

Theresa Williams KE5MUX 

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 10:34:28 PM CDT, gmuller885--- via BVARC 
 wrote:  
 
 to all
   You are correct.  Not everyone can or will "RUN".  I think some of us in the 
clubs have forgotten what FIELD DAY is all about. Yes some clubs have to prove 
they are number one. How ever that usually means that only the best operators 
get to play. I for one look at it as a teaching experience for the new ham or 
not contester to learn from the ELMERS in the Clubs. I for one think that ARRL 
should do away with a point system. It an't a CONTEST.
Gerald Muller k9gemgmuller...@aol.com
In a message dated 6/27/2018 9:33:47 PM Central Standard Time, bvarc@bvarc.org 
writes:

“Too many contest rookies”, wow, now that’s the way to get more participation ! 
Throw a label out there at people, who like everyone, has to start somewhere 
before they become “not a contest rookie” like yourself I presume. Exactly why 
I did not go to FD, didn’t want to feel like I was in the way !

Paul NollKG5MHD
Love your pets, they want and deserve it !!!
On Jun 26, 2018, at 11:13 PM, Ron Litt via BVARC  wrote:



I agree with most all of te comments.  WE need to have a way to recruit Phone 
conesters.  Most of the SSB ops seemed to be there just to see what it is like. 
 Not to contest.  I have written to some folks at the Potomac Valley Radio club 
and the Tennessee Contest group to get some ideas from them.  

 

Also agree with Bill about people switching headsets. I found someone who had 
done just that to my K3.  Too bad for him.  My radio, my rules. There are some 
things that people should not mess with on other peoples gear.  

 

Too many contest rookies. We need experienced SSB operators that know how to 
run.  I have a couple of ideas in that area but will outline it later.  Too 
late tonight. 

 

 

Regards,

 

Ron Litt

281-961-4570

866-667-0521 FAX

ron.l...@gmail.com

 

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Bill Cordell via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:22 PM
To: 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' ; 'Jim Blanca' 

Cc: Bill Cordell ; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; 'Allen Brier N5XZ' 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

Allen:

Great summation..

Bill

 

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 6:57 PM
To: 'Jim Blanca' ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 

Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ ; 'Doug Seyler' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; wb5...@arrl.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

For Field Day next year we will (or should):

 
   
   - Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD 
and then again several weeks before.
   - Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize 
interstation interference.
   - Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines.
   - 

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[gmuller885--- via BVARC]

to all
 
   You are correct.  Not everyone can or will "RUN".  I think some of us in the 
clubs have forgotten what FIELD DAY is all about. Yes some clubs have to prove 
they are number one. How ever that usually means that only the best operators 
get to play. I for one look at it as a teaching experience for the new ham or 
not contester to learn from the ELMERS in the Clubs. I for one think that ARRL 
should do away with a point system. It an't a CONTEST.
 
Gerald Muller K9GEM
gmuller...@aol.com 
In a message dated 6/27/2018 9:33:47 PM Central Standard Time, bvarc@bvarc.org 
writes:

 
“Too many contest rookies”, wow, now that’s the way to get more participation ! 
Throw a label out there at people, who like everyone, has to start somewhere 
before they become “not a contest rookie” like yourself I presume. 
Exactly why I did not go to FD, didn’t want to feel like I was in the way !

Paul Noll
KG5MHD
Love your pets, they want and deserve it !!!

On Jun 26, 2018, at 11:13 PM, Ron Litt via BVARC  wrote:


I agree with most all of te comments.  WE need to have a way to recruit Phone 
conesters.  Most of the SSB ops seemed to be there just to see what it is like. 
 Not to contest.  I have written to some folks at the Potomac Valley Radio club 
and the Tennessee Contest group to get some ideas from them.  
 
Also agree with Bill about people switching headsets. I found someone who had 
done just that to my K3.  Too bad for him.  My radio, my rules. There are some 
things that people should not mess with on other peoples gear.  
 
Too many contest rookies. We need experienced SSB operators that know how to 
run.  I have a couple of ideas in that area but will outline it later.  Too 
late tonight. 
 
 
Regards,
 
Ron Litt
281-961-4570
866-667-0521 FAX
ron.l...@gmail.com
 
From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Bill Cordell via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:22 PM
To: 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' ; 'Jim Blanca' 

Cc: Bill Cordell ; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; 'Allen Brier N5XZ' 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
 
Allen:
Great summation..
Bill
 
From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 6:57 PM
To: 'Jim Blanca' ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 

Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ ; 'Doug Seyler' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; wb5...@arrl.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
 
For Field Day next year we will (or should):
 
Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and 
then again several weeks before.Locate the main antennas East<->West of each 
other to minimize interstation interference.Route digital feed lines separate 
from CW feed lines.Investigate the use of some portable A/C units.Investigate 
the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference.KEEP THE SAME 
COOK! (Great job on food!)KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, 
networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!)Suggest 
either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam.Put CW antennas on highest 
manlifts.Investigate the use of a manual switch to switch radios from mains to 
generator (to eliminate last minute confusion…or) switch radios to generator 
well before 1pm.Make sure GOTA station operators know the rules. 
I thought this was one of our best Field Days yet, due to the new location 
(irrespective of noise). Hopefully we can work out the noise issues with 
CenterPoint or fix whatever is making the noise in the house. The house and the 
land were a big improvement over what we have had in the past. The 
participation by other clubs (especially KARS) was a big plus. We may need to 
make some more rules, especially with respect to moving headsets around in the 
SSB room…or make sure all are setup the same way. We also need a greater push 
with the SSB operators regarding operating technique to maximize rate (teach 
them to run). 
 
I am also dumbfounded and extremely disappointed in the lack of participation 
by other TDXS members. I suggest we make a push again for next year, but we 
need to start six months in advance so that they do not make other plans first. 
 
I know I have other thoughts and will express them as soon as they come to the 
front of my mind.
 
Allen R. Brier N5XZ
1515 Windloch Lane
Richmond, Texas 77406-2553
(281) 342-1882 (Home)
(713) 705-4801 (Cell)
 
From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Allen R. Brier ; Curt Fletcher 
; NIzar Mullani ; Scott Royall 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
 
Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and 
finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home and 
slept for a couple of hours, then went to Church.  I returned about 1/2 hour 
before the end with my wife (KD8CMB) 

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[Paul Noll via BVARC]

“Too many contest rookies”, wow, now that’s the way to get more participation ! 
Throw a label out there at people, who like everyone, has to start somewhere 
before they become “not a contest rookie” like yourself I presume. 
Exactly why I did not go to FD, didn’t want to feel like I was in the way !

Paul Noll
KG5MHD
Love your pets, they want and deserve it !!!

> On Jun 26, 2018, at 11:13 PM, Ron Litt via BVARC  wrote:
> 
> I agree with most all of te comments.  WE need to have a way to recruit Phone 
> conesters.  Most of the SSB ops seemed to be there just to see what it is 
> like.  Not to contest.  I have written to some folks at the Potomac Valley 
> Radio club and the Tennessee Contest group to get some ideas from them. 
>  
> Also agree with Bill about people switching headsets. I found someone who had 
> done just that to my K3.  Too bad for him.  My radio, my rules. There are 
> some things that people should not mess with on other peoples gear. 
>  
> Too many contest rookies. We need experienced SSB operators that know how to 
> run.  I have a couple of ideas in that area but will outline it later.  Too 
> late tonight.
>  
>  
> Regards,
>  
> Ron Litt
> 281-961-4570
> 866-667-0521 FAX
> ron.l...@gmail.com
>  
> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Bill Cordell via BVARC
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:22 PM
> To: 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' ; 'Jim Blanca' 
> 
> Cc: Bill Cordell ; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' 
> ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
> ; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
> kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; 'Allen Brier N5XZ' 
> 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
>  
> Allen:
> Great summation..
> Bill
>  
> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 6:57 PM
> To: 'Jim Blanca' ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
> 
> Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ ; 'Doug Seyler' 
> ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
> ; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
> kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; wb5...@arrl.net
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
>  
> For Field Day next year we will (or should):
>  
> Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and 
> then again several weeks before.
> Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation 
> interference.
> Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines.
> Investigate the use of some portable A/C units.
> Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference.
> KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!)
> KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, 
> etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!)
> Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam.
> Put CW antennas on highest manlifts.
> Investigate the use of a manual switch to switch radios from mains to 
> generator (to eliminate last minute confusion…or) switch radios to generator 
> well before 1pm.
> Make sure GOTA station operators know the rules.
>  
> I thought this was one of our best Field Days yet, due to the new location 
> (irrespective of noise). Hopefully we can work out the noise issues with 
> CenterPoint or fix whatever is making the noise in the house. The house and 
> the land were a big improvement over what we have had in the past. The 
> participation by other clubs (especially KARS) was a big plus. We may need to 
> make some more rules, especially with respect to moving headsets around in 
> the SSB room…or make sure all are setup the same way. We also need a greater 
> push with the SSB operators regarding operating technique to maximize rate 
> (teach them to run).
>  
> I am also dumbfounded and extremely disappointed in the lack of participation 
> by other TDXS members. I suggest we make a push again for next year, but we 
> need to start six months in advance so that they do not make other plans 
> first.
>  
> I know I have other thoughts and will express them as soon as they come to 
> the front of my mind.
>  
> Allen R. Brier N5XZ
> 1515 Windloch Lane
> Richmond, Texas 77406-2553
> (281) 342-1882 (Home)
> (713) 705-4801 (Cell)
>  
> From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Allen R. Brier ; Curt Fletcher 
> ; NIzar Mullani ; Scott Royall 
> ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
>  
> Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and 
> finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home 
> and slept for a couple of hours, then went to Church.  I returned about 1/2 
> hour before the end with my wife (KD8CMB) and tried to get her to work a 
> little SSB.  Alas, no luck, but she did sign in!!
>  
> I did not do much of the take down, except move some tables and chairs, as my 
> grandson decided to be born on June 25th, and he takes priority!  We had his 
> 7th birthday party at our place.  Can you imagine a house full of kids, right 
> after field day, and having only a couple hours of sleep!!  

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[Scott Royall via BVARC]

Pile-ups? Ha! Not on my watch.

 

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of mark janzer via BVARC
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 11:01
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: mark janzer ; TDXS Reflector 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

What bogs down the QSO rate is managing the pile-up, in trying to pick out 
calls (or pieces of calls). This is not at all apparent on the video.

Learn to work split (w/ two VFO's or RIT), listening "up" on a frequency 
different from your transmitting frequency 

 

73

Mark

K5MGJ

 

On ‎Wednesday‎, ‎June‎ ‎27‎, ‎2018‎ ‎09‎:‎32‎:‎49‎ ‎AM‎ ‎CDT, Allen Brier N5XZ 
via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote: 

 

 

Jeff, what you are hearing is the basic required information ONLY. No "please 
copy", no repeat of the other guys callsign or information, no extraneous 
conversation, no extended dead air periods. That is the way to run and achieve 
maximum QSO "rate". If you need a "fill", ask only for the information you 
need. If you make a correction, be sure to let the guy know you have made the 
correction. The same philosophy applies to CW, RTTY and other digital modes.

 

I searched YouTube for some example of contest "running" and found more bad 
examples than good ones. Most of them had alot of extraneous, time wasting 
information exchange that was not necessary. Exchanging just the basic 
information in a clear and concise manner will double or triple your rate, and 
will be light years faster than "Search and Pounce" operating. A good operator 
with a good station and good conditions can easily exceed 200 QSO's per hour 
and in fact some have reached in the range of 350-450 per hour. That is six 
QSO's per minute! I have hit 400+ on a number of occasions. The cream of the 
crop operators can sometimes reach 450/hour for short periods. That guy 
averaged 7.7 QSOs/minute which is 462/hour! Great operator!

 

That's the stuff that excites me! After a while you get a "gaming high", just 
ask other fast operators.

 

More later...

 

Allen N5XZ

-Original Message- 
From: Jeff Greer 
Sent: Jun 27, 2018 7:46 AM 
To: Allen Brier N5XZ 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts 

Allen,

 

Thanks!  As a noob, I very much enjoyed the video.  I'm going to watch it again 
after work and attempt to untangle it.  I think I'm hearing call signs and 
signal reports.  

 

Jeff, W5JEF

 


  _  


From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> > on 
behalf of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> >
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:21 PM
To: 'Jim Blanca'; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB'
Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ; 'NIzar Mullani'; 'Curt Fletcher'; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net 
 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts 

 

Good example of running…for teaching new operators..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI


  

  K5TR WPX SSB Contest - 2005 - 
Rate Clip

www.youtube.com  

K5TR Operating the 2005 WPX SSB contest Running Rate. You can find the log 
here: http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr/blanco/logs/... The log entries start at about 
0045z. You ...

 

 

Allen R. Brier N5XZ

1515 Windloch Lane

Richmond, Texas 77406-2553

(281) 342-1882 (Home)

(713) 705-4801 (Cell)

 

From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> >
Cc: Allen R. Brier mailto:n...@earthlink.net> >; Curt 
Fletcher mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> >; NIzar 
Mullani mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; Scott Royall 
mailto:roy...@conchbbs.com> >; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net 
 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and 
finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home and 
slept for a couple of hours, then went to Church.  I returned about 1/2 hour 
before the end with my wife (KD8CMB) and tried to get her to work a little SSB. 
 Alas, no luck, but she did sign in!!

 

I did not do much of the take down, except move some tables and chairs, as my 
grandson decided to be born on June 25th, and he takes priority!  We had his 
7th birthday party at our place.  Can you imagine a house full of kids, right 
after field day, and having only a couple hours of sleep!!  

 

I agree wholeheartedly with Nizar’s and Curt’s comments.  I am somewhat 
dumbfounded at the lack of participation from the TDXS, as I believe there were 
approximately 6 of us in attendance, although I could be wrong on that number 
and just missed folks who came out on Sunday morning.

 

73 de Jim - KE8G 

 

 

 

On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 12:21 PM Scott Royall via BVARC mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > wrote:

Happy that you enjoyed it. My experience was a bit different since I had the 
overnight shift, but I second your action items.

-Original Message-
From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> > On 
Behalf Of NIzar 

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[Scott Royall via BVARC]

Allen, I don't recall seeing you during my shift either this year or last so 
mightn’t it be possible that we’re talking about significantly different 
experiences? Also, you weren't a party to a prior discussion on this topic so 
you’re unavoidably unaware of my “forced expertise” on the matter. I don’t have 
time to rehash everything, but the short strokes were that computers and 
network equipment don’t always generate the interference you may associate with 
computers. Worse, if you gather a small horde of those things together, you get 
the broad spectrum hash most operators think is power-related. Desktops are 
more prone to cause interference because of their cables (among other things). 
No matter how well shielded, any cable is still a potential antenna. That’s one 
reason why I phased out desktops years ago.

 

Why are K3 owners so defensive about their radios? :)

 

From: Allen Brier N5XZ  
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 22:59
To: 'Scott Royall' ; 'Jim Blanca' ; 
'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
Cc: 'Curt Fletcher' ; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'Mike Hardwick' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' ; 'Jimmy 
Vance' 
Subject: RE: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

Scott,

 

First of all, this issue wasn’t at night, it was during the day when the temp 
got up to 82 while set far below it. Therefore, I think portable A/C units will 
definitely help, as long as the panel board (circuit breaker panel) will 
support them. However, I appreciate your observation that the T-stats are 
locked. Another issue we will have to resolve before next year. 

 

Second, there were no more computers there this year than last year, AND they 
were the same computers as last year AND the noise was clearly sounding like AC 
line interference, not like computers, so doubtful it was them. The electronic 
equipment was almost exactly what we used last year, with the exception that 
radios were all K3’s which were certainly NOT generating the noise. Reports 
from most operators was that the noise was much worse than last year. In 
addition, Nizar used a portable radio and we identified areas where noise 
seemed to be emanating from which hopefully we will be able to either turn off 
next year or, with Jeff’s help, positively identify and fix. Overthinking? I 
don’t think so. I think I thought just about right. 

 

Allen R. Brier N5XZ

1515 Windloch Lane

Richmond, Texas 77406-2553

(281) 342-1882 (Home)

(713) 705-4801 (Cell)

 

From: Scott Royall [mailto:roy...@conchbbs.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 9:29 PM
To: 'Allen Brier N5XZ' mailto:n...@earthlink.net> >; 'Jim 
Blanca' mailto:ke8g@gmail.com> >; 'BRAZOS VALLEY 
AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> >
Cc: 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> 
>; 'NIzar Mullani' mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; 
tdxs-l...@tdxs.net  ; 'Mike Hardwick' mailto:n5...@att.net> >; kd5...@arrl.net  ; 
wb5...@arrl.net  ; 'Doug Seyler' mailto:djsey...@comcast.net> >; 'Jimmy Vance' mailto:jimmy.va...@gmail.com> >
Subject: RE: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

Am I the only one who noticed that the thermostat was locked on 78—and reading 
78—until it automatically switched to 75 at 3 a.m.? Did we forget that Duhacsek 
Park, while being a spread I would've loved to retire to, is still run by the 
government? That means said thermostat is likely set to comply with 
governmental policy. Yes, I had a little “chat” with that thermostat during the 
wee hours of boredom Sunday, instantly discovering that it was a Honeywell unit 
virtually identical to mine. Those puppies are both programmable and 
password-lockable, which Duhacsek was. There’s also the strong possibility 
that, if you did bring in portable a/cs, you’d trigger the thermostat to turn 
on the central heat. That would depend on whether the thermostat is in “full 
automatic” mode as mine is, and what the setpoints are. Instead of trying to 
beat the system, why not simply ask the powers that be to unlock it?

 

As for the interference, I suspect you’re vastly over-thinking the problem 
because it was present to a lesser degree last year too. Although the steps you 
list should help some, I think the crux of the issue is the mushrooming scale 
of the computer equipment you’re so reliant on. Please don’t believe me. Simply 
shut down everything except the radios for a short period after midnight next 
year and listen for yourself.

 

From: Allen Brier N5XZ mailto:n...@earthlink.net> > 
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 18:57
To: 'Jim Blanca' mailto:ke8g@gmail.com> >; 'BRAZOS 
VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> >
Cc: 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> 
>; 'NIzar Mullani' mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; 'Scott 
Royall' mailto:roy...@conchbbs.com> >; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net 
 ; 'Mike Hardwick' mailto:n5...@att.net> >; kd5...@arrl.net  ; 
wb5...@arrl.net 

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[JP Pritchard via BVARC]

Thanks Ron. There’s nothing like an encouraging word to generate participation 
by newbies. As to your radio...

JP
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 26, 2018, at 11:21 PM, Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC  
> wrote:
> 
> Good example of running…for teaching new operators..
>  
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI
>  
>  
> Allen R. Brier N5XZ
> 1515 Windloch Lane
> Richmond, Texas 77406-2553
> (281) 342-1882 (Home)
> (713) 705-4801 (Cell)
>  
> From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: Allen R. Brier ; Curt Fletcher 
> ; NIzar Mullani ; Scott Royall 
> ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
>  
> Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and 
> finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home 
> and slept for a couple of hours, then went to Church.  I returned about 1/2 
> hour before the end with my wife (KD8CMB) and tried to get her to work a 
> little SSB.  Alas, no luck, but she did sign in!!
>  
> I did not do much of the take down, except move some tables and chairs, as my 
> grandson decided to be born on June 25th, and he takes priority!  We had his 
> 7th birthday party at our place.  Can you imagine a house full of kids, right 
> after field day, and having only a couple hours of sleep!!  
>  
> I agree wholeheartedly with Nizar’s and Curt’s comments.  I am somewhat 
> dumbfounded at the lack of participation from the TDXS, as I believe there 
> were approximately 6 of us in attendance, although I could be wrong on that 
> number and just missed folks who came out on Sunday morning.
>  
> 73 de Jim - KE8G 
>  
>  
>  
> On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 12:21 PM Scott Royall via BVARC  
> wrote:
> Happy that you enjoyed it. My experience was a bit different since I had the 
> overnight shift, but I second your action items.
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: BVARC  On Behalf Of NIzar Mullani via BVARC
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13
> To: 'Curt Fletcher' ; 'Allen R. Brier' 
> 
> Cc: NIzar Mullani ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'BRAZOS VALLEY 
> AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
> Sub: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
> 
> Overall evaluation of the QUAD club FD would have to be 4+ out of 5. Great 
> location, great teamwork and great people. Most importantly, the bands opened 
> up on Sunday for a great ending. 3,000 QSOs considering that we had high 
> noise on 40 and 80 meters and no propagation on 15 and 10 on Saturday, is a 
> great score. So, thank you to ALL the organizers and the clubs for making 
> this very successful.
> 
> Here are a couple of suggestions to make it even better for next year.
> 1. Trace the noise generator prior to FD so we can reduce it. S9 noise on 80 
> meters made it almost useless. We could not hear most of the signals. 
> 2. Locate the antennas so as to minimize interference between SSB, CW and 
> Digital modes antennas. 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Curt Fletcher [mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 7:20 AM
> To: Nizar Mullani; Allen R. Brier
> Subject: FD thoughts
> 
> A few random thoughts on FD.  For a few years I thought TDXS should break 
> away and do our own FD, I’m wrong.  There isn’t enough TDXS members 
> participating to put up a tent, throw a rock over a tree with a long wire on 
> the end. The BVARC and Katy guys really did a great job with just about 
> everything hardware related.  The current arrangement is perfect for all 
> concerned, Glen and Allen organizing computers and radios, BVARC guys towers 
> and antennas, Katy guys organizing, labor and sweat. 
> New location is far superior to the fire stations. Obviously figuring out the 
> noise issue prior to FD would be nice. 
> Curt
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> 
> ___
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> Message delivered to roy...@conchbbs.com
> 
> 
> ___
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> Message delivered to ke8g@gmail.com
>  
> 
> Virus-free. www.avg.com
>  
> ___
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> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Message delivered to jppn...@comcast.net
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Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[mark janzer via BVARC]

 What bogs down the QSO rate is managing the pile-up, in trying to pick out 
calls (or pieces of calls). This is not at all apparent on the video.Learn to 
work split (w/ two VFO's or RIT), listening "up" on a frequency different from 
your transmitting frequency 
73MarkK5MGJ
On ‎Wednesday‎, ‎June‎ ‎27‎, ‎2018‎ ‎09‎:‎32‎:‎49‎ ‎AM‎ ‎CDT, Allen Brier 
N5XZ via BVARC  wrote:  
 
 Jeff, what you are hearing is the basic required information ONLY. No "please 
copy", no repeat of the other guys callsign or information, no extraneous 
conversation, no extended dead air periods. That is the way to run and achieve 
maximum QSO "rate". If you need a "fill", ask only for the information you 
need. If you make a correction, be sure to let the guy know you have made the 
correction. The same philosophy applies to CW, RTTY and other digital modes.
I searched YouTube for some example of contest "running" and found more bad 
examples than good ones. Most of them had alot of extraneous, time wasting 
information exchange that was not necessary. Exchanging just the basic 
information in a clear and concise manner will double or triple your rate, and 
will be light years faster than "Search and Pounce" operating. A good operator 
with a good station and good conditions can easily exceed 200 QSO's per hour 
and in fact some have reached in the range of 350-450 per hour. That is six 
QSO's per minute! I have hit 400+ on a number of occasions. The cream of the 
crop operators can sometimes reach 450/hour for short periods. That guy 
averaged 7.7 QSOs/minute which is 462/hour! Great operator!
That's the stuff that excites me! After a while you get a "gaming high", just 
ask other fast operators.
More later...
Allen N5XZ


-Original Message-
From: Jeff Greer 
Sent: Jun 27, 2018 7:46 AM
To: Allen Brier N5XZ 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 
Allen,




Thanks!  As a noob, I very much enjoyed the video.  I'm going to watch it again 
after work and attempt to untangle it.  I think I'm hearing call signs and 
signal reports. 





Jeff, W5JEF



From: BVARC  on behalf of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC 

Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:21 PM
To: 'Jim Blanca'; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB'
Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ; 'NIzar Mullani'; 'Curt Fletcher'; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts  
Good example of running…for teaching new operators..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI

|  | K5TR WPX SSB Contest - 2005 - Rate Clipwww.youtube.comK5TR Operating the 
2005 WPX SSB contest Running Rate. You can find the log here: 
http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr/blanco/logs/... The log entries start at about 0045z. 
You ... |




 

 

Allen R. Brier N5XZ

1515 Windloch Lane

Richmond, Texas 77406-2553

(281) 342-1882 (Home)

(713) 705-4801 (Cell)

 

From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Allen R. Brier ; Curt Fletcher 
; NIzar Mullani ; Scott Royall 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

 

Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and 
finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home and 
slept for a couple of hours, then went to Church.  I returned about 1/2 hour 
before the end with my wife (KD8CMB) and tried to get her to work a little SSB. 
 Alas, no luck, but she did sign in!!

 

I did not do much of the take down, except move some tables and chairs, as my 
grandson decided to be born on June 25th, and he takes priority!  We had his 
7th birthday party at our place.  Can you imagine a house full of kids, right 
after field day, and having only a couple hours of sleep!!  

 

I agree wholeheartedly with Nizar’s and Curt’s comments.  I am somewhat 
dumbfounded at the lack of participation from the TDXS, as I believe there were 
approximately 6 of us in attendance, although I could be wrong on that number 
and just missed folks who came out on Sunday morning.

 

73 de Jim - KE8G 

 

 

 

On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 12:21 PM Scott Royall via BVARC  wrote:


Happy that you enjoyed it. My experience was a bit different since I had the 
overnight shift, but I second your action items.

-Original Message-
From: BVARC  On Behalf Of NIzar Mullani via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13
To: 'Curt Fletcher' ; 'Allen R. Brier' 

Cc: NIzar Mullani ;tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'BRAZOS VALLEY 
AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
Sub: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

Overall evaluation of the QUAD club FD would have to be 4+ out of 5. Great 
location, great teamwork and great people. Most importantly, the bands opened 
up on Sunday for a great ending. 3,000 QSOs considering that we had high noise 
on 40 and 80 meters and no propagation on 15 and 10 on Saturday, is a great 
score. So, thank you to ALL the organizers and the clubs for making this very 
successful.

Here are a couple of suggestions to make it even better for next year.
1. Trace the noise generator prior to FD so we can reduce 

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC]

Jeff, what you are hearing is the basic required information ONLY. No "please copy", no repeat of the other guys callsign or information, no extraneous conversation, no extended dead air periods. That is the way to run and achieve maximum QSO "rate". If you need a "fill", ask only for the information you need. If you make a correction, be sure to let the guy know you have made the correction. The same philosophy applies to CW, RTTY and other digital modes.I searched YouTube for some example of contest "running" and found more bad examples than good ones. Most of them had alot of extraneous, time wasting information exchange that was not necessary. Exchanging just the basic information in a clear and concise manner will double or triple your rate, and will be light years faster than "Search and Pounce" operating. A good operator with a good station and good conditions can easily exceed 200 QSO's per hour and in fact some have reached in the range of 350-450 per hour. That is six QSO's per minute! I have hit 400+ on a number of occasions. The cream of the crop operators can sometimes reach 450/hour for short periods. That guy averaged 7.7 QSOs/minute which is 462/hour! Great operator!That's the stuff that excites me! After a while you get a "gaming high", just ask other fast operators.More later...Allen N5XZ-Original Message-
From: Jeff Greer 
Sent: Jun 27, 2018 7:46 AM
To: Allen Brier N5XZ 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts








Allen,


Thanks!  As a noob, I very much enjoyed the video.  I'm going to watch it again after work and attempt to untangle it.  I think I'm hearing call signs and signal reports. 




Jeff, W5JEF





From: BVARC  on behalf of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC 
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:21 PM
To: 'Jim Blanca'; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB'
Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ; 'NIzar Mullani'; 'Curt Fletcher'; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
 





Good example of running…for teaching new operators..
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI











K5TR WPX SSB Contest - 2005 - Rate Clip

www.youtube.com

K5TR Operating the 2005 WPX SSB contest Running Rate. You can find the log here: http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr/blanco/logs/... The log entries start at about 0045z. You ...






 
 
Allen R. Brier N5XZ
1515 Windloch Lane
Richmond, Texas 77406-2553
(281) 342-1882 (Home)
(713) 705-4801 (Cell)
 
From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com]

Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Allen R. Brier ; Curt Fletcher ; NIzar Mullani ; Scott Royall ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
 


Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home and slept for a couple of hours, then went to Church.  I returned about 1/2 hour before
 the end with my wife (KD8CMB) and tried to get her to work a little SSB.  Alas, no luck, but she did sign in!!



 


I did not do much of the take down, except move some tables and chairs, as my grandson decided to be born on June 25th, and he takes priority!  We had his 7th birthday party at our place.  Can you imagine a house full of kids, right after
 field day, and having only a couple hours of sleep!!  


 


I agree wholeheartedly with Nizar’s and Curt’s comments.  I am somewhat dumbfounded at the lack of participation from the TDXS, as I believe there were approximately 6 of us in attendance, although I could be wrong on that number and
 just missed folks who came out on Sunday morning.


 


73 de Jim - KE8G 


 


 


 


On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 12:21 PM Scott Royall via BVARC  wrote:


Happy that you enjoyed it. My experience was a bit different since I had the overnight shift, but I second your action items.

-Original Message-
From: BVARC  On Behalf Of NIzar Mullani via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13
To: 'Curt Fletcher' ; 'Allen R. Brier' 
Cc: NIzar Mullani ;

tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 
Sub: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

Overall evaluation of the QUAD club FD would have to be 4+ out of 5. Great location, great teamwork and great people. Most importantly, the bands opened up on Sunday for a great ending. 3,000 QSOs considering that we had high noise on 40 and 80 meters and no
 propagation on 15 and 10 on Saturday, is a great score. So, thank you to ALL the organizers and the clubs for making this very successful.

Here are a couple of suggestions to make it even better for next year.
1. Trace the noise generator prior to FD so we can reduce it. S9 noise on 80 meters made it almost useless. We could not hear most of the signals.

2. Locate the antennas so as to minimize interference between SSB, CW and Digital modes antennas.


-Original Message-
From: Curt Fletcher [mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com]

Sent: Monday, 

Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

[mark janzer via BVARC]

 I have a suggestion (shameless plug) for those that want to practice "running" 
in live fire conditions, with no contest pressure. For Museum Ships Weekend - 
the ships are the DX and like the last MSWE, when a run was set up, the 
pile-ups were tremendous.The QSO rate on the SS Selma was about 2 per minute 
for over 30 minutes. It wasn't faster because I rag chewed the Wisconsin 
stationsMind MSWE is not a contest - but emulates contest conditions.
So, for front-line practice for Field Day, consider MSWE next year. We'll also 
have some interim operating opportunities at the ships over the next year 
(hopefully at least once a quarter).  Our operating set-up is becoming more 
refined (and slightly better organized) there.
Sorry I didn't participate for Field Day this year. Our family has been 
preparing, and are about a week away from being "homeless".
73MarkK5MGJ
On ‎Tuesday‎, ‎June‎ ‎26‎, ‎2018‎ ‎11‎:‎13‎:‎58‎ ‎PM‎ ‎CDT, Ron Litt via 
BVARC  wrote:  
 
 
I agree with most all of te comments.  WE need to have a way to recruit Phone 
conesters.  Most of the SSB ops seemed to be there just to see what it is like. 
 Not to contest.  I have written to some folks at the Potomac Valley Radio club 
and the Tennessee Contest group to get some ideas from them.  

  

Also agree with Bill about people switching headsets. I found someone who had 
done just that to my K3.  Too bad for him.  My radio, my rules. There are some 
things that people should not mess with on other peoples gear.  

  

Too many contest rookies. We need experienced SSB operators that know how to 
run.  I have a couple of ideas in that area but will outline it later.  Too 
late tonight. 

  

  

Regards,

  

Ron Litt

281-961-4570

866-667-0521 FAX

ron.l...@gmail.com

  

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Bill Cordell via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:22 PM
To: 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' ; 'Jim Blanca' 

Cc: Bill Cordell ; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; 'Allen Brier N5XZ' 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

  

Allen:

Great summation..

Bill

  

From: BVARC  On Behalf Of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 6:57 PM
To: 'Jim Blanca' ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' 

Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ ; 'Doug Seyler' 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'NIzar Mullani' 
; 'Curt Fletcher' ; 
kd5...@arrl.net; 'Jimmy Vance' ; wb5...@arrl.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

  

For Field Day next year we will (or should):

  
   
   - Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD 
and then again several weeks before.
   - Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize 
interstation interference.
   - Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines.
   - Investigate the use of some portable A/C units.
   - Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation 
interference.
   - KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!)
   - KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, 
etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!)
   - Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam.
   - Put CW antennas on highest manlifts.
   - Investigate the use of a manual switch to switch radios from mains to 
generator (to eliminate last minute confusion…or) switch radios to generator 
well before 1pm.
   - Make sure GOTA station operators know the rules.

  

I thought this was one of our best Field Days yet, due to the new location 
(irrespective of noise). Hopefully we can work out the noise issues with 
CenterPoint or fix whatever is making the noise in the house. The house and the 
land were a big improvement over what we have had in the past. The 
participation by other clubs (especially KARS) was a big plus. We may need to 
make some more rules, especially with respect to moving headsets around in the 
SSB room…or make sure all are setup the same way. We also need a greater push 
with the SSB operators regarding operating technique to maximize rate (teach 
them to run). 

  

I am also dumbfounded and extremely disappointed in the lack of participation 
by other TDXS members. I suggest we make a push again for next year, but we 
need to start six months in advance so that they do not make other plans first. 

  

I know I have other thoughts and will express them as soon as they come to the 
front of my mind.

  

Allen R. Brier N5XZ

1515 Windloch Lane

Richmond, Texas 77406-2553

(281) 342-1882 (Home)

(713) 705-4801 (Cell)

  

From: Jim Blanca [mailto:ke8g@gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: Allen R. Brier ; Curt Fletcher 
; NIzar Mullani ; Scott Royall 
; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net
Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts

  

Like Scott, I had the over night shift.  I started at the beginning and 
finished around 4:30 AM- 5:00AM, when Nizar came to rescue me!  I went home and 
slept for a couple of hours, then