Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
Nizar speaks of diversity, and he isn’t wrong. Thing is, diversity is easy to discuss in the abstract, but it is very difficult to put into practice. Believe me, I know. I think it’s more accurate to say Amateur radio is a microcosm of society in general. Our interest in two-way radio is what brings us together, but we otherwise can still be broken into our respective groups by the specific reasons for that interest. I am no t a contester, and sometimes I have little patience for what I perceive as the effects of contests on Amateur Radio as a civic service. However, there is no question that Field Day is structured to facilitate some degree of contesting, and that’s to encourage the participation of contesters. Field Day is as much about inclusion as anything else, something that I reckon each of us should remind ourselves of occasionally. The Field Day groups that go for creating the big “mega” stations like ours do so in an effort to achieve the best points ranking possible. It’s simple enough: As you add active radios, you are competing with fewer and fewer other stations in your class. Fair enough, but going mega also brings on other complications like throwing together a bunch of people who may have quite different reasons for participating in Field Day. The challenge for both the group and the individual then becomes finding ways for everybody to enjoy themselves. I really don’t have the answers here. I do understand the issues though, and recognize the need for each of the participants to do whatever they can to accommodate each other. I phrase it that way because I’m well aware that I didn’t always practice what I’m preaching last weekend. There was a point about 1:00 a.m. when I was apparently between my first and second wind, and some young guy disconnected my station so he could reconnect the K3 for 40/80 digital and run that. I was sitting out in the foyer where it was marginally cooler when I saw the laptop controlling my radio drop off the network. I tore back to the back bedroom and was frankly none too kind in informing the fellow of his error. He correctly informed me I wasn’t actually on the sign-up sheet for that time, being polite and all so I’m embarrassed by my grumpy behavior. I don’t think I’ll do any more mega-station Field Days. There are too many complexities involved. From: BVARC On Behalf Of Doug SEYLER via BVARC Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2018 8:23 To: Paul Noll Cc: Doug SEYLER ; NIzar Mullani ; wb5...@arrl.net; bcord...@cordellcom.com; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; Jim Blanca ; Curt Fletcher ; kd5...@arrl.net; Jimmy Vance ; Ron Litt ; Allen Brier N5XZ ; BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts I agree Paul, Field Day is not a contest in the same vein as one of the big DX contests. Rather, it is a combination of emergency preparedness exercise, social event, and contest. As such we need to accommodate all of those interests. At the same time, one becomes “not a rookie” by wading in and making contacts, preferably with a coach there to help. The only thing that bothers me is when I see a station being occupied by people who are just shooting the breeze, not operating. This just contributes to the noise level in the room and blocks someone else from getting on the air. Above all, however, Field Day is a social event, so we want to make sure that everyone feels welcome. Thanks for your comments. Regards, Doug Seyler WB5TKI TDXS Field Day Coordinator Sent from my iPad On Jun 27, 2018, at 9:33 PM, Paul Noll mailto:pbn...@gmail.com> > wrote: “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 mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > 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 <mailto:ron.l...@gmail.com> From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> > On Behalf Of Bil
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
Paul, you won’t be in the way. Why don’t you come next year and eat, talk, setup/take down antennas if you feel like, and get on the air with an elmer during a light period? You might have more fun than you expected! Allen R. Brier N5XZ 1515 Windloch Lane Richmond, Texas 77406-2553 (281) 342-1882 (Home) (713) 705-4801 (Cell) From: Paul Noll [mailto:pbn...@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 9:34 PM To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Cc: bcord...@cordellcom.com; Jim Blanca ; Ron Litt ; Doug Seyler ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; NIzar Mullani ; Curt Fletcher ; kd5...@arrl.net; Jimmy Vance ; Allen Brier N5XZ ; wb5...@arrl.net Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts “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 mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > 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 <mailto:ron.l...@gmail.com> From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> > On Behalf Of Bill Cordell via BVARC Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:22 PM To: 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> >; 'Jim Blanca' mailto:ke8g@gmail.com> > Cc: Bill Cordell mailto:bcord...@cordellcom.com> >; wb5...@arrl.net <mailto:wb5...@arrl.net> ; 'Doug Seyler' ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'NIzar Mullani' mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> >; kd5...@arrl.net <mailto:kd5...@arrl.net> ; 'Jimmy Vance' mailto:jimmy.va...@gmail.com> >; 'Allen Brier N5XZ' mailto:n...@earthlink.net> > Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts Allen: Great summation.. Bill From: BVARC mailto:bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> > On Behalf Of Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 6:57 PM To: 'Jim Blanca' mailto:ke8g@gmail.com> >; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > Cc: Allen Brier N5XZ mailto:n...@earthlink.net> >; 'Doug Seyler' mailto:djsey...@comcast.net> >; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'NIzar Mullani' mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> >; kd5...@arrl.net <mailto:kd5...@arrl.net> ; 'Jimmy Vance' mailto:jimmy.va...@gmail.com> >; wb5...@arrl.net <mailto:wb5...@arrl.net> Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts For Field Day next year we will (or should): 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and then again several weeks before. 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation interference. 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference. 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. 10. 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. 11. 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 p
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
Well said Theresa. As for the a/c we could run extra generators to supply power. Just a thought. Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8+, an AT 4G LTE smartphone Original message From: Theresa via BVARC Date: 6/27/18 11:59 PM (GMT-06:00) To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Cc: Theresa Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts 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 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 A
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
I agree Paul, Field Day is not a contest in the same vein as one of the big DX contests. Rather, it is a combination of emergency preparedness exercise, social event, and contest. As such we need to accommodate all of those interests. At the same time, one becomes “not a rookie” by wading in and making contacts, preferably with a coach there to help. The only thing that bothers me is when I see a station being occupied by people who are just shooting the breeze, not operating. This just contributes to the noise level in the room and blocks someone else from getting on the air. Above all, however, Field Day is a social event, so we want to make sure that everyone feels welcome. Thanks for your comments. Regards, Doug Seyler WB5TKI TDXS Field Day Coordinator Sent from my iPad > On Jun 27, 2018, at 9:33 PM, Paul Noll wrote: > > “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 techni
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 fe
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
“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
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> Subject: Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts Good example of running…for teaching new operators.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOfAixTWDI> K5TR WPX SSB Contest - 2005 - Rate Clip www.youtube.com <http://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 <mailto: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
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'Mike Hardwick' mailto:n5...@att.net> >; kd5...@arrl.net <mailto:kd5...@arrl.net> ; wb5...@arrl.net <mailto: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 <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'Mik
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 > > > ___ > BVARC mailing list > BVARC@bvarc.org > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > Message delivered to roy...@conchbbs.com > > > ___ > BVARC mailing list > BVARC@bvarc.org > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > Message delivered to ke8g@gmail.com > > > Virus-free. www.avg.com > > ___ > BVARC mailing list > BVARC@bvarc.org > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > Message delivered to jppn...@comcast.net ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
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 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 fo
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 <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 <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of NIzar Mullani via BVARC Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13 To: 'Curt Fletcher' <dcurtfletc...@gmail.com>; 'Allen R. Brier' <n...@earthlink.net> Cc: NIzar Mullani <mull...@tlite.com>; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' <bvarc@bvarc.org> 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.
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 s
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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 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 Mullani via BVARC Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13 To: 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> >; 'Allen R. Brier' mailto:n...@earthlink.net> > Cc: NIzar Mullani mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > 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 <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 ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to roy...@conchbbs.com <mailto:roy...@conchbbs.com> ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org <mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to ke8g@gmail.com <mailto:ke8g@gmail.com> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient> Virus-free. <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient> www.avg.com ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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): 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and then again several weeks before. 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation interference. 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference. 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. 10. 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. 11. 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> mailto:ke8g@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:39 PM To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB < <mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> bvarc@bvarc.org> Cc: Allen R. Brier < <mailto:n...@earthlink.net> n...@earthlink.net>; Curt Fletcher < <mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> dcurtfletc...@gmail.com>; NIzar Mullani < <mailto:mull...@tlite.com> mull...@tlite.com>; Scott Royall < <mailto:roy...@conchbbs.com> roy...@conchbbs.com>; <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> 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 participati
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' ; '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 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 <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'Mike Hardwick' mailto:n5...@att.net> >; kd5...@arrl.net <mailto:kd5...@arrl.net> ; wb5...@arrl.net <mailto:wb5...@arrl.net> ; 'Doug Seyler' mailto:djsey...@comcast.net> >; 'Jimmy Vance' mailto:jimmy.va...@gmail.com> > Subject: RE: [BVARC] FD thoughts For Field Day next year we will (or should): 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and then again several weeks before. 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation interference. 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference. 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. 10. 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. 11. 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 parti
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
To the phantom writer. While I for one think your thoughts are well placed it would be nice to let us know who you are so as to attach some validity to your statements. Other wise you have no credence. Also this is the first year at this location and there are a long list of things that can be done better. . If you are not part of the solution You are part of the problem. Gerald Muller K9GEM gmuller...@aol.com In a message dated 6/26/2018 9:29:27 PM Central Standard Time, bvarc@bvarc.org writes: 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 Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 18:57 To: 'Jim Blanca' ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' Cc: 'Curt Fletcher' ; 'NIzar Mullani' ; 'Scott Royall' ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'Mike Hardwick' ; kd5...@arrl.net; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' ; 'Jimmy Vance' 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,
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 Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 18:57 To: 'Jim Blanca' ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' Cc: 'Curt Fletcher' ; 'NIzar Mullani' ; 'Scott Royall' ; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net; 'Mike Hardwick' ; kd5...@arrl.net; wb5...@arrl.net; 'Doug Seyler' ; 'Jimmy Vance' Subject: RE: [BVARC] FD thoughts For Field Day next year we will (or should): 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and then again several weeks before. 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation interference. 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference. 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. 10. 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. 11. 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 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 <mailto: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 participat
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
It was a Great event. Every bit as good as the firehouse. I want to express my appreciation to all the hard working Hams that made this such a wonderful day in the park. If there is a was to get CW operators Closer to the Highest Antennas, then I am all for it. :) The crowds seemed larger and lots of visitors. Parking wasn't an issue. The GOTA Shack was amazing. The Antennas were all on point and we didn't have to rebuild any trips that I know of. No Rain. The bands were good enough for 3000+ Q's and that was nice. The Tee Shirts were very nice and much appreciated. The food was nice. I am not sure why more HAMS don't understand the concept of MIDRATS...I can explain that latter. Being able to participate in an events like this is a privilege that goes well beyond the price of a $15 dollar ticket. My list of things that need to be improved get less and less. There is more to it the just the score, and I think many of the people that came out truly enjoyed the experience. I know I did and can't wait for the next one. Heck I even paid my BVARC dues again :) Thanks For the Memories, Jeff KG5LRP On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 6:56 PM Allen Brier N5XZ via BVARC wrote: > For Field Day next year we will (or should): > > > > 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months > before FD and then again several weeks before. > > 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize > interstation interference. > > 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. > > 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. > > 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation > interference. > > 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) > > 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, > software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) > > 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. > > 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. > > 10. 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. > > 11. 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 < > dcurtfletc...@gmail.com>; 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 > > &g
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): 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and then again several weeks before. 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation interference. 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference. 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. 10. 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. 11. 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 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 <mailto: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 Mullani via BVARC Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13 To: 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> >; 'Allen R. Brier' mailto:n...@earthlink.net> > Cc: NIzar Mullani mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > 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 successf
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
For Field Day next year we will (or should): 1. Have Jeff Hoke from CenterPoint Energy come out several months before FD and then again several weeks before. 2. Locate the main antennas East<->West of each other to minimize interstation interference. 3. Route digital feed lines separate from CW feed lines. 4. Investigate the use of some portable A/C units. 5. Investigate the use of coax stubs to further reduce interstation interference. 6. KEEP THE SAME COOK! (Great job on food!) 7. KEEP THE SAME NETWORK GUY! (Great job on computers, networking, software, etc. We are really lucky to have you, Glen!) 8. Suggest either TDXS or BVARC purchase a new 2-el 40m beam. 9. Put CW antennas on highest manlifts. 10. 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. 11. 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!! 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 Mullani via BVARC Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:13 To: 'Curt Fletcher' mailto:dcurtfletc...@gmail.com> >; 'Allen R. Brier' mailto:n...@earthlink.net> > Cc: NIzar Mullani mailto:mull...@tlite.com> >; tdxs-l...@tdxs.net <mailto:tdxs-l...@tdxs.net> ; 'BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB' mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> > 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 <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
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' < > n...@earthlink.net> > 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 > > > ___ > BVARC mailing list > BVARC@bvarc.org > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > Message delivered to roy...@conchbbs.com > > > ___ > BVARC mailing list > BVARC@bvarc.org > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org > Message delivered to ke8g@gmail.com > ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [BVARC] FD thoughts
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' Subject: 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 ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to roy...@conchbbs.com ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
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 ___ BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com