“Storm Watch”
Newsletter of
NZ1U – The Barnstormers Contest Group
Volume 15 No.1.
Finally a #1 Finish on VHF – January 2009
Well
here is our 1ST Place Certificate for the January 2009 VHF SS.
Unfortunately
the ARRL does not offer plaques for this contest so we will have to be
satisfied with a paper plaque.
Within
the past two weeks we have operated in the 2010 version and even though
conditions were not great we turned in a fine score and maybe a repeat.
2009 Barnstormers Christmas Party
On
the 30th of January we held what I believe is our 13th
Christmas Party. Unfortunately the month was pretty booked up with contests and
personal commitments so the event was not as crowded as years past. Still fun
was had by all and though many left earlier than usual the final four were
KB1DFB, N4XR, KB1NRB, and KB1H. A bottle of rum provided by N1XS was cracked
open and passed around. Whew, shades of
The
coveted “K1GX Award” was given to Allan, KB1NRB. In this past year he has
learned the code, gotten to about 30 WPM, upgraded to Extra Class, but most of
all he provided much needed tower work. After Kim got the new tower up to 60
feet Allan took over and got it up to 125 feet all alone. This was his first
tower erection so quite a learning curve but done well.
In
Allan’s left hand is the courage he needs to go higher on the tower.
Too
much food and not enough people lead to allot of over eating. Thanks to
everyone for bringing food and beverage.
40 Meter Tower Status….
As
mentioned above, the new tower is up at 125 feet. I have been told the K0XG
ring rotor is complete and Richard, K0XG, will drive out to this area from
Dave,
AA1CE, has gotten the OK to climb and KB1H has spent four days and 4 times as
many hours on the towers so when the weather breaks we should be good to go and
finish the tower.
As
soon as the snow melts we will have to begin the final assembly of the 40 Meter
antenna. Dallas, K1DW, is working on the final dimensions and gamma match
design.
Sorting Incoming QSLs
On
February 13th we will sort our first box of incoming QSLs. This
should take about 2-3 hours if we have enough people. Start time about
By
doing this presort we are able to send all outgoing KB1H and NZ1U QSLs free of
charge. Last batch cost $140.00!
YCCC SO2R
Jay
has built both his and the station’s YCCC SO2R box and we now have one installed
on Station 2/3. This is far better than the MK2R mess we have tried to use.
Frank, K1EBY, even likes the new box. We will have to have Jay give us an
in-service on the operation of this box in conjunction with N1MM.
HV Power Supply Project
Things
are moving along nicely on this project. Dave is building the unit and began
assembly after a panel discussion via emails finalized the design and Jay
finished the schematic. This power supply will be used for the 6 Meter
amplifier.
Station Checks..
With
ARRL DX CW coming up at the end of February we need to spend some time checking
all the antennas and equipment before the contest. We can do this either by participating in
contests before ARRL or just operating on a weekend. If you have time and can stop
by come put the equipment through a series of checks so we have no surprises
come ARRL DX.
Contests and “Open Station”
As
we tried to do over the past year operating every contest if possible should
still be our goal. We did operate in
many and I hope to continue this. If you want to use the station for a contest
even with your callsign just let me know.
Also
I am considering holding some “Open Station” Saturdays to try and recruit new
operators and YCCC members. I will set some dates soon.
73 – Dick