“Storm Watch”
Newsletter of
NZ1U – The Barnstormers Contest Group
Volume 15 No.3.
Where are we now…
We have
reached the halfway point of the calendar year (almost) so where are we with
our projects and team development…
Well, we
have been pushing on all fronts and here is the progress report:
New Tower
As most of
you know, the tower is up to 155’ and waiting for the finishing top work. The
K0XG Ring Rotor is partially installed. We found some parts missing and we
should receive them in the next few days.
The top
plate, rotor, mast, and 6M then must be installed. Climbers have been AA1CE,
KB1NRB, KE1LI, and KB1H. It has been very tough to get at least two climbers on
any given day so progress has been slow. The ground crew has always been there
and I think at one time or another everyone has helped.
Our
progress has been documented and can be seen on the website.
We are
planning on June 17th to be the next big push. Please try to make it
that day.
“The
The final
plans from K1DW have arrived. We need to discuss and understand what needs to
be done to modify and finish the antenna.
This
antenna is modeling a forward gain of more than 13 dbi!!! Great SWR 7.000 –
7.300
6M Power Supply
AA1CE has
continued to plug away on the construction and is nearing the finish. The tower
work has slowed Dave down but the end is in sight!
Outgoing QSLs
I received
2000 KB1H and 2000 NZ1U QSLs from the printer. ($200.00) I recently finished
typing in all the NZ1U QSLs that need to be answered and I am now starting on
the KB1H cards. This will bring us up to date before the start of the 2010-2011
contest season which is always my goal. Vic has still faithfully put the labels
on for us.
Sorting Incoming QSLs
I thought
we had dodged a bullet as our callsign did not show up in the email sent out by
K1SG with who would be receiving a box of incoming QSLs to sort. Well, we got a
box! We need to schedule another evening of fun sorting in the next few weeks.
K9AY Listening Antenna
I bought a
K9AY listening array from K1DG. This has never been used and cost $200.00. We
need to install this as another listening option for our low band efforts.
Don’t forget we also have a DX Engineering listening vertical to install.
Other Projects List:
SO2R
For a
brief time W1UJ operated in the CQWW WPX CW contest. Jay was doing very well
but had to leave for work and too bad as he was contending. What I did see
though was someone who knows how to use the SO2R setup really putting it
through some paces. It was amazing!
I have
ordered a second YCCC SO2R for Station #1. Someday I am sure most of us will
get the hang of SO2R at least where it will be helpful.
By the
way, Tom was able to sell the MicroHam unit on eBay but at a much reduced
price. That money went towards the new tower and also the 4000 QSLs and the
K9AY array. Unfortunately that meant Kim has to wait a little longer to recoup
all his money for the ring rotor.
“Open Station” Returns
My plan is
to hold the “Open Station” Saturdays again soon. Probably towards the end of
July and in the months leading up to the start of the contest season. A twofold
purpose is to look for new Barnstormer team members and also recruit for the
YCCC.
Barnstormer Apparel
I want to
put in an order for more Barnstormer apparel. I know Tom is looking for a
fleece jacket. Allan needs a hat. I am ordering a light weight jacket. Please
let me know ASAP if you want anything. The link to the website for the company
we have been ordering from is http://www.hamthreads.com
June
17th June 17th June 17th
Our
next work party
Tower
and ground help needed