[WARC] VHF CONTESTING TIPS -- Contest is this weekend.

[Todd Sprinkmann]

   Hello again,

   I am a firm believer that anyone with at least 2 meters can 
do some VHF contesting.  I don't think you necessarily have 
to be a big gun, have huge beams, or be an electrical engineer.  
I started contesting 5-6 years ago, and had a heck of a time 
finding info.  I always wonder if there are hams out there who 
would be interested if they ever got some basic pointers.  

   In that spirit, I will post the short version of some VHF/UHF 
contesting tips I have written up the past several days.  This is 
the version for folks in a hurry.  I have a series of more in-depth 
articles if anyone is interested.  

   VHF Contesting is more laid back than HF.  Sometimes it's 
too quiet.  We can *always* use more activity on VHF/UHF, 
at any time, including the contests.  

   Contest time is the one time where the VHF/UHF bands 
(mostly the SSB portions) come alive.  You can work more 
stations in different states and grid squares just because of the 
number of stations on the air.  The first time you hear someone 
from 100, 200 or more miles away on 2 meters or 6 meters, 
it makes an impression on you.  Especially if you're used to 
strictly repeater work.  

   We have a contest this weekend.  What a coincidence!  ;)  

    Turn your rigs on and see what's going on.  If you hear 
stations calling CQ Contest, please give them some contacts.  
Better yet, go ahead and jump on board.  Be aware there 
should be some new folks on from the La Crosse area, so 
that should liven things up.  

    Thanks for your ear, here's the article:

   
 CONTEST TIPS - SHORT VERSION  (Jan 2009 ARRL VHF)  
   Contest starts at 1pm Saturday and goes thru 10pm Sunday.
Play as much or as little as you like.  

   Even if you're only vertical and only have 2 meters, just get
on 146.55, 146.565 and 146.58 and work those you hear.
If it's really busy, spread out between 146.49 and 146.40.
Far better to spread out and tune around, than be 10 deep on
one or two frequencies.  Stay away from 146.52 simplex
calling channel.  Also be aware to work the other FM freqs.
of 52.525 on 6, 223.5 on 1.25m, and 446.0 on 70cm.

   *You can have multiple rigs on at one time, in case anyone
was wondering.  Can just leave it on in the background, and if
you hear something pop up, work it.  Just a friendly tip.*

  Call freq. is 144.200 on SSB.  And 50.125 SSB on 6 meters.
If you have 432, don't bother calling CQ contest there.  Stick to
144 and 50 for CQ'ing.  But do "run" guys up to 432.100 or
nearby on SSB, or 446.00 on FM.  Definitely want to get all the
70cm contacts you can!  It's just that you find the 70cm guys
first on 2 or 6 meters, and then you ask them if they want to run
any other bands.   222.100 is also an option, if you know anyone 
who has the SSB portion of that band.  Most folks don't, and 
that's why 223.5 FM gets contest activity.  

  You can call and answer CQ's on 144.200 and 50.125, but
don't hog it for long -- that's not good, especially if you can tell
it's busy.   Anywhere from 144.150-144.250 may have contest
activity on 2 meters.  Or from 50.125 up to about 50.170 on 6.
Tune around the band, and call CQ on various frequencies.  If
you hear someone calling CQ contest, come right back to them
and give them a contact.

   Remember to ask them if they have other bands like 6 meters,
or 223.5 FM or 432.100 SSB or 446 FM.

   Don't worry if your signal seems weak -- there's no bonus for
having an S9 signal.  Any contest contact is a good one.  Use
headphones and lower your squelch.  If you leave your squelch
up, you may call over weak signals other guys are working.
Dig out the weak ones and you'll get grid squares others don't.

   Speaking of grid squares, you'll need to know yours.  If
you don't, look it up on www.qrz.com.  Type in your own
call in the upper left box.  Then hit "click for more detail"
in the green line.  Down about 10 lines of info is your grid
square.  Write it down if you need to.

   We're going to be zeroing in on a focused activity period
from 2-5pm on Saturday for southern WI activity.  This should
help maximize everyone's chances of working each other.

    SSB'ers have been told to have their ears open for FM
simplex.  FM'ers should also be aware of trying to work SSB
activity from about 144.160-144.240.

   Be aware of a great mobile (or "rover") operation that will 
be within your reach.  W9FZ Bruce will be using the KB9C/R 
call, and putting 8 different grid squares on the air.  He'll be 
just NW of Wausau from EN45/55/44/54 on Saturday, and 
then near Dodgeville in EN43/53/42/53 on Sunday.  Bruce 
has great beams for every VHF/UHF band on his rover 
vehicle and his range is easily 100-150 miles.  He's a great 
guy and eager to hear new voices -- trust me.  He could use 
all the contacts you can give him on Sat. and Sun.  
    Point toward Bruce, and listen for him on 144.240 and 
50.160 SSB.  You can even try on 146.55 FM, just in 
case.  

     If you need to forward this to anyone, you absolutely have
my permission.  Any questions, just email or ask on the air.

     73,
     Todd  KC9BQA  EN63     40 N of Milwaukee
     50 thru 2304