This hot one arrived in the email box this afternoon. Ed, PY4WAS President of the Grupo Juizforano de CW (CWJF) announced the forthcoming 2007 results of the Manchester Mineira All America (MMAA) CW Contest.
CWJF invites the world of RadioSport to participate in this year's event as well. My very best to Ed, PY4WAS and CWJF.
Contest on.
Read Pat's comment here.
I'm having a lot of Ham Radio fun while sharing my RadioSport, DXing, and casual operating adventures. It is the thrill of victory and the fun of the operating chair with an antenna that spans the globe. All the best and look forward to seeing you in the contest log in the very near future.
Thanks for your comment and support as well!
Read Mike's comment here.
I really enjoyed working TX5C and learned alot during their split operations. Listening is an art and it took patience followed by two successful QSOs as validated in the TX5C log. Spin the dial, listen to the pile-up, listen to the operator, spin the dial again then send my callsign. Many thanks Mike for leaving your comment and all the best. Hope too see you in the log in the near future.
I received the latest HamSphere news this afternoon and wanted to share my thoughts. Ham Radio's technological landscape is expanding faster than I can keep pace with. That is exciting and bodes well for the future. HamSphere, on the other hand, is out-of-the-box thinking and the project represents a 21st Century solution. One capable of reaching the Internet generation.
Kelly, SM7NHC said in his email, "HamSphere started as a hobby project. I wanted to prove to myself that it was possible to simulate the true Amateur Radio feeling, not only the radio techniques such as oscillators, mixers and modulators, but also propagation, QRMs/QRNs (interference) including a ground noise level, all done in a big computer. And it worked - I did it!"
There are those who want a QRN, QRM, white noise, QSB free ride on HamSphere. Do I believe it? Yes. What is the net effect of a free ride? A chat room called HamSphere not a virtual Ham Radio simulation.
Recently, Kelly added 20, 40, and 80-Meters and propagation effects as well. Interest in HamSphere continues growing and currently there are 1332 assigned callsigns according to his newsletter.
Kelly, SM7NHC described his situation, "Or is it perhaps so, that the true Ham Radio spirit - where you need to work hard for a rare QSO - only can be found in the real world? And for us, who have no means of putting up big antennas and perhaps are living in a noisy city, will never again be able to feel that excitement Ham Radio once brought us?"
My response? Your project is innovative and visionary. Do not surrender your vision because a few want a free ride. They will QSB and those who remain will be your strongest s9 plus 20db supporters. But the biggest supporter is yourself and the belief in your vision.
I, too, questioned the vision of my blog. But perseverance succeeded. Stay true to your ideals and your vision of HamSphere will surly follow.
73 from the shack.
I'm wrestling with the following RadioSport topic and its impact on my low-power, low-profile contest operation.
Topic.
By now, everyone knows about CW Skimmer and the possibility, that this software tool may reshape RadioSport into the mid-21st Century. The necessity to develop one's CW operating skill maybe augmented by VE3NEA's innovation but will CW Skimmer dominant?
I do not see myself using this tool until the time is right just like the use of packet spotting. Click and operate is not my style. I prefer spinning the dial, using propagation charts, listening, and changing bands accordingly. This is my time to learn the art of RadioSport. My goal is competency before moving toward technological augmentation.
However CW Skimmer changes the game and fairness across the board is important to me. I wager that our contest sponsors are investigating the impact of this tool and will adopt the necessary rules keeping the playing field fair.
I do see the benefit of CW Skimmer as augmenting my station especially in the area of Single-Operator 2 Radio operation as noted by Scott, W4PA in his article Am I Convinced? SO3R? SO4R?.
But, for the time being, I'm working hard on developing my RadioSport competency and learning both the art and science of RadioSport as well. After all, I'm having fun spinning the dial, following my propagation charts, listening, and changing bands.
There's something about tradition first then getting technologically hip. Right now, I'm paying my dues.
Contest on.
I enjoyed 50-watts of Ham Radio fun this weekend working TX5C on 15-Meters this afternoon. This time around, a lot more, butt in the chair time. However I enjoyed listening to the 15-Meter operators bang out QSOs for the world beneath the ionosphere. Very impressive.
Seventeen and 20-Meters still remain and I have one opportunity later in week. Let's see what happens before NSL V number two?
On the other hand, Radio Dawg took me for a walk and we picked up a Sunday paper at Steaming Bean. Then we paid a visit to Avila Valley Barn. They have fresh vegetables and fruit at wallet friendly prices.
I'm getting ready to breakdown the doublet and stow my fabulous wire antenna after a weekend of Ham Radio adventure. Did you read the Hot News at TX5C? An epic adventure indeed.
Lessons Learned.
I'm looking forward to TX5C's QSL card going into my DXpedition collection in the near future.
73 from the shack.
I knew 20-Meters was fierce for a little signal in a big signal pond. A few more hours and propagation will improve. I'm thinking about 17- and 15-Meters later this afternoon.
The Clipperton Atoll DXpedition wove itself into my weekend and I'm sipping a cup of java while Radio Dawg sunbaths on the terrace. She's got me figured out. Radio Dawg sits at the top of the stairs, growls, then growls again. I jump out of the operating chair, "What?!"
Radio Dawg just gives me the dog stare. She wins and a walk is on the menu in a few minutes.
Then, I get to have my Ham Radio fun.
73 from the shack-a-delic.
