This Weekend In RadioSport | Discover Something New

RadioSport USA | ARRL 10-Meter.
If any spectrum space exists that abounds with propagation surprise consider calling CQ on 10 Meters. I'm going into the event as an explorer seeking new discoveries on a band forgotten by many and remembered by a few. Certainly, set aside expectation and, instead, focus on ham radio fun.

Cycle 24 is confounding the best of them and this is where ham radio facilitates the role of explorer. What discoveries are waiting this weekend with an uneventful sunspot count? Who will dare ionosphere and seek the experience of chartering new territory? Why not turn on the radio for science and propagate one's signal too destination's unknown?

This weekend, at least a few will remember the lost spectrum space, called 10 Meters. Why not turn on the radio for science and meet other explorers plying our ionosphere with ham radio.

Penticton 10.7 cm flux is predicted through the weekend at 077 with 90 day mean at 072 conversely; other's suggested afternoon ionization has a role in 10m propagation. Turn on the radio and discover something new! The fun is free.

RadioSport USA | NA High Speed Meteor Scatter Rally.
Ham radio is cool science. Who knows an operator bouncing a signal of meteors? If one is into UHF/VHF then give this event some activity.

Mike, WB2FKO operates high speed digital meteor scatter from home and his car. His article Meteor Scatter is a stellar read.

SFI = 72 | A-index = 0 | K-index = 0 | Sunspot Count = 13 @ 0006UTC.

Motivational RadioSport Quote

Tree, N6TR said, "Really, you need to believe in your signal more than yourself."

I cannot think of a better motto going into 2010, perhaps, this is the year for low power, low profile RadioSport?

P.S. I'm enjoying the benefits of listening to Jose, CT1BOH and Randy, K5ZD while commuting back to shackadelic.

3830 Claimed Scores | 2009 ARRL 160 Meter | Low Power

Multi Single.

• VE2OJ (@VA2BW) | 1082 | 77 Sections | 23 Cntry | 224,200 Points.
• VE3MGY | 724 | 73 Sections | 17 Cntry | 16hrs | 132,750 Points [CCO].
• NE4S | 615 | 72 Sections | 11 Cntry | 19hrs | 105,327 Points [SECC].

Single Operator.

• N2WN | 1208 | 79 Sections | 27 Cntry | 32hrs | 267,544 Points [TCG].
• K9IG | 1260 | 79 Sections | 22 Cntry | 30hrs | 262,398 Points [SMC].
• K8FH | 1184 | 78 Sections | 24 Cntry | 253,470 Points. [MEDINA 2 METER GROUP].

A job well done for each Top Band operator(s) this season. An amazing number of low power entries, 14 Multi Single, and 168 Single Operators dared the monster wavelength. Anyone operating from a city lot? I would like to hear about your antenna system. This one is on my goal list for next year.

Contest On!

Change CQ World Wide DX Point Structure? Why Not Innovate.

I'm reading with interest the latest CQ Contest Digest discussion regarding CQ World Wide DX score structure. Certainly, shifting social interest in ham radio in addition to general population will impact the future of RadioSport. The shift is well underway as a personal observation.

A collation of interest suggested change and one knows that change is typically kept knocking at the door. Is revamping CQ World Wide DX score structure a radical idea?

Perhaps.

Why not, instead of changing the trajectory of tradition, innovate a new RadioSport event with a 21st Century score structure? Why not, launch an event, that reflects the nature of ham radio in the 21st Century?

Basically, from my point of view, there is a lot of tinkering around the edges and less exploration into the bold and innovative. There are a few RadioSport heavies proposing good ideas, however, will this momentum be enough to strike a chord within RadioSport sponsorship? Enough so, that a 21st Century score structure, would emerge?

I do not see a fundamental shift in scoring in the near or distant future. Especially, one that is reflective of this century, and the closure of our first decade.

Change CQ World Wide DX score structure? Why not innovate instead.

73 from the shackadelic on the beach.

My 10,000 Hour RadioSport Challenge | 9,872 - 20 = 9,852 To Go

I'm listening to Randy, K5ZD operating CQ World Wide 2008 v.SSB while writing my post. I'm burning RadioSport "The Best of the Best" mp3 compact discs for the player while commuting to and from work. There is a good reason why coaches watch video. They learn strategy, tactics, and strengths.

I wanted to apply the same principle. Listening is a subset of practice.

On the other hand, DXLab SpotCollector audio activated announcements, are keeping me informed through the weekend. If I'm not operating at least I can follow global activity.

What was my take away from CQ World Wide DX v.CW this year?

1. Vertical antenna system met and exceeded operating expectations.
2. Center fed doublet met operating expectations.
   
3. Resonant antenna improved band switching efficiency.
   
4. Operating position made a motivational difference.
5. A dedicated computer increased level of fun.
6. Alternate between 15m and 20m during daylight hours.
7. Self-spotted multipliers on N1MM band map.
8. Operated from band map instead of spinning transceiver dial.
9. Experimented with CW pitch.
   
10. Optimize digital signal processor filters.

I'm an advocate of removing one's antenna match from the system when possible. A properly matched antenna system to transceiver made a significant difference for example; one does not debit time from the budget to adjust appropriate match settings. I observed improved operating efficiency plus bandwidth when hunting multipliers on the high bands.

Subsequently, I operated 99.9% of the event from N1MM Contest Logger using the band map while inputting desired frequencies through the dialog box. I followed an operating practice of tuning down the band for example; input 21.060 into the dialog box, hit enter, and software controlled radio automatically changed frequency. I 'clicked' down the band instead of traditionally spinning the dial.

Why is self-spotting an important strategy for RadioSport low power, low profile operation? Multiplier's cluster into specific geographical regions during an event. Self-spotting improved accuracy or I had a real-time picture of the band according to the capabilities of my antenna system.

For example, a few Caribbean stations populated my band map, when logging one quickly click to the other. I repeated this process and took advantage of the path, moving from one regional multiplier, to the next. Additionally, VOACAP propagation prediction was on the button, my Q-count into Japan was down from last year. However it maybe an artifact of the difference between antenna systems.

My favorite take away from this year? Focus on antenna system(s) and remove one's match where possible. Use band map instead of spinning the dial in addition self-spotting multipliers. My vertical sensed changes in propagation and my band map provided a regional picture. I was able to take advantage of emerging paths without the burden of extraneous data.

73 from the shackadelic on the beach.

P.S. A low power Multi Single is shaping up for next weekend's ARRL 10-Meter event.