QSL?

I received a letter from the W3 QSL Bureau about a month ago that a few DX cards were awaiting shipment. I thought about our tradition, whether or not, a paper card has practical value given alternative routes. My self addressed stamped envelopes were sent and several cards arrived a few weeks later.

I registered with Logbook of the World and eQSL services, both, in my estimation are valued services. Each with their own complimentary award programs that measure one's ability and station configuration. Admittedly, in my case, the ease of uploading my log after an event is a positive benefit. The return is nearly instantaneous without much overhead in terms of cost and time.

However, when my bureau shipment arrived in the mailbox, something changed my mind about the value of a paper card. It was tangible. I could hold it and share the storyline that follows our final confirmation. I have stated in the past that paper confirmation is old school. It is correct given today's digital delivery systems, efficiencies, and modest overhead.

What I did not expect was the emotive response when those paper cards arrived.

Perhaps, most of us, continue experiencing a critical shortage in recreational time. When it is available one is either working on a ham radio related project, waiting to log the next, next DXpedition or attending to life responsibilities. Recreational time is not exactly in ample supply these days.

I'm researching how-to best respond to those who followed up our contact with a paper confirmation. I want to and it is much different than a need to respond. There is a solution that balances my returned fondness for paper confirmations.

73 from the shackadelic on the beach.

K6MM's No Excuses 160m Vertical Antenna

Photograph 1 depicts our first attempt at helically winding 97 feet 1 inch of AWG#14 wire on 2 inch PVC SCH40 before re-thinking our strategy. I opted for removing the long screw driver on the wire spool and approached our problem like taping a piece of pipe. I maintained upward and downward tension using the spool.

Photograph 2 facilitated third person in this operation because handling a 10-foot piece of PVC is difficult to balance while winding.

Photograph 3 demonstrates our solution in addition eight inch lengths of halved duct tape at every 12th or so wind. We found taping at this interval suitable enough to maintain adequate tension. I attempted, to the best of my ability, half inch spacing between winds however I'm not satisfied with the quality of my work. Therefore, the next step in our project, includes adjusting each wind accordingly.

Photograph 4 illustrates the end result of three hours of labor. My plan is to replace the spade located at the binding post while spacing each wind according to K6MM's instructions. We divided each each section by the total length that is 256 feet 5 inches of wire equaling an average of 85 feet per section. Additionally, I'm purchasing alligator clips for each section because I'm intending to deploy the antenna in the portable mode.

Believe in your signal!

3830 Claimed Scores | 2010 NS Winter Ladder I | Low Power

East of Mississippi.

• N4OGW | 64 Qs | 45 Mults | 2,880 Points [ACG].
• W9RE | 58 Qs | 40 Mults | 2,320 Points [SMC].
• N8EA | 55 Qs | 39 Mults | 2,145 Points [Thumb Area Contester].

n = 24 scores submitted in this division.

West of Mississippi.

• N3BB | 55 Qs | 40 Mults | 2,200 Points [CTDXCC].
• W0BH | 51 Qs | 38 Mults | 1,938 Points.
• WD0T (@KD0S) | 48 Qs | 39 Mults | 1,872 Points.

n = 14 scores submitted in this division.

NCCC Member (CA/NV).

• N6RO | 52 Qs | 32 Mults | 1,664 Points.
• N6ZFO | 47 Qs | 30 Mults | 1,410 Points.
• K6VVA | 45 Qs | 28 Mults | 1,260 Points.

n = 5 scores submitted in this division.

A shout out from the shackadelic on the beach to Tor, N4OGW and his great effort while leading the Alabama Contest Group to its banner position until next winter! The fastest 30-minutes in RadioSport experimented with its winter version of NS Sprint and scored a resounding success.

Now, if my work schedule permits, I want to join the fun this summer at least on one band before bedtime.

Contest on.