RadioSport History | CQ World Wide DX CW 1980

RadioSport is fun although the level of fun one seeks is another matter. Certainly, the sport where wireless technology meets human skill and intellect, is my favorite niche within ham radio. My passion remained even during those days in uniform or while attending graduate school. Whatever the measure of one's station, what really counts at the end of the day, is how one shares their enthusiasm for the game.

Perhaps, after all the trophies and certificates are won, what really matters is the moment when a rookie operator gets it.

The measure of our success is best exemplified by Doug, N6DFY and his smile.

Nuts and Bolts.
I hope a frank and earnest discussion begins regarding the trajectory of RadioSport and a bold vision is developed. Afterall, this is Dayton weekend, when the movers and shakers of the game gather for pizza inside the Contesting Suite. I believe such a vision is beginning to develop out of the genesis of the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF).

I'm not going to besiege with a list of complaints neither do I want to point a finger at anyone organization, institution, or individual. What I want is leadership, bold vision, courage, and something to believe in again.

The task before WWROF is not an easy one, in fact, why create a non-profit dedicated to improving the skills of amateur radio operators, if there was not a need?

Brockman and Cox (1981) pointed out padding in the logs, excessive dupes, sloppy copy, and operating outside one's privileges to mention a few as problematic. However there something called honor, courage, and duty.



Please, if one is reading my blog in Dayton, take a moment and reflect about qualities rarely discussed anymore. Leadership. Honor. Courage.

I hope that in between all that is going on in Dayton that our movers and shakers take time to reflect as well. I believe WWROF is a good step forward in addition they are willing to confront the challenges ahead with leadership, vision, and courage.

73 from the shack relaxation zone.

Reference: Cox, B. K3EST, Brockman, L. N6AR (1981, October). CQ Magazine: 1980 CQ World Wide DX Contest: C.W. Results. pp. 13 - 16, 18 - 20, 22 - 27.

GroundWave Video

Aging with grace and wisdom this video is one of my favorites. They are giants who started with passion, persistence, and a garage. Enjoy.

Surf to live, live to surf.

ShackTech

Rochester Institute of Technology Amateur Radio Club whose member Brenton Salmi, KB1LQD is spearheading the next level of communications. Watch the video and see the future. Who needs cabling when there is light.

More detail on the project at CollegeARC.

RadioSport Webinar

Thank you Potomac Valley Radio Club for sponsoring Contesting 101: Maximize Your Score and Your Fun webinar. The schedule time was right on and, for this mid-40 something, ideal for a Friday night.

Kirk, K4RO hit all the function buttons with his informative presentation. Well done!

I especially enjoyed his insight into station construction, component selection, brief yet important mention of antenna systems, and calling CQ even when one is low power, low profile like myself.

Calling CQ more often is a target going into CQ WPX CW at the end of the month.

Contest on.

P.S. Ham radio has moved to a new level of passion with Ham Radio Deluxe and Digital Mode 780 in the shack relaxation zone. Wow factor nine point nine!