This Weekend In RadioSport | VHF Is Shackadelic

I'm trying something new this weekend and operating VHF RadioSport is a first inside the shack relaxation zone. My operating location isn't a hilltop nor am I located inside my vehicle either. It is one of those fantastic days when weather conditions fall into place. The marine layer isn't rolling in early or lingering late without a hint of sunshine.

Our Cycle 24 generator has heated ambient air into the comfortable seventies. The sound of Morse code mingles with finches and scrub jays creating wonderful conditions both inside and outside the shack.

CQ World Wide VHF Contest (link).

VHFDX (link).

Certainly, this weekend isn't going down as epic 6m, instead, it is taking on a new challenge and propagating a little radio frequency toward unknown destinations.

73 from the shack relaxation zone.

SFI = 79 | A-index = 1 | K-index = 0 | Sunspot count is 17 @ 2111UTC.

3830 Claimed Scores | NS Summer Ladder VIII | Low Power

Atlantic Single Operator.

• N4AF | 60 Qs | 44 Mults | 2,640 Points [PVRC].
• NO3M | 60 Qs | 42 Mults | 2,520 Points [NCC].
• W4OC | 54 | 40 Mults | 2,160 Points [SECC].

n = 11 scores submitted in this division.

East Central Single Operator.

• N8EA | 53 Qs | 40 Mults | 2,120 Points [MRRC].
• N4OGW | 56 Qs | 36 Mults | 2,016 Points [ACG].
• K9BGL | 48 Qs | 38 Mults | 1,824 Points [SMC].

n = 14 scores submitted in this division.

West Central Single Operator.

• N3BB | 58 Qs | 42 Mults | 2,436 Points [CTDXCC].
• KZ5D | 51 Qs | 39 Mults | 1,989 Points [CTDXCC].
• N0AX | 39 Qs | 30 Mults | 1,170 Points.

n = 8 scores submitted in this division.

West Single Operator.

• W7WHY | 36 Qs | 21 Mults | 756 Points [WVDXC].
• KI7Y | 20 Qs | 9 Mults | 180 Points [WVDXC].

n = 2 scores submitted in this division.

NCCC in CA/NV Single Operator.

• N6RO | 45 Qs | 35 Mults | 1,575 Points.
• K6VVA | 44 Qs | 35 Mults | 1,540 Points.
• K6RB | 47 Qs | 31 Mults | 1,457 Points.

n = 8 scores submitted in this division.

The fastest 30 minutes in RadioSport concluded its 8th successful season and Howie, N4AF garnered banner position for the Potomac Valley Radio Club. A job well executed given the stellar group of master RadioSport operators within the game.

The Mad River Radio Club scored first place within East Central and I'm wondering if this had something to do with my Hawaiian print shirt? Kudos to Joe, N8EA for his effort!

73 from the shack relaxation zone.

2010 World Radio Team Championship

A monumental task well executed this weekend as competitors from all over the globe competed for the top slot in the game. Thank you RadioSport Russia for delivering an excellent interactive Internet product! The team of volunteers who labored behind the scenes certainly set the standard for the next global competition.

Admittedly, are there any plans to merchandise WRTC ball caps and t-shirts in the future? Each rate shackadelic right on in my logbook!

Please check out WRTC photo gallery because the spirit of ham radio and the intensity of competition is found within; note Tim, K3LR and Andy, N2NT.

From my perspective, ham radio operating inside tents beneath the ionospheric dome, really captured the essence of RadioSport. The photographs of tents illuminated by the glow of transceivers and liquid crystal displays against the canvass of sunset sparked a kilowatt worth of inspiration.

Contest on!