2010-08-11

Radio Three Four Papa

I downloaded the complete Radio Three Four Papa set at K5ZD's website
as a learning tool. Athletes watch hours of video in order to gain an
understanding of their opponent's skill and strategy. I lost a lot of
points last weekend when I failed to search for additional
multipliers. My Q count was sufficient however I did not log enough
mults when 15m opened to the east and midwest.

When do I shift from a calling CQ strategy to a search for multiplier strategy?

My NAQP rate was a thrill beyond 50 watts into a ground mounted
vertical. I blissfully called CQ while I heard in the corner of my
competitive mind, "Search for multipliers."

I continued calling CQ instead of bagging a few 15m rhinos for the
long haul score. I'm listening intently to Radio Three Four Papa as
the team moves between CQ and hunting for multipliers. Rate is nearly
everything in RadioSport however an extra section or zone usually
decides a top ten finish.

73 from the anywhere, anytime shack.

2010-08-08

The Next Level Part II

My weekend is wrapping itself up and NAQP CW delivered a lot of ham
radio fun. I'm also grateful for the friendships that follow our
hobby. Whatever one's passion there is another who shares the same
albeit RadioSport or chasing DX or logging grid squares on 2 meters
when the 'e' goes plasmic on very high frequency.

I had fun this weekend sitting in front of a high frequency
transceiver pumping radio frequency toward destinations unknown. A
local ham opened his station for guest operation and my cans jumped to
the next level when monoband antennas surfed some serious radio waves.
It felt tubular and hang ten like while Q after Q went into N1MM
Logger.

Sometimes I wonder if ham radio forgets to emphasize friendship from
across the miles. I enjoyed making new friends this weekend especially
when a QRP operator in Texas mentions in his e-QSL, "Good ears. I
enjoy reading your blog."

I want to say you are welcome and it is my pleasure sharing a personal
journal about ham radio. Our hobby is not for everyone that is okay. I
would like one Texan QRP operator committed to their passion instead
of ten Paris Hilton types committed to nothing other than nothing.
What will those new numbers translate into over the next five years?