Single Operator 2 Radio (SO2R) | In Practice

An opportunity to experience SO2R in practice as Randy, K5ZD skillfully logs the swarm while racking multipliers on the second radio. The advantage is every available moment is consumed as the RadioSport clock ticks down to zero hour.

Are you in the swarm? Listen up.

Contest on.

Single Operator 2 Radio (SO2R) | Fundamentals

Thinking about moving to the next level in RadioSport? Want to challenge station building skills? A Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC) video features Randy Thompson, K5ZD who narrates SO2R fundamentals to include recommendations.

Project RadioSport Station | Chapter 1

Clusters of objectives surround every goal and this is my photographic appraisal of the objectives. First, I need to replace the match on the front driven element due to severe corrosion weakening the integrity of the aluminum, it snapped in half. Additionally, apply steel wool to all parts including wiring wheeling as well, mechanical advantage saves one's lower back after forty.

Subsequently, I will need to treat and protect all parts against salt weather corrosion even though hardware is stainless steel. Furthermore, maintenance of wire rope is equally important much like maintaining wire rope on a crane. There are products on the market that protect wire rope from the effects of corrosion. Lastly, a quick inspection revealed no broken strands, bird caging of rope, swags and thimbles are in good condition as well.

However, at the armstrong winch, there is severe corrosion as evidenced in the photograph. My plan is to remove it from the tower for refurbishment to include possibly condemning it. Hardware to be replaced as required and lubricating gears will follow.

Lastly, the thrust bearing is written off and requires replacement, it is a crucial component in the system and I can't compromise or hope to extend its lifetime for another five years or more.

Overall, it's nothing more than a little required elbow grease and patience.

Contest on! 

DRR Atmospherics | TK9E

A shout out to IZ7AUH and thank you for sharing the video!

LOGQSO

Analyzing one's RadioSport log after an event leads to important conclusions such as operating patterns, cumulative effect of scoring in relationship to time of day, and the influence of propagation as it relates to one's station configuration. Currently, my antenna system is a three band trapped vertical mounted near the ground, with 30-plus quarter wave radials.

LogQSO dates my RadioSport operation using a three band trapped vertical powered by 55 watts through RG58X coaxial feed line (2009) to include a doublet fed with 450 Ohm window line (2008).

The Game Within The Game
I'd like to add that rate is not as important as enjoying the event itself when operating low power into less than optimal antenna systems in congested suburban locations or locations governed by a home owner association.

It is why I chase ham radio related awards with great passion because it's the game within the game.

Comparing
The trap of comparison that is my vertical antenna between two condominiums versus heavy metal in the sky is an exercise in futility. It is an apple to orange comparison however; it is important to apply one's imagination to the resources at hand instead ask, "What can I accomplish from my operating location?"

Advocating For New Point Structure
Shifting RadioSport point structure to one that measures distance adds a new degree of excitement to the game from my perspective, in fact, we like to chat about how far our signal traveled albeit short or long path. It's a point of pride for many of us in the Five Cities because of our locations in congested suburban neighborhoods.

Overall, I'd recommend analyzing the log, search for clues in the data, and apply lessons learned from the data. Also, take a survey of imagination before sitting in the shack's operating chair and develop a game within in the game to include sharing the experience with another local RadioSport enthusiast.

73s from the shackadelic on the beach.

Five Cities WRTC2014 Standings

The game where the best of the best in RadioSport will gather to compete is two years over the horizon. However, qualifications for a top slot, is well underway and I wanted to post our current unofficial standings. Qualifying competition begins in less than two weeks and having an idea of one's position in the pack is a good idea albeit locally, regionally, or nationally.


WRTC2014 Information Links--

• Qualifying Events
• Team Selection FAQ
• Team Selection
• How To Contribute

Contest on!

Signal Launch | VP6T & HK0NA

Happy New Year from the shackadelic on the beach! The epic DXCC Diamond Challenge sponsored by the ARRL is underway and Cycle 24 maintains sunspots in the triple numbers. It is an exciting time for hamdom while propagation continues supporting activity on the high bands.

A pair of teams are preparing for departure to far and distant lands. Each with there own specific brand of danger with an express purpose of filling computer logs with needed DXCC counters. The buzz is already on the street in the Five Cities.

I'd like to encourage making a contribution to one or both DXpeditions to help offset the cost of launching a signal from Pitcairn and Malpelo Islands. The personal benefit  is enormous for example; both entities are needed for my DXCC endorsement next 50, 5BDXCC, Diamond Challenge, and IOTA count.

Please consider donating any amount to:

• VP6T Pitcairn Island 2012
• HK0NA Malpelo Island DXpedition

We are looking forward to logging each DXpedition as heard on the central coast of California.

73s from the shackadelic on the beach.