| Author |
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Alsworld
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 8:13 pm: | 
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Good day all,
although skip conditions change daily, there is no better time than the present to have ourselves another DX-A-Thon this weekend. I was going to try and set it up for sometime over the Thanksgiving weekend but too many people will be with family, traveling, etc. so why not shoot for now! For those who remember how successful the last one was, I can only hope for the same. For those that missed the last one, here is what it is all about.
We each post our "handle" or numbers and where we will be calling from (region, state or city) here on this post. That way we can listen for, and make contacts with each other. The entire point is for those of us on the forum to make contacts with each other throughout the nation. It sounds easy, but it really takes some teamwork and "ears" around the country to make this a success. Here is a recap of the past one:
We ran 4 channels, 1 channel for 30 minutes then switched to another, some were AM, others SSB. We found that SSB worked best by far but some contacts were made on AM. Within the normal 40 channels was very difficult for contacts, but we still made that allowance for those without "extra" channels. Many contacts were made with barefoot radios which was superb! Cooperation was fantastic between members helping contacts on who could hear who. 707 had provided a chat link that worked far better than I ever expected. Those that had no responses could see via the chat web site that their signal was being heard 100's, if not 1000's of miles away, even if contact via the airwaves was not made. It motivated them to keep trying and sure enough, I believe everyone had multiple contacts. It was not a contest, but a lot of fun! Conditions will decide who really has the "big" ears and can do the relaying for the rest of us. Last time Karatebutcher talked to everyone from the west coast on his base station. Even if we could not hear his contact, usually we could hear him and he would relay who his contact was, and who else was on frequency.
Here are some of the hard parts. In order to do this, times and frequencies can never please everyone, so I solicit inputs from the forum on frequencies, times and dates, and just do my best on making a decision and going forth. Mostly to be successful, freeband channels work best (away from the Ham bands though), but as before, I will accommodate those with radios only covering the 40 CB channels only both SSB and AM, although in different order than last time. AM was real hard shooting skip and will probably be last in order but I want those who run AM only a chance to participate with us all. There is no "class" system here, it's about friendship and making contacts.
I would like to conduct this either Saturday or Sunday, 23/24 November respectively. Times that appear to work best are midday based on the sun overhead, basically around 1200'ish CST but that is flexible as I am unsure how the skip is reaching the west coast then. Hey left coasters, speak up now and let me know! I need input.
I would also like your input on frequencies. Freeband above the normal 40 was most successful so if you know of a quiet channel, let's work it. I have heard of a pretty major DX competition this weekend with a DX club so I have contacted the person in charge asking for those frequencies so we can avoid them. I will try and choose differing frequencies so we do not cross paths. They have their goals as we have ours. All of us on the same frequency could cause much discontent whereas the whole point of this will be to have fun. As I get better at this, maybe it will cross forums, CB'rs to CB'rs on a friendly basis but for now, I'm still learning and need to get better organized on these. With so many people being loyal to their respective forums, I refuse to cause animosity just because people read differing web sites. I will respect their competition and work different freq’s.
For those that did not use chat last time, it was my first time ever but perfect for the occasion. People were hearing you whether you realized it or not. Anyone know a good chat room we can use without upsetting the local users? 707???
Well folks, I'm trying to get this rolling and really need your inputs to set it up. Hopefully it will be successful like the last one.
Forum Master, I appreciate your previous offer of a prize. But I tell you when you hear so many people asking "anyone here from the Copper Forum?" and multiple answers welcoming that member, I think the free advertising for Copper is our thanks to you, Copper Electronics, and all of it's staff who support us so well. If it were a contest, I would say yes for sure, and I am much obliged for the offer, but I think for now, let us repay you with advertising via the airwaves where we are from. I was amazed at the quality audio out there last time and WE had some GOOD sounding radios.
This will also require some help from those who can hear multiple contacts to "moderate" so to speak. Keep the flow going and relay to the rest of us that can hear him/her. I tried the last time but just could not hear everyone. This time it will be harder from my perspective being the right half of my face became paralyzed last Thursday and I sound pretty rough speaking into a microphone right now. Hopefully someone will hear me mumbling "799 North West Florida" out there.
Well folks, that's it in a nutshell. Give me some feedback and let's get this show on the road! Copper's DX-A-Thon round 2!
Alsworld
799 North West Florida |
Buck
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 2:46 am: |
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I will be out of town on sat but Sun will work....any time, any place
812 eastern Iowa |
Dx431
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 2:56 am: |
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Ok, here we go!
431 Eastern Nebraska.....maybe 27.580 lsb, can be pretty quiet there or 27.605 lsb.
431 |
Karatebutcher
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 9:22 am: |
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OK ounds like fun, I will also be there to help listen and relay, any frequency is fine for me,DX431 lets use the phones like last time. unit 536 karatebutcher |
dale
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 1:03 pm: |
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sounds awsome to me of course my am handle is hotrod and my numbers are 454 and im in the keystone due to different time zones id like to know what time it will be here i have a dx99v so i can go wherever hope to hear all of you |
bruce
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 2:17 pm: |
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when you set a time and frequency e-mail me and ill see if i can hear any of you
Bruce
e-mail wa4gch@yahoo.com |
Znut
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 3:18 pm: |
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OK,cool!
Are there any freq's in the 27.4's and 27.5's that are good, many antennas are tuned closer to the main 40 channels(mine).
I'll be home Sunday, I think. If not I'll try from the mobile.
Znut |
Grumpy8220
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 4:19 pm: |
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dale,
What is your location in the Keystone, I am over here in Chester County not far from the Lancaster County line. |
Tinman 645
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 4:47 pm: |
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Im in louisiana,I'll be watching this forum for the time and freq, hope to hear from all of you. |
Bullseye
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 4:49 pm: |
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I'll check here Sat. morning and if the good Lords willing and the creek don't rise the NEW tower will have made it up and I'll try my best. Alsworld your closest to me besides Bruce I guess so if you hear the Nomad outta' Central Florida give me a holler. Hope to "see ya'll there". |
XLAXX
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 5:36 pm: |
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I'll be checking this thread. Please post time and freq.'s,... and we're back reading the mail.
--#127 State of Virginia/Watergate town.
XLAXX |
707
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 7:44 pm: |
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The DXRING.NET CHAT is always there for you guys/gals if you want to use it.
I'll definitely be there and on the air. What's the sked gonna be, Al?
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Apocolypse400
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 8:31 pm: |
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Sunday would be best, I work on Saturday's. Anytime between 12:00 Eastern and 5:00 Eastern.
27.3XX to 27.500 AM or SSB
Ill be listening,
400 SE Kentucky |
radiodude
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 9:04 pm: |
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27.605 has my vote, but I have to work Sun how about Sat? Start around 10a est!!!
I am
2er001 Ohio |
Stepchild
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 1:08 am: |
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Sounds like fun.I've never done a DX-A-THON before.I'll try to have my A-99 up so I can use my base.My call sign is WT385 on ssb and 385 stepchild am,SW Arkansas.Any Freq. is OK with me. |
Hdiamondog
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 2:07 am: |
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ok iam game off all weeken have a cobra 2000 with some freeband ch reg. 40 and ssb lets go i go by 214 in tx[ witchita Falls] hop to hear from some of u Diamondog |
Highlander
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 7:06 am: |
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I think it would be a good idea to temporarily use CE (charley-echo) in front of your regular call numbers for the DX-athon--it is much easier to recognize someone from the forum that way. I will call as "Charley-Echo 821, calling DX-athon."
If everyone does that, more contacts will be possible. I suggest frequencies of 27.395 USB, 27.420 lsb, 27.520 lsb, 26.895 AM. |
Snapperhead
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 9:12 am: |
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Hey guys, I missed your first DX-A-thon, and want to particapate in this one...I am a member of a CDX club wich also is having a DX contest this weekend for CDX members for the most contacts.....we're going to have it on 27.480 LSB and 27.465 LSB.....I hope I can key down with you guys as well on your DX-A-thon and make some contacts with you guys here on the Forum......Whatever channel you guys have it, I'll give it a shot...Boy, two contest in one weekend....I'm going to have to stock up on some cold beer and lock my self in my Sugar Shack all weekend......LOL....73's all. Hope to get to meet some of you guys over the air.....
Phil(SnapperHead) on the AM side
CDX-501 Northern Nevada on SSB |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 9:22 am: |
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Okay folks, here is an update.
For now, it looks like I we will kick this thing off Sunday (sorry radiodude, nothing personal). It appears to fit most peoples work schedules best, and will allow another day for those putting up towers and or antennas (be SAFE and watch those power lines!). I am thinking about a 12:30 or 1 pm pacific kick off. Conditions to and from the west coast just aren't starting real well until then based on the past few days of experimentation. I will post a full schedule with frequencies within the next 24 hours. I appreciate all the feedback. To answer a few questions:
Frequencies will be posted along with times for each time zone. I am trying to accomodate the request above keeping it close to the CB bands, maybe one within on SSB. I may have to float it around to accomodate everyone. Any AM'rs out there? That was real hard last time but I will try and throw in a channel there as well if needed.
Bruce, I'll shoot you an e-mail and it will be neat to see who you can hear. Of course you are always welcome to join on the channel of your choice. I will have one within the regular 40 on SSB if you choose to transmit. I respect you running legal.
Znut - I will have a channel within your requested area as well being not everyone has above 27.500 anyway. It may be the second leg but will be posted here. I know you have worked hard on your antenna.
707- Thanks again for the chat website! I did not want to just intrude first without asking. It was a real help last time and I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of this technology. Real fun!
This should be a good weekend for conditions (okay...I just made that up being optimistic) but with some luck, it will be fun as well. I'll keep all of you updated here and if there are any other request, I'll do my best to make things workable.
And of course I want to invite all hams operators out there who occasionally talk on the CB or freeband frequencies as well to listen and/or join in. This is an open invitation for all.
Thanks for your support.
Alsworld |
707
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 5:48 pm: |
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It occurred to me that some may be running the newer versions of Windows XP which do not include the Java VM(virtual machine) you'll need for the chat(among many other things on the web...if you've noticed sometimes getting a blank gray box in the middle of the page, you may be missing Java) Anyway, here's a link to the free download: Java VM
If you are not sure, just click the link anyway, and if you see the animated coffee cup on the right, then you already have Java.
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Yosimity
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 6:28 pm: |
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Sounds like fun. Just joined with Copper forum and would like to try to make a contact or two. Lot of good info out there. Will you post freq. on this site? I'm running a Cobra 2000 w/A-99 about 38' above ground and a little help from Texastar. 73's |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 7:07 pm: |
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Way to go Alsworld, we need another DX-athon. Name the frequency and we'll be there. I personally think just a couple of legs would work better, and in my part of the world LSB is cleaner than USB, the Mexicans prefer USB for some reason, but you name it and we'll do it.
Scrapiron |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 8:02 pm: |
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Yosimity,
yes look here. My next message will have frequencies and times for each time zone. Hopefully by morning time depending on Moderator approval and when I get it to them. Most everyone had contacts last time with others from the forum. Sometimes we could only hear one side of the conversation but the other party would relay who he was talking to. It was cool. By the way, welcome to the forum.
Scrapiron63, roger on the LSB. I also have same results with spanish skip and USB. I am looking at 3 legs only as nobody has asked for AM. Two will be above the 40, and one within (39LSB is always quiet here so I'll probably try that one within the normal 40). No one has ask for AM only, so I will not include it unless someone wants needs it.
Hey, if anyone has an AM only radio and wants to try, choose a station. I'll add it as the 4th leg at the end and we'll try to reach out and communicate. Don't want to discriminate in case you don't have sideband. Be forwarned though, that was the roughest of all last time but there were some contacts.
Schedule and frequencies to be out soon.
Alsworld
799 North West Florida
Alsworld |
Bullseye
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 8:33 pm: |
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Nobody laugh but,believe it or not,I have never even keyed down on SSB. I generally stick to AM and usually the lower (26.915 down to 26.715) channels. If you have an AM station in there I'll be trying mightily but if it's all SSB I'll still try. I'll probably feel like a pig on roller skates though. |
Yosimity
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 9:36 pm: |
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I will look forward to event. By the way I use Yosimity 359 call. My Cobra has straight 40 w/ upper and lower channels.
I'm on the east coast about 70 miles from Myrtle Beach in SC. California skip comes in good more than any other, but on a good day it's all in.
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Insider
| | Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 10:40 pm: |
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Don't worry Bullseye. I don't have much sideband experience either. I found during the last one that if you give your call, someone will come back to you if they hear you.
Sideband just takes a little more patience since you may need to fine tune folks in with the clarifier.
Insider-729
Connecticut |
dale
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 2:31 am: |
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grumpy im over in crawford country and about 10 miles from mercer county |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 6:43 am: |
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Here Is the schedule
Sunday 24 November 2002
Frequency and Times Eastern / Central / Pacific
27.580 LSB 4:00-4:30pm(E) 3:00-3:30pm(C) 1:00-1:30pm(P)
First slot will be 30 minutes
27.420 LSB 4:30-5:15pm(E) 3:30-4:15pm(C) 1:30-2:15pm(P)
Second slot for 45 minutes
27.395 USB 5:15-6:00pm(E) 4:15-5:00pm(C) 2:15-3:00pm(P)
Third slot for 45 minutes. UPPER sideband within the regular 40 channels
For those who wish to press into the AM segment, I would suggest heading below the bands to 26.895 after the third slot for further contacts.
Okay, with that said, I would like to set some sort of guidelines. It is up to you if you wish to follow or ignore these but these are my suggestions:
1st- Highlander made a good point about calling "CE" and your numbers if you want to establish yourself from the Copper Electronics forum. However please keep in mind, we do not own any of these channels. There will probably be individuals and/or other DX groups who may want to stop in and wave a hand. Great! That's what DXing is all about. This is for everyone, free of charge.
2nd- Being many of us might be using "CE", I am asking that we try and set the example for doing things right over the airwaves. If we switch frequencies and there is a QSO going on, let's not just trample over whoever is there, but try and work with those parties and have them join us, make some contacts, etc. No need getting nasty and interfering just to get our way. Bad juju.
3rd- Please be listening for those barefoot stations. With the right conditions and help from you all, they will all get through. This is not a keydown.
4th- I'll be up on these frequencies full time but I know I don't have the big ears. If you can hear someone that no one else can, talk to them and let the rest of us know. I will need you guys/gals to moderate as well, so many more of you have better, centralized locations than I do.
Okay, enough for now. The last one went very well and without problems so I'm hoping for a repeat.
I really appreciate all the help and suggestions. This should be a fun event.
For those unfamiliar with sideband, maybe try practicing with the clarifyer over the next day or two. Some radios are harder than others but sideband tends to be quieter than AM. Also, if you have power microphones and you kick on a box, turn off the echo and turn down that microphone gain or else it overmodulates and really breaks up bad on sideband. Just some advice that I hope will help you. I hope the best success for us all.
Alsworld
799 North West Florida |
Sandbagger106
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 10:26 am: |
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In band freqs, I'll be there, ID. will be #106 and I think a temporary prefix as someone suggested would help alot. I'm in southern Ca. and the skip east and south is good for me although lots of noise. Just a stock station here so I'm not sure how effective I will be but I'll try. Bruce, I hear your neck of the woods a lot. I'll be callin' you. Cheers sb106. |
radiodude
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 10:38 am: |
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Well heck I will have to miss as i have to work but wait maybe after i get home at 8p here it will be 5p in CAL!! What freq are we using?? |
Znut
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 12:54 pm: |
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Alsworld,
If we use the chat can we coordinate some freq's "on the fly" during the event?
Znut |
Tech833
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 1:20 pm: |
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I'll tune around and listen. |
Dx431
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 1:44 pm: |
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Good job Al! Those times and freq's work well for me. I will be there and looking forward to making contacts with some of you folks.
Like Al said, be courtious of others on the airwaves. Don't want to start a radio war. Have fun, and happy dxing!
431
Eastern Nebraska |
Dodgeman
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 2:11 pm: |
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I will give it a try HALLER IF YOU HEAR ME!!!! |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 2:12 pm: |
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Znut,
sure man the bands are yours! I figure I personaly will stay on the assigned frequencies listed above being I gave them out as people will come and go around there own schedules. Hopefully I will have some good receive this time.
I know some people did that last time as certain areas/channels had bleedover, spanish skip, etc. depending on where there were and what they were receiving. The chat was real helpful. We could see who was trying, who was hearing and making contact. It really did help tremendously because even if you could not contact a person, all of a sudden someone would let you know by Chat that they heard you loud and were trying to respond. It was a real motivator.
radiodude, I'm sorry about the work schedule. I only try for a short period because I know as much as we all dig radio, we have other lives as well which include work. I had to shoot for a generic time when the skip is hitting all of us as consistent as feasible. Too early and it disrupts deer hunting, a bit later it may interupt those who go to church.....I hope you understand.
Alsworld
799 North West Florida |
Bullseye
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 6:45 pm: |
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Well Guys and Gals wish me luck BUT barring some catastrophic or cataclysmic occurance the tower will be up and I'll be back on the base by 12:00 or 1:00 Sat. Just think a whole evening to play in the shack before the DX-a-thon. Probably spend most of it on SSB to prepare for Sun. See ya'll there!!!!!!!!!! |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 8:17 pm: |
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Bullseye,
that's great! But...keep it safe bro. Do it right the first time. Please do not rush and put yourself in harms way just for a Dx-A-Thon. Then you would just be broken, without a tower or radio during you healing time. Now THAT would suck!
Good luck getting it up and watch those power lines for sure. We'll be listening for a success story Sunday!
Alsworld
799 North West Florida |
Yosimity
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 8:50 pm: |
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Dale, where is Crawford county? Lots of luck to everyone. Thanks for allowing me to partake with you folks. I'll be listening for "Charlie-Echo". Good times and freqs. Gota go get some food for the afternoon so won't have to leave the house.
359 |
bruce
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 10:16 pm: |
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Got the e-mail and ill be lissing and if i here anyone il let you know!
Bruce ( west central florida ) |
Chester
| | Posted on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 10:42 pm: |
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Members, I will due my best to make contact on those freq's listed.
I will be barefoot, in my mobile on Sunday.
Looking forward to this DX session!
(CE)29W Kansas City Missouri mobile.....Chester |
Tinman
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 9:20 am: |
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If anybody hears CE645...thats me...hope to hear from all of you. |
Karatebutcher
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 10:47 am: |
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Looking forward to this Sunday get together, I will be there listening mostly, the neibors you know, why do we always have to hide?
Alsworld you did a good job again puting this thing together, thank you. |
radiodude
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 11:35 am: |
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Well are we going to use the 2 prefex? I would be 2CE750.
I have to work during those times but I am going to take the Melaka to work and run it off a 500watt power inverter from my moble. I think also that i will set up an old Big Stick that i keep for a backup antenna. If i can work it out I should be heard!!!
2CE750 |
Bullseye
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 11:47 am: |
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BAD NEWS YA'LL Got my tower up but a catastrophe did occur. The pull rope broke on the first try and the Alpha V58 did'nt make it. Thankfully the guy on the rope has done this about a million times and as soon as he saw the rope was letting go he hollered and everyone cleared out. So the point is nobody but the antenna got hurt although it means I won't be able to join you tommorrow no one got hurt and I will be back the tower is up and I'll just rent a lift to set the new antenna. Maybe now might be a good time to upgrade to a small beam. You folks all better have a good time on Sunday. I'll be checking here for reports Sunday and Monday. Alsworld Thanks for taking the time to set these up and I'm sure we'll have more in the future. I'll post here or Email you if it's in your profile and we can have a mini DX-A-Thon to test the new antenna when I get it up and barking. |
123upmichigan
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 12:20 pm: |
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well, i cannot let michigan be left out of this one.lol i will be their for sure, cannot miss an oppertunity like this.. if ya all hear the worldwide 123 upper michigan that's me.
sam
123 upper peninsula of michigan
cold country |
123upmichigan
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 12:11 pm: |
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well. it's makin to be a good day for the dxa thon... the ten meter is rollin hard in michigan and the west coast was comin in bye 10:30 this morning est. well lookin forward to talkin to ya'll 123 upper michigan |
Hdiamondog
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 4:14 pm: |
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is any body doing the DX-A thon Diamondog |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 9:36 pm: |
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Hdiamondog, I hoped you tuned in.
That 123 in Upper Michigan was the man today!!! Easily nationwide. Too cool!
Life is good for sure.
Alsworld
799 North West Florida |
Znut
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 9:44 pm: |
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123,
You were not left out!
Thanks for the conversation! On the air!
Take Care,
Znut |
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