KC9BQA

   6am Thur.
  **ARRL UHF CONTEST IS THIS WEEKEND.  DETAILS ARE IN THE JULY 24TH POST RIGHT BELOW**

   Every Wed. the 144.240 net is on from EN54cl, Central WI.  WB9LYH is net control and the start time in spring and summer is 8pm central and toward about Halloween, he shifts to a 7pm central start for the shorter days of winter.   This Wed. net has been around since June 2008 and our history is here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=5363 

   WB9LYH emailed me the net report from last night.  Mark said it was a good net, with good conditions, but not many stations on.  His 12 check-ins were:  N8WNA EN82;  W8SOL EN71;  K9CCL and N9JBW EN61;  W9WZJ EM69;  KA9VDU EN53;  N9NDP EN62;  WA9BNZ EN40;  KA9DVX EN51;  W1JWS EN50;  KC9OVD EN41 and WB0YWW EN22. 
  
    *WB9LYH ALSO SAYS HE EXPECTS TO BE ON NEXT WEEK (Wed., Aug. 6th)*  Again, start time is 8pm central/9pm eastern.  All licensed hams are welcome.  The net is informal and the purpose is to create more activity on 2m SSB.  From Central WI, Mark’s antenna pattern is NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and N over the next 45-60 minutes. 
     WB9LYH has a very big signal and really enjoys pushing the propagation limits.  We appreciate you helping us spread the word in a multi-state (and Canadian province) circle. 

     K8TQK has been calling the 144.252 net each Monday @8:30pm eastern for several years now.  Bob also has a huge signal from EM89je, south-central OH.  He can easily work 300-400+ miles to stations with a decent *horizontally-polarized* yagi up in the clear. 
     K8TQK’s 16 check-ins on Monday night were:  W8SOL EN71;  N8AIA EN82;  WB8AUK EN80;  WD8CHR EN90;  WT83 and KD8DJE EM89;  KJ4YZB FM07;  W4LES EM84;  WB4IXU EM86;  N4TLL EM87;  N8XA EM79;  KF6A EN73;  W9DZ EN61;  WB9LYH EN54;  KB8JNE EN70 and WB7PMP EM88.  

     There is SSB activity on bands like 50, 144, 222 and 432 MHz every night of the week, if you know when and where to look.  I summarized this info in posts at www.kc9bqa.com dated Oct. 13, 15 and 17th, 2013.  Visit those posts and learn about your options.  Then help out activity levels by getting that info to your ham buddies.
     Better yet, create your own activity by calling CQ at any time.  That’s what call freqs. like 144.200, 222.100 and 432.100 are for.  Don’t wait for someone else to start something.  Get out of the habit of “just listening”.  I’ve been saying it here for 5+ years… If everyone is at their radio and everyone is “just listening”  how many signals will be heard?

   12:30pm Thur. 

   Next Saturday at 1pm central is the start time for the ARRL UHF Contest.  It runs 24 hours until 1pm Sun.  (UTC times are 1800Z Sat. to 1800Z Sun).  All bands from 222 MHz on up are in play.  Talking 222, 432, 902, 1296, 2304, 3456, 5 gig, 10 gig and beyond, if you are into the whole laser deal.   You still have 9 days to get ready, please help spread the word.  
    Here’s the link to the ARRL rules and info page:  http://www.arrl.org/august-uhf

     Like he has for years now, W0UC Paul in EN44 has created a Google spreadsheet where those of us in the Midwest/Great Lakes can post our UHF contest plans.  Before I pass the link along (with W0UC’s permission) a few guidelines.  Please read these.  
    1)  I know nothing about a Google spreadsheet.  I’m just the messenger.
   2)  Notice on the lower left that there are tabs for both fixed stations and rovers.  
   3)  We kindly ask that with this sheet, the emphasis remains on WI and nearby states.  We’re NOT trying to create a nationwide sheet.  If you are more than say 300-400 miles from WI, considering doing something similar for your own area.  It would be a big boost to V/UHF contesting if there were similar listings for other parts of the USA and Canada.  
   4)  Please spread the word among your V/UHF buddies in WI and nearby states to list your ARRL August UHF Contest plans here:   http://tinyurl.com/UHF2014

   Noon Thursday

   Before I get to the net reports, I want VHF’ers to know there are many fine nets and activity nights, all 7 nights of the week, scattered across the Midwest/Great lakes and Plains.  Three posts detailing those VHF/UHF nets are dated Oct 13, 15 and 17th, 2013 at kc9bqa.com.  Use the “archives” at the right and click on “October 2013” and go from there.   Please spread that VHF/UHF net and activity night info to hams everywhere. 

   Last night, WB9LYH had 13 check-ins with the 144.240 net.  This net is called every Wed. at 8pm central/9pm eastern from EN54cl, Central WI.  (In the fall and winter, we switch to a 7pm central/8pm eastern start)   Antenna pattern from Central WI is NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and N over the next 45-60 minutes.  All licensed hams are welcome.  The net is informal and the purpose is to increase activity on 2m SSB. 
   WB9LYH has a very big signal and loves pushing the propagation limits.  His typical range on 2m SSB, with normal band conditions is 300-500 miles.  DX is always welcome to give it a try.  

   We have done the 144.240 Wed. net from WI since June 2008 and our history is here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=5363 

   WB9LYH reported low noise levels last night but not many folks on the band.  Mark’s 13 check-ins were:  W8SOL EN71;  WB8AUK EN80;  N9JBW and K9CCL EN61;  W1JWS EN51;  WB0SWQ EN40;  KA9DVX EN51;  WB9TFH EN53;  WB0YWW and KG0SJ EN22;  KM0T EN13;  NY0A EN24 and K0BBC EN34.   Both NY0A and K0BBC are new all-time check-ins to the 144.240 net.  Welcome Ron and Matt. 

    Back on Monday, K8TQK had a big night with his 144.252 net.  This net is called from EM89je, south-central OH at 8:30pm eastern time, 52 weeks a year.  K8TQK also has a giant signal on 2m SSB and he’s always looking to stir up more activity.  His antenna pattern is N, then NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW over the next 45-60 minutes or so. 
   Monday night K8TQK had 24 check-ins:  N8WNA EN82;  KC8RRT EN81;  KB3CXQ FM09;  W2UAD FN13;  W3IP FM19;  N4TLL EM87;  KY4MRG EM77;  AJ4EN EM94;  W4LES, WA4NJP, W4ZSB and N4QH EM84;  N1GC EM95;  WB4IXU EM86;  KI4ROF EM55;  K9ZF EM78;  KB8GUE and N8XA EM89;  WB0SWQ EN40;  N9EGT and K9SLQ EN70;  KF6A EN73;  WB8AUK EN80 and KC9CLM EN52. 

    YOU CAN MONITOR BOTH THESE NETS AND MUCH MORE VIA THE INTERNET… The ON4KST.com ham chat pages are a free, no-obligation tool for getting more enjoyment out of hamming.  There are many chats for different bands, and the one I’m referring to specifically is the IARU Region 2 Chat for 144-432 MHz.  Read all about the ON4KST.com ham chats here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=1072  
    Over 4400 USA and Canadian VHF’ers are now registered.  The 144-432 MHz chat is busy in the mornings and evenings.  It was really humming Mon. night when band conditions became enhanced later in the evening.

   3:30pm Thursday

   IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR INFO ABOUT THIS WEEKEND’S CONTEST, it’s right below this post. 
  Make sure to take note of the “rover” tab at the bottom of that Google spreadsheet.  AC0RA will be out roving, activating many grids in IL and IA.  Wyatt did a great job in June; he has a nice signal plus enthusiasm.  Return the favor and get on this weekend and hand out points. 

   Let’s get to those net reports.

   WB9LYH called the 144.240 Wed. net from WI.  Mark is in EN54cl, central WI and start time is 8pm central/9pm eastern.  Antenna pattern is NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and N over a roughly 45-60 minute span.  All licensed hams are welcome.  The net is informal and the goal is to increase activity on 2m SSB.   We appreciate you spreading the word.  
   Mark emailed his net report to me and he had 14 check-ins this week.  W8SOL  and KC8ZJL EN71;  KF6A EN73;  N8WNA EN82;  WA9BNZ and WB0SWQ EN40;  W1JWS EN50;  W9CWD EN52;  KM0T EN13;  W0HXL EN21;  KG0SJ and WB0YNA EN22;  N9KOR EN44 and WB8GUE EM89 was in there briefly. 

   WB9LYH EXPECTS TO BE AROUND NEXT WED. to call the 144.240 net @ 8pm central/9pm eastern.  Hopefully by then we’ll have some real summertime conditions.  Remember that WB9LYH has 500 watts and stacked 17B2’s from a true ridgetop QTH.  His signal gets out forever and he loves it when DX gives it a try.   Help us spread the word far beyond the normal range on 2m SSB (200-500 miles, depending on one’s station). 

   
    THE 144.252 MONDAY NET (called by K8TQK, EM89je, south-central OH, start time 8:30pm eastern) had 18 check-ins this week.  Bob also has a hilltop QTH and an enormous signal.  His antenna pattern is north to start, then NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW over the next 45-60 minutes. 
    K8TQK’s 18 check-ins were:  N8AIA EN82;  W8SOL and KC8ZJL EN71;  KD8JQ EN91;  KB3TNZ FN11;  W3IP FM19;  AC3L/M FN00;  KJ4ZYB FM07;  WB4IXU EM86;  W4LES, WA4NJP and W4IMD EM84;  KA2KQM EM74;  WB0SWQ EN40;  N8XA EM79;  KC9CLM EN52 and W8BYA EN70. 

    REMEMBER YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG WITH BOTH THESE NETS (and connect with other VHF/UHF’ers) via the ON4KST.com ham chat.  Talking the IARU Region 2 Chat for 144-432 MHz.  This is a free, no-BS program available to all hams.  (There are many chat rooms for different bands, check it out)  
    Learn how to register for the ON4KST.com ham chat at this link:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=1072

  6am Wed. 

    WB9LYH will be 144.240 net control tonight from EN54cl, 8pm central/9pm eastern start.   Mark’s antenna pattern from Central WI is NE at first, then soon E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and N over the next 45-60 minutes. 

   *THE CQ WORLDWIDE VHF CONTEST IS THIS WEEKEND*  Starts at 1800Z Sat. and runs until 2100Z Sun.   This contest keeps it simple — 6m and 2m only.  Bread-and-butter bands of VHF’ing.   It also has several differences (some would say improvements) on ARRL V/U contest rules.  So take some time to go thru the rules. 
   Here’s the link to info and rules:  http://www.cqww-vhf.com/ 

   *PLEASE POST YOUR CONTEST PLANS HERE*
   W0UC Paul in EN44 has again created a Google spreadsheet where you can enter your contest plans.  Before I share the link, I want a few things to be clear.
   1)  I know nothing about a Google spreadsheet.  I’m just the messenger.
   2)  Notice on the lower left that there are tabs for both fixed stations and rovers.  
   3)  We kindly ask that with this sheet, the emphasis remains on WI and nearby states.  We’re NOT trying to create a nationwide sheet.  If you are more than say 300-400 miles from WI, considering doing something similar for your own area.  It would be a big boost to V/UHF contesting if there were similar listings for other parts of the USA and Canada.  
   4)  Please spread the word among your V/UHF buddies in WI and nearby states to list your CQ WW VHF plans here: 
http://tinyurl.com/cqvhf2014

   1:30pm Friday

   A fun VHF contest takes place next weekend.  The CQ WW VHF Contest is 6m and 2m only.  These are the bread-and-butter bands of VHF’ing, so get on the air and make contacts. 
   Start time is 1800Z or 1pm central on Sat., July 19th and the contest runs 27 hours until 2100Z or 4pm on Sun., July 20th.   Go here:  http://www.cqww-vhf.com/  for full info. 

   With a little luck, 6 meters will open up with the sporadic E skip that makes The Magic Band (50 MHz) so special.   In fact, the MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) might get high enough to allow sporadic Es on 144 MHz.  E skip on 2 meters has occurred multiple times this summer. 
   I made a post back on May 22nd about sporadic Es on 2 meters.  If you missed it, here’s the link:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=7760

         IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VHF CONTESTING, I have a series of articles I wrote several years back.  The VHF Contesting School Articles are designed to get a newbie comfortable with playing in a VHF/UHF contest.  The link to the articles is here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=5931   You are encouraged to share that info with hams everywhere.

   1pm Friday

   No net report for K8TQK’s 144.252 Monday net this week — Bob had thunderstorms on top of him on July 7th.
   K8TQK is on with his 144.252 net every Monday at 8:30pm eastern.  His QTH is EM89je, south-central OH.  Bob has a huge signal and his antenna pattern is N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW over the next 45-60 minutes or so.  

   ON TO THE 144.240 WED. NET — 
   As mentioned here at kc9bqa.com, N9XKH was guest net control on 144.240 this Wed.  WB9LYH may have a few Weds. this summer where he needs relief and we’re glad N9XKH is able to pinch-hit.   As far as I know right now, WB9LYH (EN54cl, central WI) will be back on next Wed., July 14, at the usual summer start time of 8pm central/9pm eastern. 
   If that changes, you know I will update it right here. 

   N9XKH’s QTH is EN52il, which is right on the IL/WI border, SSW of Madison, WI.   Dennis has a long yagi and great QTH, but is currently limited to 50 watts out.   Dennis sent me a nice net report and here’s his 8 check-ins from Wed. night:  KA9DVU EN53;  W9EWZ, W9CWD and KC9CLM EN52;  KM0T EM13;  KG0SJ EN22;  K0NY EN44 and W0ANH EN47. 

   N9XKH HAS A REQUEST THAT I WILL RELAY —
   Dennis would like to hear via email from anyone that he might have missed so he can work on improving things.   If you tried to check in or were listening along and have suggestions for N9XKH, email him at N9XKH@mail.com.

  9:30pm Monday

  There will be a guest net control for the 144.240 net this Wednesday, July 9th.   N9XKH in EN52il, right on the IL/WI border (SSW of Madison, WI) will fill in for WB9LYH. 

   LET’S GET N9XKH SOME CHECK-INS THIS WED.   I assume Dennis will follow the pattern of first looking NNE briefly toward Green Bay and the U.P. of MI.  Then start turning clockwise, or NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and N over the next 45-60 minutes or so.  Start time should be 8pm central/9pm eastern — our usual summer start time. 

   Again, on Wed., July 9th, look toward the IL/WI border (EN52il) for N9XKH, guest 144.240 net control.

   8:15am Thur.  

   This info has been floating around the ham-sphere for a few days now.  It was brought to my attention by W8BYA in EN70, who’s been a strong VHF advocate for years.  
    What follows is a repost of what NW7US Tomas posted to a propagation/contesting email list: 

  “All ham radio and swl radio people: Folks, we’re close to 200
> signatures on this petition, which will require the FCC to make PRB-1
> directives an element of Part 97. Tired of not being able to put up
> amateur radio antennas, or think it’s unfair that others can’t do so?
> Then please sign:
>
> <http://g.nw7us.us/VFkocd>
>
> Petitioning U.S. House of Representatives:
> Co-sponsor HR.4969, the “Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014”

    KC9BQA adds — Click on the link and if you agree with the message there, then sign the online petition. 
   I would also like to add that for the 5+ years this blog has been in existence, I have steadfastly avoided any form of politics.  Many have emailed asking if I would promote this or that, via kc9bqa.com.  I made an exception this one time because this petition seems legit and it’s certainly something nearly all hams can agree on.

   8:10am Thur.

   Spread the word that the nightly 432 activity (starts about 7:30pm central) has migrated up to 432.105 MHz.  

   For a few years now, N4PZ in EN52gb (which is a little SW of Rockford, IL) has tried to promote more activity on 432 SSB/CW.  Steve sure has the station for it, with a box of 4 long yagis and 1500 watts.  This group is always looking to find more 432 signals.   Spread the word in a very wide area, because there will be nights with enhancement and guys over 400-500 miles away will be glad for signals to work.  
   This year, they’ve expanded their activity.  It’s now on every night (not 100% sure about weekends, check for yourself) and they’ve nudged their operating freq. up to 432.105. 
   They are also on the ON4KST.com chat (talking the IARU Region 2 Chat for 144-432 MHz) so you check it out there.