Southern California Contest Club
NAQP RTTY: July 20-21 CQWW VHF: July 20-21 NAQP CW: August 3-4
NAQP RTTY: July 20-21 CQWW VHF: July 20-21 NAQP CW: August 3-4
Officers
President: Dick Norton, N6AA n6aa[at]arrl[dot]net
Secretary, Treasurer, Membership: Bruce Horn, WA7BNM bhorn[at]hornucopia[dot]com
Webmaster: Dennis Younker, NE6I ne6i[at]cox[dot]net
Secretary, Treasurer, Membership: Bruce Horn, WA7BNM bhorn[at]hornucopia[dot]com
Webmaster: Dennis Younker, NE6I ne6i[at]cox[dot]net
Members E-Mail Reflector
Information on how to subscribe to the reflector is available at http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/sccc/
To post a message to the reflector, send an e-mail to: sccc@contesting.com
An archive of reflector messages is available at: Reflector Archive
Reflector Administrator: Doug Brandon, N6RT n6rt[at]arrl[dot]net
To post a message to the reflector, send an e-mail to: sccc@contesting.com
An archive of reflector messages is available at: Reflector Archive
Reflector Administrator: Doug Brandon, N6RT n6rt[at]arrl[dot]net
Membership Badges
Purchase Membership Badge: The Sign Man See sample here.
Monthly News (SCCCORE)
July 2019
Greetings. June and July are slow months for contesting but... As we head into the warmer months of summer, it's time to do that antenna work that you've been meaning to do. And/or that station reconfig and optimizing that has been on your mind. And invite over that nephew or neice, maybe a grandchild to experience the thrill of making a few contacts at your station. Let's make the most of our 2019 summer!
If you are running N1MM+ contest logging software, you may run into an error when the program tries to check for updates or you manually make the check. There was a change to the web site (for example they moved to https which secures data transfer between the server and browsers) but did not rewrite the update routine in the software to reflect the change, at least at first. In my case, I got a 404 error, which is essentially a server not found message. To correct the problem, go to the N1MM web site. Download and run the lastest update file. This will update your copy of N1MM+ and resolve the issue. Note, if you are running Windows XP or (gasp) Vista, the N1MM+ auto update feature is not compatible with the new site. You will have to do manual updates going forward.
The WSJT-X development team has been busy in May and June. They have been working hard on the new FT4 contest mode. The current beta version is WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc7. It is not compatible with earlier release candidates that included FT4. A mock contest was held June 4 to test things out. Installation packages are available for Windows, Linux and macOS. More information can be found here. The software is available at the WSJT-X web site.
more
QRZ.com recently made available Two Factor Authentication. This increases security and can help thwart password hackers. The feature is optional for all users except sellers in the site's swapmeet section. The feature is mandatory for those users. To activate, log in to QRZ.com. Hover on your call in the upper right of the screen and select "Account." Near the top center, you will find a large button with the Two Factor Authentication option. That will take you to the setup screen. It can be configured to work with your cell phone or with a code generator if you don't have cell coverage where you normally use QRZ.
Honda has issued recalls on several models of its very popular portable generators. Models affected are EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EB2200i, colored red or camouflage. According to the notice, these generators can develop leaks from the fuel valve. Purchasers should take their units to an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer for a free repair. More information at the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission web site.
Results of the 2018 ARRL 10 Meter Contest have been published. Dana, K6NR placed in the Top Ten USA SOHP CW category. John, K6MI took 5th USA SOU Mixed Mode QRP. Dave, N6AN and friend VA6DAF put the W6UE CalTech station in the top ten in the MSHP category. SCCC placed 6th in the Medium Club Category. Hats off to all those that tackled this very challenging HF contest at this point in the sunspot cycle! Full results at the ARRL contest results web site.
Also out now are the 2019 ARRL January VHF Contest results. Tim, N6GP took the top spot in the Limited Rover category in the Southwestern Division. Bruce, KG6IYN took 1st in the FM Only category in the Division. SCCC was pretty far down the list in the Medium Club category in this one. Full results at the same web site as the 10 Meter Contest.
CQ has published the raw scores for the May WPX CW contest. These are the top ten before log checking in each category. You will find the scores here.
The FCC has put on public notice for comment a Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11843) that seeks a new Amateur Radio allocation at 40 MHz (8 meters) on a secondary basis. Hams on 40 MHz is not without precedent. Hams in Ireland are authorized there today. If the FCC were to ultimately approve an 8 meter allocation for U.S. hams, the band would be a very interesting one. Would it be included by contest committees for use in HF contesting or VHF? Probably not. As you know, 30 MHz and above is typically considered VHF. Propagation would presumably be similar to 6 meters but with more Sporadic-E openings. Stay tuned! More on this story can be found here
Strange but true...
If you are enjoying summer picnics, you might want to keep in mind the fact that there are 1,500 known species of fleas and 9,500 known species of ants. Then again, that might be a factoid you'd rather forget!
73 for now,
--Dennis NE6I
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If you are running N1MM+ contest logging software, you may run into an error when the program tries to check for updates or you manually make the check. There was a change to the web site (for example they moved to https which secures data transfer between the server and browsers) but did not rewrite the update routine in the software to reflect the change, at least at first. In my case, I got a 404 error, which is essentially a server not found message. To correct the problem, go to the N1MM web site. Download and run the lastest update file. This will update your copy of N1MM+ and resolve the issue. Note, if you are running Windows XP or (gasp) Vista, the N1MM+ auto update feature is not compatible with the new site. You will have to do manual updates going forward.
The WSJT-X development team has been busy in May and June. They have been working hard on the new FT4 contest mode. The current beta version is WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc7. It is not compatible with earlier release candidates that included FT4. A mock contest was held June 4 to test things out. Installation packages are available for Windows, Linux and macOS. More information can be found here. The software is available at the WSJT-X web site.
more
QRZ.com recently made available Two Factor Authentication. This increases security and can help thwart password hackers. The feature is optional for all users except sellers in the site's swapmeet section. The feature is mandatory for those users. To activate, log in to QRZ.com. Hover on your call in the upper right of the screen and select "Account." Near the top center, you will find a large button with the Two Factor Authentication option. That will take you to the setup screen. It can be configured to work with your cell phone or with a code generator if you don't have cell coverage where you normally use QRZ.
Honda has issued recalls on several models of its very popular portable generators. Models affected are EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EB2200i, colored red or camouflage. According to the notice, these generators can develop leaks from the fuel valve. Purchasers should take their units to an authorized Honda Power Equipment dealer for a free repair. More information at the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission web site.
Results of the 2018 ARRL 10 Meter Contest have been published. Dana, K6NR placed in the Top Ten USA SOHP CW category. John, K6MI took 5th USA SOU Mixed Mode QRP. Dave, N6AN and friend VA6DAF put the W6UE CalTech station in the top ten in the MSHP category. SCCC placed 6th in the Medium Club Category. Hats off to all those that tackled this very challenging HF contest at this point in the sunspot cycle! Full results at the ARRL contest results web site.
Also out now are the 2019 ARRL January VHF Contest results. Tim, N6GP took the top spot in the Limited Rover category in the Southwestern Division. Bruce, KG6IYN took 1st in the FM Only category in the Division. SCCC was pretty far down the list in the Medium Club category in this one. Full results at the same web site as the 10 Meter Contest.
CQ has published the raw scores for the May WPX CW contest. These are the top ten before log checking in each category. You will find the scores here.
The FCC has put on public notice for comment a Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11843) that seeks a new Amateur Radio allocation at 40 MHz (8 meters) on a secondary basis. Hams on 40 MHz is not without precedent. Hams in Ireland are authorized there today. If the FCC were to ultimately approve an 8 meter allocation for U.S. hams, the band would be a very interesting one. Would it be included by contest committees for use in HF contesting or VHF? Probably not. As you know, 30 MHz and above is typically considered VHF. Propagation would presumably be similar to 6 meters but with more Sporadic-E openings. Stay tuned! More on this story can be found here
Strange but true...
If you are enjoying summer picnics, you might want to keep in mind the fact that there are 1,500 known species of fleas and 9,500 known species of ants. Then again, that might be a factoid you'd rather forget!
73 for now,
--Dennis NE6I
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SCCC Monthly Poll
July 2019
Click here for results of past polls
Our June, 2019 poll was Have you ever operated a Dxpedition in a contest?" 25% said yes, as part of a multi-op DXpedition. 25% said no. 20% said yes, as a single op. Another 20% said no, but I would like to! And 10% said yes, both as a multi-op and as a single-op. Our May, 2019 poll was "Have you ever operated mobile or portable in a contest (not a DXpedition)? 35% said both, 35% said no, 20% said portable and 10% said mobile. Our April, 2019 poll was "For manual CW sending, what do you use?" 65% of our respondents said a keyer. 35% said contest software. 12% said a straight key
and 5% said a bug. 8% said other. Our March, 2019 poll was "What logging software do you use in contests?" 75% of our respondents said N1MM+. 10% said Writelog and another 10% said N3FJP. 5% each said
TRLog/TR4W, Win-test or other. Our February, 2019 poll was "Do you use high, low or QRP power in contests?" 56% of our respondents said high power. 21% said low power and 13% said QRP. Our January, 2019 poll was "What brand of radio to you use primarily in contests?" 25% of our respondents said Yaesu. 18.75% said Kenwood. 12.5% said Icom. 6.25% said Flex, & 43.75% said Other. We should have included Elecraft! Our December, 2018 poll was "Have you ever hosted a guest operator at your station?" 11% of our respondents said yes. 89% said no. Our November, 2018 poll was "Have you ever operated multi-op in a contest (home or away)?" 80% of our respondents said yes. 20% said no. Our October, 2018 poll was "What is your favorite contest mode?" 76% of our respondents favored CW. 12% favored SSB and 6% favored RTTY. 6% had no favorite mode. Our September, 2018 poll was "What is your favorite contest?" CQP took the top spot. CQWW DX, WPX, NA Sprint and Sweepstakes all tied for second.
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For Sale or Wanted
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WANTED
Looking for a good 6 meter amplifier. Prefer 1000 watts output or more continuous but will consider as low as 600 watts. Solid state or tube okay. Send details, pictures and asking price to NE6I via QRZ email address. Posted 9 June 2019 
West Mountain Radio RIGblaster Advantage
Purchased a couple of years ago but never used. West Mountain list price is $209.95. $100 + $10 shipping Seller: Jim, K6ZH jnprice [at] pacbell [dot] net Posted 3 March 2019 
Complete Kenwood TS-50 radio station. Radio and tuner have some scratches on the covers and the radio tuning knob has a small crack. The TS-50 front display panel lights are not working. Other than the panel lights I do not know of anything else wrong with the setup. It is being sold AS-IS. You can plug it into the wall or hook up to a battery. All interconnecting cables are included. Just open the case -- hook it up to your antenna--power it up and you are good to go! Included in the ZERO Centurion Elite water repellent case is-- Kenwood TS-50 with Kenwood Microphone and CAT interface (TTL converter NOT included) with mounting bracket. Kenwood AT-50 antenna tuner with connecting cable to TS-50 with mounting bracket. Tokyo Hy-Power 200A 200 watt antenna tuner. I used this for tuning antennas that the AT-50 is not designed for. Yaesu Switching Power Supply FP-757GX. I just used the entire setup for a contest and it worked great on everything from USB to FT8. I used the setup with a 30' end fed wire antenna that is not included. The weight of the loaded ZERO case is 43#. Case outer dimensions are 26" x 9" x 18". $595.00 Seller: Alan, AA6DW alan.corlin [at] gmail[dot]com Posted 9 Oct 2018 
I have a two year-old SteppIR DB36 with 80 M dipole option for sale. The stepper motors, controller, etc all work perfectly, and the boom and trombones/straight fiberglass poles are in good shape. You will likely need to replace some of the small parts (some bolts and Nylock nuts), but can have a working DB-36 for less than half of what it cost new. I'm selling the antenna because the trees near the antenna became so large that tilting it over was becoming impossible, and I purchased a DB-18E to replace it. I have some extra fiberglass poles that I will include, and I guarantee that the antenna will work (motors, etc.). Due to the weight and size, I'm thinking it's going to have to be a pickup in the San Diego area. I might be willing to remove the heat shrink couplings and try to box it if the buyer covers the shipping charges (FedEx ground). Asking $3500 for everything. Seller: Eric, NC6K egruff [at] cox[dot]net Posted 9 Oct 2018, renewed 3 Mar 2019 |
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State QSO Parties
2019
Contest University and Visalia Contest Academy Presentations - N6TV
June 2019
Bob, N6TV from the Northern California Contest Club has made available his 2019 Contest University and Visalia Contest Academy PowerPoint Presentations. These are some really good reads. Thanks, Bob!
Video: Beginners Guide to Contesting
June 2019
IARU HF World Championship Claimed Scores
July 2019
NO6T (KI6RRN) SOABMHP 1,829,310 KM6Z SOABCWLP 56,669
NT6Q (N5ZO) SOABACWHP 1,020,816 AI6V SOABMLP 46,208
N6AA SOABCWHP 651,651 NK6A SOABMLP 36,537
NC6K SOABAMHP 376,216 W6JBR SOABMHP 34,980
W4EF SOABCWHP 339,416 W6ZL SOABCWLP 28,072
W6TK SOABMHP 303,582 K6RO SOABMHP 27,081
K6JO SOABSSBHP 239,232 WA6URY SOABMHP 21,634
W6AX (K6AW) SOABACWHP 161,324 AI6O SOABCWLP 17,680
WN6K SOABCWLP 118,008 K6MUG SOABSSBLP 6,592
W6AYC SOABCWHP 113,475 WA7BNM SOABMLP 6,164
N6CW SOABCWAHP 80,234 N6HE SOABCWLP 2,337
K6NA SOABCWHP 62,335
AF1A (NA6MB, K6GO) MSABHP 164,670
ARRL Field Day Claimed Scores
June 2019
K0XP 1D LP 1,972 NC6K 1D HP 422
AI6DO 2B QRP 1,575 WA6URY 1D HP 406
W6ZL 1E LP 730 NE6I 1D LP 10
All Asian CW Claimed Scores
June 2019
K6NA SOABHP 237,897 WA6URY SOABHP 16,055
N5ZO SOABHP 173,558 K0XP SOSB40LP 6,327
W6AX (K6AW) SOABHP 66,230 W6ZL SOSB20LP 16
WN6K SOABHP 43,680
ARRL VHF June Claimed Scores
June 2019
W6IT SOLP 25,155 K6NA SO3BHP 612
N6GP/R SOHP 10,496 W6ZL SO3BLP 572
N6QQ SOHP 8,892 AI6O SO3BLP 368
AI6V/R LtdRLP 2,088 N6PM SOLP 270
NC6K SO3BHP 1,242 AI6DO SO3BLP 168
K6MUG SOABLP 1,054 NE6I SO3BLP 160
W6ZAR SO3BHP 924 N6IC SO 90
NI6E (NI6E + non-members AF6RT, KK6KPW) MOHP 25,641
CQ WPX CW Claimed Scores
May 2019
VY2TT (K6LA) SOABHP 14,344,461 W6QU (@W8QZA) SOABQRP 190,983
NO6T (KI6RRN) SOABHP 7,100,322 KU6CW (N6CW) SO(A)ABHP 162,306
KH7M (N6TJ) SOABHP 5,568,786 K6RO SO(A)ABHP 150,165
AK6W (K6AW) SO(A)ABHP 1,505,190 AI6V SOABLP-TBW 149,175
K6NR SOABHP 1,169,679 W6AYC SOSB20HP 146,278
NT6Q (N5ZO) SO(A)ABHP 1,143,000 W6ZL SOSB20LP-TBW 138,510
W6TK SOABHP 1,005,330 NK6A SOABHP 103,936
WA6KHK SO(A)ABHP 804,168 N6IC SOABHP 87,890
WN6K SOABLP 555,849 HP8/NC6Q SOABLP 52,608
W6YA SOABHP 523,128 AI6O SO(A)ABLP-TBW 47,859
KG7NV (K6ZH) SO(A)ABLP-TB 482,652 W6JBR SOABHP 45,541
WA6URY SOABHP 375,023 K0XP SOSB40LP 25,315
K6NA SOABHP 222,216 NI6W SO/ABHP 15,028
N6AA SOABHP 207,168 N6GP SOSB20LP 11,242
KM6Z SOABLP-TBW 206,421 WA7BNM SOSB20LP 6,138
AF6O (N6MI, AF6O) M/S HP 2,619,046
7th Area QSO Party Claimed Scores
May 2019
N6MU SOCWLP 95,370 N6HE SOMHP 17,632
AI6O SOCWLP 21,060 WA6URY SOMHP 3,444
KK6M SOACWHP 18,315
