Quote from: KF5RHI on March 19, 2014, 08:35:14 AM
Sure, I can do that!  Maybe I can put together a walk-thru guide, step-by-step, by the numbers how to log contacts and upload them to LOTW.  Would anyone else find that helpful?

I would.  I think I have it figured out but sure would like to see if I'm doing it right or if there's a better way.

Quote from: KK0G on March 18, 2014, 08:52:24 PM
I decided that the benefit to pain in the ass ratio clearly wasn't worth it to me.

Quotable!  I'm pretty well at the same spot it's just that I guess I'm just needing to see my call sign listed.  That's certainly not the focus of my interest but what the heck, I need to dip my toe in all the pools to see what I like.

Apparently, LOTW is pretty concerned about site security.  I'm not a programmer but I noticed that they use the same kind of certificate download, etc that the FBI does for the eNICS.  I'm an FFL and their(FBI) security is a pain.  LOTW uses something similar it seems. 

On a side note, Gil, if I want to make a post that I'm going to be getting on in case anyone wants to make a contact, where should I post that?  General Discussion, Nets, TX ...? 

Anytime you are going to be available and want to set up a contact, let me know.  I can be available Friday evening and my weekend schedule is flexible so just let me know.  I think it would be great to have some regular contacts with the great folks on the forum.

Well I just got /8 on 20 meters - 4th try in a pretty big pileup.  I'm surprised I'm getting in so consistently.  There's certainly nothing powerful about my set up.  100 watts over a do-it-all antenna that's really way too low.  My only guess is that my voice is so obnoxious that they just want me to go away!   ::)

I'm thinking of doing something similar - I want to put up a VHF/UHF antenna but I've got HOA restrictions so I need to "tone it down" a little".  I was looking at a Comet GP-1 because of the smaller footprint.  The steel fence posts look like a good idea if I even use a mast.  I was thinking about mounting it of the eave edge on the back of the garage so that might be an option for support.  Thanks for the ideas!

BTW, see my thread in New to Radio/ W1AW.  I've got a question for ya.

That's gonna be an awesome 2 meter antenna!  I don't think you'll have any problem getting some distance out of it especially for the local repeaters.  Nice.

Same here.  I just came across him calling CQ and he sounded kinda lonely so I went for it.

I guess now I need to figure out LOTW so I can see my QSLs.  I think I made some strides today.

NWARadio, the other day you made a post that you were getting on the radio and were going to be on xxx.xx frequency.  I think I'd like to see that more often so that members here can make some contacts that might develop into regular schedules.  I guess the question is really for Gil in that is it OK to do that on a regular basis and, if so, where to post it, forum-wise.

Quote from: cockpitbob on March 15, 2014, 10:24:51 PM
Are you checking dxsummit.fi?  I've only been watching the CW spots but W1AW/8 seems to be there most of the day.  I have to imagine the SSB crew is also there.

I ended up using it a lot.  It proved to be pretty useful.

I didn't hear or see much out of W1AW/8 until later last night on 40 meters.  I tried to get in but just couldn't break through the pile up.  40 meters was pretty noisy to begin with but I'm not sure if that's normal for the band or just a function of my setup.

Woohoo!  Just got a 12 meter contact with W1AW/7.  I got through first call which is really surprising me how easy I'm getting in.  I know it's just TX<>AZ but I'm not having to repeat anything at all.  So cool.

Moving to 10 meters....     :)


EDIT:  Just added 17 meters.    :) 8)

I'm using a Chameleon - 

http://chameleonantenna.com/MOBILE%20ANTENNA/Chameleon%20HYBRID/Chameleon%20HYBRID.html

The reason I selected this was that it could be hung under the eaves and then the wire stretched out from there to keep me out of the HOA radar, it covers 160-6 as I didn't know what I'd end up using most and it got 5/5 reviews on Eham.   It's very similar to the one the Gil suggested just commercially made.

Of course, I've no experience with any other base antenna but it sure seems to work well on receive. 

Archangel, that's hilarious!  I can see where I'm getting better.  My palms were sweating a little on that first contact but I'm improving rapidly.

KF5RHI, pm sent.

Thanks for all the great replies!  I think I'll make a few more stabs at W1AW in the coming days and weeks.  As you say, it seems a good place to stretch my legs and overcome any mike fright I have.

cockpitbob, I really don't mind the contests but frankly I don't see the fun in it.  But to each their own.  Thanks for the website, looks interesting.  And yes Ayn Rand is a "little verbose" like Texas summers are a "tad warm".   ::)

FF5RHI, good lawd!! you're logbook is growing.  Let's make another contact soon.

Archangel, thanks for the encouragement.  I'm glad now that I've done so much listening before grabbing the mike.  Just listening to some olpharts ragchew I pick up a tidbit here and there.

When I first got my HF rig set up in late December, the active bands were 160-80-40 for the most part because I was on well after dark.  Now, I'm starting to see the other bands a lot more active in the evening.  Although, I think my ultimate interest is NVIS, it is way cool hearing Japan, Australia, Slovenia, etc.

As I have posted before, I have only made two contacts to date, one of them being KF5RHI.  I normally spend some time in the evenings in my garage just tuning around to listen to various conversations, nets, etc.  Recently, W1AW has been doing the centennial thing and is usually something I avoid because of the pile ups that ensue.

Last night about 6:30, I was spinning the dial on 15 meters and there was W1AW but without the usual pile ups.  He was "portable 7" but I didn't get his exact location.  Well, I hit the tune button and answered and he came right back!!  It was pretty cool hearing my call sign.

About 20 minutes later, I heard W1AW on 20 meters out of Arizona but with the usual pile up.  Emboldened by my earlier success, I went for it again.  It took two or three tries but I got through again!  And that's against all the stations running amps, etc.

I thought all that was pretty cool.  I've put all my "stuff" together without the benefit of an elmer - just what I've picked up from books and places like this forum.  So I felt a little validated knowing that my stuff actually works.

Maybe we need a separate forum for skeds.

I can see it now:

    Radio Preppers » General Category » Skeds

SNPH¹ seeking like minded individuals to enter into casual but regular contacts.  Long term relationships a plus but not required.  Tranny² preferred as SWLs³ need not apply.  Interested parties should post picture of their rig.

1- Southern NVIS Phone Ham
2- Tranceiver
3- Short Wave Listeners


;D ;D :o

Frequency?