August 2002
Articles from the
August 2002 issue of CQ posted on our
website include:
The August issue of CQ includes the much-anticipated results of last year’s SSB weekend of the CQ World Wide DX Contest – the world’s biggest ham radio contest – along with two other contest-related articles that should really get lots of people excited about joining the fun in this year’s CQ World Wide in the fall (SSB on October 26-27, CW on November 23-24; rules will be posted next month).
D44TC, operating from the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa, won the multi-operator, single transmitter category worldwide and set a new world record in the process. Frequent CQ contributor Henryk Kotowski, SM0JHF, went along to document the operation in words and photos, and his photo essay on “How to Win ‘The Contest’ ” is our lead feature. Henryk also shot this month’s cover photo.
Next, we’ve got the contest results themselves, with expanded results here on the CQ website. These include: Expanded “QRM” (operator comments); Station Operators at Multi-op Stations; Top Scores in Very Active Zones; Zone Leaders (Single Op); and expanded Team Contesting results.
Back in the magazine, Bob Konior, K4RFK, brings us a different twist on entering ham radio contests, in “Contesting for the Non-Contester.” Bob is more of a DXer than a contester and was put off from contesting by the tedium of filling out logs, doing dupe sheets and mailing it all in to the contest sponsor … until he discovered easy-to-use contest logging software and the fact that most of the big-time programs offer limited function or outdated versions on the web for free – a perfect way for the “I don’t know if I want to be a contester” person to get started. Bob also points out the importance of submitting a log if you do participate, even if it’s only to help the score checkers confirm the contacts that other people made with you. (Bob’s article contains many web links. Click here for a complete listing.)
Beyond the world of contesting, we’ve got a look at some of the hot new stuff that was introduced at last month’s Dayton Hamvention, plus a review by N2OZ of Heil Sound’s new line of microphones designed especially for ICOM radios.
Our regular columns are as interesting as ever this month, starting with “Math’s Notes,” in which WA2NDM discovers some Unique Applications for Voltage Regulators. If you thought they were only good for regulating voltage … think again, and read Irwin’s column.
“Washington Readout” editor Fred Maia, W5YI, goes into the history behind the FCC’s recent proposal to create two new amateur bands, one at 5 MHz in the high frequency spectrum and another, called a “sliver” band because it’s only 2.1 kilohertz wide(!), down in the low frequency part of the spectrum at 136 kilohertz. The comment deadline on this proposal is July 29th. All comments should be submitted electronically through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System on the World Wide Web. Go to http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html, click on “Submit a Filing” and follow the instructions. You must identify the Proceeding as ET Docket 02-98.
In August’s “Public Service” column, Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, looks at public service applications of repeater linking via the internet, using such systems as IRLP and WIRES. “Beginner’s Corner” Editor Peter O’Dell, WB2D, reminds us that it’s hurricane season and takes us back ten years to Hurricane Andrew, then covers ham radio’s important role in keeping forecasters well-informed.
Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, offers up three “quickbrew” projects in his “QRP” column this month, and in his “World of Ideas” column, Dave takes his annual look at crystal sets.
In this month’s “Radio Classics” column, Joe Veras, N4QB, reports on the old-time goodies that were available in the Dayton flea market – and comes to the conclusion that it was a great flea market this year because he found what he was looking for! Satellite Editor Phil Chien, KC4YER, walks us through the ongoing debate between hams who favor FM on satellites and those who want CW and single sideband only.
“VHF-Plus” Editor Joe Lynch, N6CL, wonders whether the Perseids meteor shower is on its way from being the major meteor event of the summer each August to just another minor shower. Plus, he brings us a preview of the summer issue of CQ VHF, which will be in the mail to subscribers in early August.
Back in the world of HF, DX Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, calls on readers to have a little more pride in their operating skills – and to make sure their operating is something to be proud of! Contesting Editor John Dorr, K1AR, looks at some of the sport’s “other flavors,” such as mobile contesting; and Propagation Editor Tomas Hood, NW7US, explains the federal government’s new way of reporting on geophysical alerts.
Zero Bias
"Tent
Stakes and
Tupperware"
Website Links
Contesting for
Non-Contesters
What You've
Told Us
(Survey Results)
