Get on Six Meters - Contesting

Welcome to another of my Get On Six Meter videos. In this video I take a look at the ARRL June VHF QSO Party contest and Scotts, N3FJP, contesting software. If you have seen my previous videos you have been introduced to six meters and have seen an example of simple six meter dipole that I have built.

I show you how to find the contesting section on the ARRL website to find out the details and rules of the VHF contest. Here is the link to the Contest Calendar page. You can find this, and other, contests from here

http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html

Next I introduce you to the N3FJP contest logging software. This software was recommended by many of the members of the Northern California Contest Club for contest beginners. The software is not free, but inexpensive at $10, or $39 for all of his contest loggers. He also has a general non-contest logging program. There is other free contesting software, but I thought they were a bit more complex for the new contester. You can install the program without registering and try it out with a limit of 30 QSOs. You can download the program and register from this link.

http://www.n3fjp.com/

The software installs easily and I show you the basics of setting it up. I demonstrate how to use the program by entering a few sample calls and grid squares.
You will need to know your grid square. ARRL has page full of resources for you to use to determine your grid square.

http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html

I hope this helps get you going for the contest and to see if you can work some of the guys on six meters. Enjoy the band and let me know how six works out for you.

Randy

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• K7AGE
• ham
• amateur
• radio
• hamradio
• ARRL
• field
• day
• VHF
• contest
• kenwood
• yaesu
• icom
• dipole
• N3FJP

[sonick808]

Hey Randy, it's been awhile!

I was wondering, what size/encoding was this video before you uploaded it to youtube ? I have never seen a more crisp video on YT so I am extremely curious what settings you are using.

Also, just wanted to ping you; it's been awhile.

73 de KE7VZW

[K7AGE]

I forget what rate I encode at. I'm not near the editing computer. Many of these files now are 250+ MB when I upload.

[jssawyer1993]

Hiya Randy, not really a radio related question but video related!!

what software do you use to edit your videos ass they are really professsional looking!!

73's

M3VJO

Jonathan

[K7AGE]

I use Sony Vegas Pro software.

[kc2jfs]

Randy,

Great video as are all of them. You might consider showing how to use the N3FJP software while it is hooked up to your radio. It allows for spotting and automatic rig control to qsy. Just a thought. Thanks for great stuff.

[K7AGE]

Yes that is possible, but I just wanted to keep it simple and not be real long.

[YamaBushiChaplain]

Hi Randy:

Myself I never used 6 meter, newer handheld units offer this band. How far can I go on 6 meter and what would be an good antenna for a handheld (3-Band) 6, 2 meter & 70 cm unit / instead the standard rubber antenna ?

A happy Xmas season & best wishes to you for 2010.

73, KJ6ARR / JR2FJI

[JohnYoga]

Hi Randy,

I MUST remember to get on 6 meters for FD this year...You are right the newer rigs have 6 meters. I never made a contact on that band...

KA3DNR

[jichus1]

thanks for the new vid on 6 thanks to your video im working on gettin on 6

73

KC9PXZ

Norwalk WI

[kekejojo1212]

Hey Randy, I just passed both my tech and general exams yesterday, and ive really enjoyed your videos. Learning about PSK31, 6 meters, and even looking at your QSL cards has been interesting and educational.

Look forward to seeing more videos and maybe on the air!

[washdirtydog]

Hi Randy,

Thanks for the recent videos on 6m operating. Another 6m contest coming up soon is the June 20-21 SMIRK contest.

Operators can get info at the web site and info on how to get their SMIRK number.

I use the FJP logging for all my operating.

See you on the "Magic Band"....73,

Scott KK7CQ Smirk #98 in DM33

[KC0NDR]

Going to try this in June with my FT-817ND with dipole I have made

73

Roger

KC0NDR