Contest Season is Upon Us!

10/19/2016

We are entering the busiest time for the contest season. Check the WA7BNM Contest Calendar to get the latest condensed details such as contest dates/times, exchange info, submission location, and links to the sponsor’s webpage.

Upcoming big ones….
CQ WW phone and CW
ARRL Sweepstakes
ARRL 160M and 10M

The W9-area records have been updated with the 2015 results for the CQWW SSB and CW Sweepstakes. Keep an eye on the SMC Area Records page for updates in the other contests.

SMC has been a previous winner in the SS and ARRL 160 contests. You might give some thought to setting the time aside with your family calendar. This is also a good time to get your antennas ready. The weather has been great for antenna work but this can change rapidly.

We will be encouraging you to get on the air for SS in particular. Propagation is soon to be favoring the midwest with earlier 40m openings. A low 40m dipole is an important antenna to get ready.

The ARRL 160 is also going to be a good one from the Black Hole. Think about getting a inverted L up before it gets nasty. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well this simple antenna works, even with just a few short radials.