Kelvin:

I really like this proposed method of doing split frequency operation!

Will definitely give it a try before our big week-end in late February!

One thing I learned yesterday is that if you hold some sort of official
position with the League, such as a volunteer examiner which I am, you can
actually operate the centennial event using your own call as a VE, so that
you can give points to anyone willing to contact you.

This is something I may try on some week-end before I do the real thing with
W1AW/8, just to try out the logging software and split operation method.

Will keep you and everyone posted.

Thanks again for the great suggestion on split frequency operation.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 8:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: W1AW Centennial operations

Hi Tom,

I agree that some practice will be a very good thing.  I think that with the
number of folk calling, you could even start on split, but practising moving
from simplex to split will stand you in good stead.

Something you could try, is to set the finger dimple in the tuning knob to a
known position.  Let me explain.  If I operate split on SSB, I guess the
usual split is 5 kilohertz up.  With the rig correctly setup for split
operation, I lock the rig and rotate the tuning dial until it is at the
bottom, in the 6 o'clock position.  I then unlock the rig.  This means I can
then easily tune between 5 and 10 up, purely by touch, and I can immediately
get back to the 5 up position, without having to listen to any output from
the rig.  This works if you are running the frequency or just calling in.

My main type of operating is S&P DX, and nearly all CW DX contacts are
working split.  They will probably be listening between 1 and 3 kilohertz
up, and if I have the finger dimple set at the 6 o'clock position, I can
easily turn the dial between the 6  and 9 o'clock positions, and know I'm
transmitting in the right area!

Hopefully, you can just use 5 up, and there will be no need to ask the
callers to spread out!

Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID

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