10/12/2004 | W9FZ Had a great time in both weekends. First weekend was on Michigan's UP operation on the Keweenaw Peninsula. We had many more operators than last year which increased the fun. We knew that increased numbers of operators would increase frequency congestion and slow down QSO rates. Our planned solution was to use two frequencies separated by 2MHz. While that had worked for some initial tests in the Twin Cities, it was not satisfactory for all stations operating in close physical proximity. (Our plan is to break up into 2 or more groups about 10 miles apart next year.) Although the QSO's were slower, we still had a good time.

Poor/non-existent liaison was our biggest failing. Conditions were at times good, at times fair, and at times poor. Better liaison during the fair and poor times would have let more people achieve more goals. For instance, KF9US setup to operate about 70 miles downshore. We were not able to work him on 10G and he was not able to work the opposite shore mostly due to nonexistent liaison with the North Shore. We're working on improving that for nest year. Another failing was frequency accuracy. We missed some Q's on account of not being on the frequency we thought we were.

The sheer number of people involved and the level activity was really rewarding and motivating.

The second weekend I operated in North Dakota's Red River Valley. More photos and text of that portion are available at:
http://w9fz.com/ham/10g20042nd.html

I'm really proud of what we're accomplishing in the upper midwest.
Wait till next year! -- W9FZ