FFMA Activator

Robert, W5AJ DM70/DM71 line. May 2022

I have decided to offer an award to show appreciation for the efforts and operating skills of those that go out and activate FFMA grids for us.

These operators jump through hoops for us and just about the only recognition they get for this are a few thank yous.

The Award is structured by means of competition where activations that have the most impact to the FFMA Leader Board participants are rewarded. This should provide good ground work to assess the efforts and skills of the operator and allow others/prospective activators to model after their success.

Click here for the Rules

Click here for Current Standings

NA Meteor Scatter Sprint Re-Cap

We saw more participation than expected in the first run of this contest. Especially given the short notice about the event.

The final results have been posted.

A number of issues were identified and will be addressed in the next iteration of this event.

I had concerns about including 6 meters in the contest, but felt that the likelihood of a band opening was slim so late in the season. Well, it proved me wrong.

The 6 meter openings that occurred throughout the duration of this event really had a negative impact on the contest and it became difficult to identify the difference between MS and Es contacts made on 6 meters.

All issues aside, the event was successful thanks to those that participated.

Using examples from similar events and suggestions from participants, I am currently putting together the revised MS event and will be presenting it soon.

Thanks to everyone that helped me put this together, participants in the event, and for all the recommendations for improvement.

North American Meteor Scatter Sprint (Digital)

Meteor Scatter Propagation

Meteor Scatter is a great propagation mode to utilize on VHF. With every major meteor shower is an increase in activity on the VHF bands and I often see many newcomers trying out the mode for the first time as well.

With help from many avid VHFers, I have put together a meteor scatter contest covering the 50, 144, and 222 MHz bands for the upcoming 2022 Perseids meteor shower peak in August. All are welcome to participate.

Operating and Contest Rules

This event is intended to be fun for those involved. Log checking will be similar to the “Honor System” used for CSVHF Sprints.

Official contest rules: North American Meteor Scatter Sprint

N1MM UDC: N1MM – VHF_NAMSS.UDC

Please check contest rules and N1MM UDC for revisions 48 hrs. before start of contest.

Special Award

For this inaugural event, Bill Ockert, ND0B, has offered to supply a walnut inlaid oak callsign plaque to the winner of each category with 3 or more participants.

In the event of a tie, I ask that one participant defer to the other, otherwise I will flip a coin to decide which person receives the plaque.