[bars] December Thoughts

[Larry Krainson]

I submitted this too late to make the December newsletter. Here it is now,
by itself.


December has always been a month where you do things for others. Most
charities are looking for donations, Toys for Tots is going strong, Food
Shelters are looking for extra food donations. It is a very good time for
people to donate their money and time in many possible ways.

December is also a great time for you to help out fellow hams. To help them
get comfortable with their equipment, to get on HF for the first time or
possibly even to get on VHF for the first time. To help the new hams or any
hams with whatever help they need.

The old term for this “help” was called Elmering. The newer term is called
Mentoring and is a much more modern and appropriate word.

What does this have to do with you? The December ARRL 10 meter contest
(December 11-12, Friday at 0000z – 7:00pm to Sunday at 2359z – 6:59pm) has
long been an HCRA (Hampden County Radio Association out here in Western MA
– think Springfield area) favorite. For years and years, club members
participate and have fun making many contacts on 10 on both SSB and CW.
Digital modes such as FT8 and others are not allowed in this contest.

The goal is to work as many stations as possible and only once per mode.
The report is simple as it is just 59 WMA or 59 CT for SSB or 599 WMA or
599 CT for CW.

There are a number of logging programs with N3FJP or N1MM being two of the
est and easiest to use.

   1.

   *http://n3fjp.com/10meter.html <http://n3fjp.com/10meter.html>*
   2.

   *https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/ <https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/>*

The ARRL 10m Contest is a perfect time to get newer hams into your shack
and to help get them on the air. It’s a great introduction to contesting
without it being so madcap crazy. It’s a perfect time to instruct someone
how to make a contact and have someone log for them or instruct them how to
log at the same time. It’s a perfect contest to coach newer hams on making
contacts. It’s similar to Field Day but with less stations.

Do you know of someone who would like to visit and possibly get on the air?
Open your station to them!

Participating in this contest is great fun and a great time to get on the
air. Don’t miss out.

*Mentor a newer ham today. Help get them on the air for the 10m contest
December 11-12th.*

Here are the full rules: *http://www.arrl.org/10-meter
<http://www.arrl.org/10-meter>*

Another annual ARRL operating event happens on New Years Eve. It’s called
Straight Key Night or SKN for short. SKN is a CW only activity. It runs New
Years Eve from 7:00 pm for 24 hours to 6:59 pm the next day. The goal is to
make at least one contact with a straight key, not a keyer. Have an actual
Qso. Make it more than 599 EMA and 73. Give yourself the time to enjoy the
Qso in a non-rushed way.

Here are the full rules for SKN: *http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night
<http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night>*

This is always a fun night to get on and make a few cw contacts that are
slower and more conversational.

I hope to hear you all on the air for both events.

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday season.

Best 73,

Larry, W1AST

   - W1AST at arrl.net
   - HCRA President
   - Visit my Ham Radio club website at: www.HCRA.org
   <http://www.hcra.org/>
   - Team K2H - 13 Colonies Massachusetts State Manager - ask to be an op
   for July 2022
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