Adventurous QRPers needed
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This is for all of you who love to go out and get away portable, QRP.
I am a person who has become involved in ultra marathon running. For those of you who aren't familiar. Ultra marathons are anything over 26.2 miles (marathon distance). They are usually 100 mile races, with 50 mile distance included, and also 50 kilometers (31 miles). It has come to my attention that Ultra Marathons have difficulty getting support from ham radio. Most of this reason is laziness. Most hams just want to go out and play with their radios for a few hours. They aren't willing to go out and provide support all night long. They aren't willing to go to difficult places. The kind of places you can only hike into. Or perhaps ride a horse into. Also these Ultra's last for 31 hours or more. Bear in mind! I really don't think the Ultra people are looking for the kind of support that just makes things more convenient. They are looking for communications when it is most needed. Perhaps starting half way through the race. To provide communications when things get dangerous for the runners. Things can get very ugly for the runners. If one of them drops, they might not get up. This is what the Ultra community worries about in "support". Also bear in mind. There are many places where it isn't that difficult to get to. But it certainly is out in the boonies. Where cell phones don't work. This is something that HF used locally would be the best solution. I know that Ultra's have learned to get along without ham support. It can get difficult without communication. People do get hurt. They have a term in Ultra running called DNF. Many people DNF. DNF means; Did Not Finish. They also have another understanding of that term. It means; Did Nothing Fatal. This is something that has just come to my attention in trying to drum up hams to support an Ultra. Also told the same difficulty has happened elsewhere and they gave up on the hams. So I really don't know...there may be Ultra's out there that have good support from some hams? I'm wondering if there would be an interest in providing support for any of these races? This is something where small QRP rigs would be best suited. This would be doing something that is serious support. Not just playing with your radio to help keep things organized. I confess, I haven't addressed this to the Adventure Radio Society itself... yet. Just wondering. I know there are many on here who have the ability, and sense of adventure to get out there. Ron Pyle kc0qxu Hot Springs, SD When being chased by a bear. You don't have to outrun the bear. You just have to outrun the other guy. Beware of kisses from Pit Bulls...They might have the flu... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Gee, very long hours over 2 days, difficult working conditions, no pay or
recognition, and $3.50 gas to support a tiny handful of people who intentionally put themselves at risk...I'm surprised hams aren't lined up around the block for this one, Ron. Eric KE6US Lazy Ham www.ke6us.com -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 6:02 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Adventurous QRPers needed This is for all of you who love to go out and get away portable, QRP. I am a person who has become involved in ultra marathon running. For those of you who aren't familiar. Ultra marathons are anything over 26.2 miles (marathon distance). They are usually 100 mile races, with 50 mile distance included, and also 50 kilometers (31 miles). It has come to my attention that Ultra Marathons have difficulty getting support from ham radio. Most of this reason is laziness. Most hams just want to go out and play with their radios for a few hours. They aren't willing to go out and provide support all night long. They aren't willing to go to difficult places. The kind of places you can only hike into. Or perhaps ride a horse into. Also these Ultra's last for 31 hours or more. Bear in mind! I really don't think the Ultra people are looking for the kind of support that just makes things more convenient. They are looking for communications when it is most needed. Perhaps starting half way through the race. To provide communications when things get dangerous for the runners. Things can get very ugly for the runners. If one of them drops, they might not get up. This is what the Ultra community worries about in "support". _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ron-72
Aw, Eric, I was just getting excited about supporting the thing 'til you
went and brought reality back into the picture (LOL!!!) Actually, I'd think a K2/SSB/ATU/Battery would be a great rig for this sort of thing. Put up an NVIS antenna for 40 or 80 and away you go. Of course, what do you do when there is nothing happening? Now if the support technique was to ride through the course on a Honda dirt bike then it might be a little more exciting :-) It could be pretty boring. I once worked as a security guard at a construction site. The 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift was brutal. Your job was to just stay awake! - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of EricJ Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 9:25 AM To: 'Ron'; [hidden email] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Adventurous QRPers needed Gee, very long hours over 2 days, difficult working conditions, no pay or recognition, and $3.50 gas to support a tiny handful of people who intentionally put themselves at risk...I'm surprised hams aren't lined up around the block for this one, Ron. Eric KE6US Lazy Ham www.ke6us.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ron-72
On 5/12/06, Ron <[hidden email]> wrote:
> It has come to my attention that Ultra Marathons have difficulty getting support from ham radio. Most of this reason is laziness. I don't know how it is now but 15 years ago, when I lived in Utah, I worked the Wasatch 100 Miler with the Salt Lake ARC and there seemed to be no shortage of volunteers willing to drive several miles up in the mountains and stay to the end. All you need is an active club. Bob Baxter aa7eq _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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> I don't know how it is now but 15 years ago, when I lived in Utah, I
> worked the Wasatch 100 Miler with the Salt Lake ARC and there seemed > to be no shortage of volunteers willing to drive several miles up in > the mountains and stay to the end. All you need is an active club. Bob > Baxter aa7eq That sounds great! I don't know why hams wouldn't want to go camp out in the mountains (here it is the Hills) and work their radios in shifts? Our club here is rather small. Everything here is small. We have old and young members. Not much in the middle. We do seem to be active...just not where stress is involved... hehe. I'm hoping to get ahold of some of the young members and get them interested. Our repeater will hit most places here in the southern hills. I still think the most reliable communication system from anywhere along an Ultra course is with HF. Set up the antenna to hit locally. Easiest setup. A few guys with K1's or KX1's even on foot could be killer communications. >From anywhere! Ron Pyle kc0qxu Hot Springs, SD When being chased by a bear. You don't have to outrun the bear. You just have to outrun the other guy. Beware of kisses from Pit Bulls...They might have the flu... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ron-72
Gee Ron,
I'm just guessing, here, but I imagine there might be the odd ham who would be somewhat put off being called lazy just because he chose to enjoy his hobby his way. And while I'm at it, starting out with a statement like that seems like a poor way to gin up interest. 73, Tom, KJ3D -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 9:02 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Adventurous QRPers needed This is for all of you who love to go out and get away portable, QRP. I am a person who has become involved in ultra marathon running. For those of you who aren't familiar. Ultra marathons are anything over 26.2 miles (marathon distance). They are usually 100 mile races, with 50 mile distance included, and also 50 kilometers (31 miles). It has come to my attention that Ultra Marathons have difficulty getting support from ham radio. Most of this reason is laziness. Most hams just want to go out and play with their radios for a few hours. They aren't willing to go out and provide support all night long. They aren't willing to go to difficult places. The kind of places you can only hike into. Or perhaps ride a horse into. Also these Ultra's last for 31 hours or more. Bear in mind! I really don't think the Ultra people are looking for the kind of support that just makes things more convenient. They are looking for communications when it is most needed. Perhaps starting half way through the race. To provide communications when things get dangerous for the runners. Things can get very ugly for the runners. If one of them drops, they might not get up. This is what the Ultra community worries about in "support". Also bear in mind. There are many places where it isn't that difficult to get to. But it certainly is out in the boonies. Where cell phones don't work. This is something that HF used locally would be the best solution. I know that Ultra's have learned to get along without ham support. It can get difficult without communication. People do get hurt. They have a term in Ultra running called DNF. Many people DNF. DNF means; Did Not Finish. They also have another understanding of that term. It means; Did Nothing Fatal. This is something that has just come to my attention in trying to drum up hams to support an Ultra. Also told the same difficulty has happened elsewhere and they gave up on the hams. So I really don't know...there may be Ultra's out there that have good support from some hams? I'm wondering if there would be an interest in providing support for any of these races? This is something where small QRP rigs would be best suited. This would be doing something that is serious support. Not just playing with your radio to help keep things organized. I confess, I haven't addressed this to the Adventure Radio Society itself... yet. Just wondering. I know there are many on here who have the ability, and sense of adventure to get out there. Ron Pyle kc0qxu Hot Springs, SD When being chased by a bear. You don't have to outrun the bear. You just have to outrun the other guy. Beware of kisses from Pit Bulls...They might have the flu... _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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I for one am not lazy and love to go portable.. but can't because of
health. I have diebetics, leg ulcers, and the past 2 years has been pure hell for me. Some days I'm doing good just to get from one room to the next. This summer I at least hope to go out on the deck and set up a semi-portable rig. I am getting better tho, lots better, I can go out for short peroids of time and fly R/C gliders. Have to sit down to fly and have to have some buddies help me, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and its getting brighter. Don't know why I had to say that but oh well. There are a few guys out there that know me and what I've been going thru. Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Skinner" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 2:33 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Adventurous QRPers needed > Gee Ron, > > I'm just guessing, here, but I imagine there might be the odd ham who > would > be somewhat put off being called lazy just because he chose to enjoy his > hobby his way. > > And while I'm at it, starting out with a statement like that seems like a > poor way to gin up interest. > > 73, > > Tom, KJ3D > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron > Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 9:02 AM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: [Elecraft] Adventurous QRPers needed > > This is for all of you who love to go out and get away portable, QRP. > > I am a person who has become involved in ultra marathon running. For those > of you who aren't familiar. Ultra marathons are anything over 26.2 miles > (marathon distance). They are usually 100 mile races, with 50 mile > distance > included, and also 50 kilometers (31 miles). > > It has come to my attention that Ultra Marathons have difficulty getting > support from ham radio. Most of this reason is laziness. Most hams just > want > to go out and play with their radios for a few hours. They aren't willing > to > go out and provide support all night long. They aren't willing to go to > difficult places. The kind of places you can only hike into. Or perhaps > ride > a horse into. Also these Ultra's last for 31 hours or more. Bear in mind! > I > really don't think the Ultra people are looking for the kind of support > that > just makes things more convenient. They are looking for communications > when > it is most needed. Perhaps starting half way through the race. To provide > communications when things get dangerous for the runners. Things can get > very ugly for the runners. If one of them drops, they might not get up. > This > is what the Ultra community worries about in "support". > > Also bear in mind. There are many places where it isn't that difficult to > get to. But it certainly is out in the boonies. Where cell phones don't > work. This is something that HF used locally would be the best solution. > > I know that Ultra's have learned to get along without ham support. It can > get difficult without communication. People do get hurt. They have a term > in > Ultra running called DNF. Many people DNF. DNF means; Did Not Finish. They > also have another understanding of that term. It means; Did Nothing Fatal. > > This is something that has just come to my attention in trying to drum up > hams to support an Ultra. Also told the same difficulty has happened > elsewhere and they gave up on the hams. So I really don't know...there may > be Ultra's out there that have good support from some hams? > > I'm wondering if there would be an interest in providing support for any > of > these races? This is something where small QRP rigs would be best suited. > This would be doing something that is serious support. Not just playing > with > your radio to help keep things organized. > > I confess, I haven't addressed this to the Adventure Radio Society > itself... > yet. Just wondering. I know there are many on here who have the ability, > and > sense of adventure to get out there. > > > > > Ron Pyle > kc0qxu > Hot Springs, SD > When being chased by a bear. You don't have to outrun the bear. You just > have to outrun the other guy. > Beware of kisses from Pit Bulls...They might have the flu... > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ron-72
Hi Ron and all,
The MS 150 bike races down here I think draw over 10,000 people and are two days. One my son (W2MBY) and myself (W2MY) participated in for comms was from Houston to Austin. It takes a lot of planning, and a large part of the course is in a no-mans land, but the race organization provides overnight accommodations at the midpoint. The public service ham orgs down here seem to be plenty able and willing to help any race that is well organized. Perhaps you should look at your own organization to see why hams won't do it. It could just be a matter like insurance, or not having the local or state police and medical services involved for support for the 100 mile distance or not having enough professionals involved in its organization. I don't think the reason for a large ham public service organization saying no would be laziness. If you are looking for a group of hams not organized or used to doing any sort of public service work or not trained for public service that might be a different story. Down here hams are being taken seriously as they could be the only means of communication during the next hurricane, and we are pretty well organized also. Steve, W2MY Corpus Christi -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.6/336 - Release Date: 5/10/2006 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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