Grid Square importance on HF

[peter.f...@gmail.com]

Hi All,

Do major grid square designators (e.g. CN87) mean much to HF operators?  I know satellite operators care and rare grid squares are highly desirable even for satellite contacts.  

The reason I ask is if weather conditions permit, I'll be traveling from Seattle to Nome (grid AP74) then on to Koyuk, AK (AP94) and possibly making it up to AP95 next week and into the weekend.  I'll be there for a work project and pretty busy while I am there but I should have some down time and may have room for a radio or two in my bags.  

I know it is extremely rare that a ham would be in the region (both grid AP94 and AP95 have a population 400-600) and I'm toying with either bringing my KX2 for some 20m or 40m SSB attempts, or looking to borrow an Arrow or Elk Yagi for some satellite attempts in an effort to support folks who chase rare activations/contacts. 

Anyone in the PNW VHF group have some thoughts on this? 

Peter, K3OG

[Grant Hopper]

I think they do.

Not long ago, I was thinking about what makes FT-8 interesting and at the same time I had been reading about how a 'new' thing for some hams is attempting to work every grid that is possible (ARRL's "Great grid chase" was what brought this to my attention, but it certainly predates the ARRL promoting their thing. 

Of course working ALL grids is probably impossible for any one ham, but gives one something to strive for.  For me, it gave me a reason to turn the radio on more and to work not just digital modes but to consider every contact to be something that moved me closer to a goal as well as making it more fun.  I really do get a bit excited when the prospect of a new grid reveals itself regardless of mode.

I have AO63 and AP83 confirmed (and AO11 unconfirmed) so AP74 and 94 would be nice to add to the list.  I'd certainly buy you a beer for your efforts.

73,

Grant

KB7WSD

--
~The Voice of the Pacific NorthWest VHF Society~
You are subscribed to the Google Groups "PNWVHFS" group.
To post to this group, send email to PNW...@googlegroups.com
To read message history, visit http://groups.google.com/group/PNWVHFS
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "PNWVHFS" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to pnwvhfs+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pnwvhfs/44e9563f-73bf-450d-b349-a60858a925d7n%40googlegroups.com.

[NL7B Ken]

Hi Peter,

You may find more activity on HF, but I'd encourage you to take a 6m antenna for intrastate QSOs. A few of us here are always interested in activating new AK grids on 6. BP64 to AP74 and AP74 should be easily achievable (ft8 or msk144), and you should have a path down toward Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula as well. The Koyuk Airport would  work well for a path to Fairbanks. I've scoped out good portable spots in Nome as well during recent visits there. If you have the time for a little adventure, you can also drive to 3 other grids from Nome - AP64, AP65, AP75 (wx and road conditions permitting).  

Earlier this summer, I traveled to Fort Yukon in BP76 for a work trip, and took a radio and 6m 3-el yagi. Worked one station, John KL7HBK, but it was worth it. Lots of rare grid opportunities in AK! I think a dipole or even halo would be adequate. If you do decide to try 6m, let me know.

For HF, Donn KL7DG lives in Kotlik, AP83, and is very active. He might be a good contact.

Have a good trip!

Ken

NL7B

[peter.f...@gmail.com]

Thanks all for the on- and off-list replies.  I'll be in Koyuk, AK (AP94) Wednesday through Sunday.  I'll certainly have HF (KX2, a couple of collapsible fiberglass poles and an end fed wire) and 2m. It is unlikely I'll be making it up to AP95 into the weekend as that would require borrowing an ATV and I'll be isolating from the 27 active COVID cases in the village (of a population of 340).  I'll have to sort out where and when I can operate when I get there but expect to give a few CQs while I'm there.

Ken, Since I'll be bringing in all my own foot, bedding, and work gear I'm pretty weight and space limited so I don't think 6m is in the cards for me this go around.  Wonder if KL7DG has a good path to try 2m FM from a few hundred feet above Koyuk?