2008 K0S Strange Antenna Challenge Special Event

[n0ew]

Starting Date: 05/24/08
Ending Date: 05/26/08

The Strange Antenna Challenge, k0s, takes place over the entire
Memorial Day Weekend. _OUR_ antennas are NOT permitted to be
constructed of wire or metal pipe. Past antennas have included such
items as metal folding chairs, chicken wire, fences, trampolines,
ladders, and trucks. We intend to remain in the general class portion
of all bands used. In the past, we have spent the most time on 20- or
40-meters. NON-k0s stations may use any antenna they wish. Additional
information and updates may be found at http://www.n0ew.org/k0s/

Those willing to observe a few simple rules of conduct and who are
willing to send logs and images of their "Strange Antennas" to n0ew
may run a k0s "satellite" station (see the web site for details). More
people do so every year! Some do it for grins in their back yard, and
others use this special event to spearhead a club membership drive.
And for good reason. The K0S Strange Antenna Challenge offers a great
public relations / media opportunity! To many people this is so
"strange" we can't hold the event in April. Some people still don't
believe it until they see a ladder-antenna talking across the states!
Additionally field day is only a month away and this is a fun way to
verify your equipment is working properly.

Are there any other reasons to us such strange antennas? We certainly
think so!

Practiced skills include increased ability to match your transceiver
to an extremely wide range of antennas via a transmatch (antenna
tuner) or by physically adjusting the antenna itself. You will learn
how to recognize which pieces of metal may form an emergency antenna.
Following the ravages of a natural disaster, enabling HF
communications without use of "normal" antennas is a potentially life-
saving skill. As the oceans warm and greater magnitude storms are
experienced, your "Strange Antenna" skills may be the difference
between having no communications for a couple weeks, and becoming a
vital communications link.

Not to be overlooked however is the simple pleasure of making a couple
pieces of scrap metal perform as well as your neighbors dipole! And it
certainly makes for great conversation at the next hamfest or club
meeting! Many "old timers" have had similar experiences years ago
using tube radios, but many others find this a novel experience and a
lot of fun.

Radios with tube finals inherently match a much wider range of
impedances than transistor-based rigs. Before transmitting with a non-
tube XCVR we suggest you measure your swr. Then use an impedance
matching device, or alternate method, to adjust the "Strange Antenna"
impedance to something close to 50-Ohms (because that is what most
late-model rigs are designed to transmit into). For those interested
in learning more about transmatches and antennas --both normal and
strange-- some have found the free PDF "Field Manual" on n0ew's web
site useful.

Those desiring a K0S Special Event QSL Confirmation should email
er...@n0ew.org for a PDF certificate, or send a self-addressed stamped
envelope (SASE) to Erik Weaver, n0ew/k0s, 4857 E. Farm Road 136,
Springfield, MO, 65809 (within 2-4 weeks of the event please). Postage
to Canada is about $1 USD. If you contact a "satellite" k0s station
("callsign/k0s" as opposed to the 1x1 special event call) contact them
directly for QSL instructions.

URL: http://www.n0ew.org/k0s/
Contact: Erik Weaver n0ew
Email: er...@n0ew.org