OVH Member Ranks High in ARRL Grid Chase

Grid Chase Leader Board

Ham radio divides the world into Maidenhead grids defined by latitude and Longitude.  For example,  Manassas is in grid square FM18.  If you look up your own callsign in QRZ, you can find your grid square in the detail tab. ARRL is running a contest to see who can contact and confirm the most grid squares.   This is done by confirming contacts via Logbook of the world.   If you have confirmed contacts in LOTW this year, you will be ranked. OVH Member Jeff Fladling, KM4FTK, has been actively working this contest and now is ranked 10th in Virginia !    He has 776 unique grids confirmed and 3338 QSOS.  Congratulations Jeff !!! The easiest way to accumulate grid squares is the new FT8 mode.    If any one wants assistance … Read more >>

Antenna Down – No Problem

NQ4T new antenna

Jay Moore, NQ4T,  has his antenna blown down in the windstorms of last spring and was unable to participate in the 13 colonies contest.  Since then, he has put up a doublet and is back on the air with  a vengeance.   With 100 watts from an IC-7300, he has worked Oman on FT8 and Moscow on phone.  Here is the link for a recording of his Moscow QSO. http://w4ovh.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rz3ah.mp3 This is a picture of his new antenna.   

VP’s Corner

MOLLE vest fully equipped

To those of you who, although new to both our hobby and the club, have already volunteered for ARES, TriItNow, and several other public service events, a hearty Welcome Aboard! By now you’re no doubt familiar with the yellow mesh ARES vests. They’re great for making you nice and visible to race participants and traffic while you’re out there with your HT. But .. where are the pockets? Where will you put your gear should you deploy in support of a real emergency? Here’s one solution. It’s a rugged vest with MOLLE loops from Canadian company Duty Apparel. Their compatible MOLLE pouches are ideal for your HT, water, and other gear from your ARES go kit (right). The rear panel needed for ARES ID (top right) is easily added either … Read more >>

13 Colonies Special Event

13 Colonies Certificate for KB4BHB

The 13 Colonies special event is a contest for hams to contact special event stations in each of the 13 colonies.   Appropriately, the contest ran from July 1 to July 7 , which includes Independence Day.    Each state has a special 1 by 1 call.  For example,  Virginia was K2B.  The idea is to contact all 13 stations for a ‘sweep’.   The contest is on all bands  and all modes.  This was the 10th year the contest has run. For the Olde Virginia Hams,  the first known sweep was by Gil KM4OZH, who finished his in two days.   Other OVH members participating were Al, KB4BHB,   Wayne , N7QLK,  John,  KG4NXT, and David, KK4ZUU.   If  any one was missed,  contact KG4NXT  and we will correct the web article.   We should … Read more >>