There is a part of Ham Radio called contesting, or Radio Sport. You can find a contest on the airwaves almost every weekend. They range from small local 'QRP' contests (QRP are radios under 5 watts) to huge, like the CQ Magazine World Wide contests.
I am NOT an avid contester, and in fact, have not contested in a couple of years due to family commitments, but when I have, I've found it fun.
My station is very much what would be considered a 'Pop-gun' station, as compared to 'Big Guns'.
I have an FT-1000 MkV Field (a GOOD radio), a Heithkit SB-230 Amp (small, quiet, tube is no longer made), a MFJ Tuner, and a Alpha-Delta DX-EE antenna for 10,15,17,20,40, and a T.V. Evans 64ft 17m-80m dipole.
I've decided "Hey, let's put up some links, just so others can get an idea"
Hints
- Beware the DVP! (N6TR)
- Don't Try This At Home (N6AA)
- Shhhh...it's a Secret (K1AR)
- What REALLY makes you good? (N5KO)
- Improving Concentration (K5TR)
- How do you get better? (K5ZD)
- Contesting Website
- Arrl Contesting Page
- CQWW Offical HomepageThe Big Daddy of all Contests
Of course, the Number one hint? Keep your Butt In the Chair (BIC) for the length of the contest