Planning the next transatlantic S2S QSO party (2019)

[VE2DDZ]

@G4OIG

Feedback on whether the earlier date was helpful would be appreciated, but again that is subject to location and the onset of “winter”, whenever that might be. The fact that we had Malcolm and Malen out on the summits was encouraging.

Personally the limiting environmental factor this time of year is freezing rain. It can make driving and hiking next to impossible and operating quite difficult. … But that can happen here any time fron mid-October to mid-December so probably not a consideration for the timing of the Fall event. On the other hand one of the frequent VE2 operators has hung up his trekking poles for the winter. Perhaps an earlier date would encourage him to participate next year

There are a lot of considerations, adverse weather, propagation, hours of daylight. This time of year hunting season keeps me off some trails. I think Gerald, Ed, and Barry have done a great job choosing the timing so far.

@G4OIG

For me, the autumn Trans-Atlantic S2S event has been generally more successful than the one held in the spring. I think it is worthwhile continuing with two events per year to keep the level of interest up. I am also looking forward to a return to the good times when working across the pond is a regular occurrence. The question then will be whether we need these S2S events. My personal view is that it would be good to keep them going as with a specific timeframe it does concentrate the opportunities for S2S contacts.

I really enjoy these S2S events, please let’s continue them - at least until trans-atlantic S2S becomes commonplace.

@N1EU

Just for a baseline, we’ve historically been holding the Spring event on the same day as the QRPTTF event. But we can always move it. Last year it was April 21.

I originally voted to have the Spring event on the same day as QRPTTF. I have changed my mind as I now realize that my goals are different for the two events. For example, I would like to run higher power for the S2S event and maybe a more directional antenna. So I would like the Spring event moved away from QRPTTF.

@MM0FMF

I believe a reason these events are so well supported is they are relatively infrequent and I feel that makes many people more determined to be QRV so they don’t miss the event. If you have them too frequently then you may well find the “if I miss this one there is another in a few weeks” attitude will become a lot more apparent.

I am in this category. I worked Friday and was back in at work Sunday, so I had to push myself to get out for Saturday’s event. If there had been another S2S event next weekend, I probably would have given this one a miss. I don’t know what event frequency hits the sweet spot either.

@DD5LP

My take-away from this years event is, that I personally, would prefer the event NOT to be on a weekend

I am in the work Monday to Friday camp and my vote is to continue to hold the events on weekends or holidays.

Thanks,
Malcolm VE2DDZ