Go SMC!

This past weekend Ralph K9ZO hosted a little bash for the Society of Midwest Contesters. SMC is a contesting club located in the "Black Hole" of locations--the center of the United States.

"ZOfest", as it was called was probably the best club meeting I've ever attended. There was of course the obligatory business meeting where the club's performance in contests over the past few years was discussed along with super secret, "if I told you, I'd have to kill you" plans for the years ahead. There were also some first rate presentations by various members on topics that included:

• What goes on "off air" before, during, and after a DXpedition
• Antenna Modeling
• Old radio collecting and restoration
• "Turn-key" vs. "carry it all yourself" DXpedition contesting
• Test equipment and troubleshooting your station

Oh, and there was lots and lots of great food, drink, and the camaraderie that makes Amateur Radio such an incredible hobby.

Every group should have an event like this periodically. It'll keep your spirits up during the bottom of the solar cycle and you'll just plain have a bunch of fun!

73,

Tim N9PUZ