Junkbox Special

[KJ7BS]

This is an idea I am working throught.

The Junkbox Special is an annual event for all licensed amateur operators. It has two components, a non-operating component as well as an on-air component. Duration is 48 hours.

The event begins at 0000z Saturday at which time participants begin building a manual or semi-automatic keying device, according to SKCC definition, from items in their "junkbox". No materials may be pruchased for this event and all construction must be done using hand tools, no power tools of any kind are permitted.

Participants may begin operating, for score, at 0000z Sunday for 24 hours, until 2359z Sunday.

Logs and a picture of the junkbox key will be required for valid event submissions.

[nn8b]

That's a neat idea.

I wonder if this could be meshed with the Weekend Sprint some month.

Already have me trying to remember what's in my junkboxes.

[NT9K]

I like that idea too! It would make a great weekend sprint theme. Excellent!

[K4VD]

I wish I was more mechanically inclined. This sounds like a cool operating/homebrewing event.

This sounds like something that would work well for a sprint theme a couple time a year maybe.

[Guest]

I agree, this should become a weekend sprint theme, "JUNKBOX WARZ".

Number One, Make it so!

[nn8b]

Do I have to make a new key every time????
Hi Hi..

[NT9K]

Lets work out some details.
<Logs and a picture of the junkbox key will be required for valid event submissions.>
1)Are logs really needed?
2)Wonder if Webmaster Sam would host the entry photos? (my server space is limited)
3)How can we include those who don't build the key? Consider the results page with all the scores combined with a new column for complying with the theme. After the results become final, we usually have a line at the top of the results page with the top 3. We could have a 2nd line for those who worked the theme.
Or
I could make 2 seperate result tables on the same results page and combine all the soapbox to one area.

Everyone seems to like this idea and I would like to see it in the March 25 Weekend Sprint. Having said that, the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest is that same weekend and it will be rough and tough trying to work 40 meters again.

[nn8b]

How about a best junkbox fist vote also.

I use Googles Picasa to host my photos. It's free and I have used it succsesfully here. http://picasaweb.google.com/nn8b.oh/Sha ... 2571958306

[NT9K]

Don, we could add the best junkbox fist. Do you think having the vote mentioned in the soapbox comments would be the way to go? I could add another field to the entry form, then add another column to the results page. Doing it that way, everyone knows who voted for who's junkbox fist.

Tnx for the image host link too.

[nn8b]

Yea, probably in the comments would be just fine.
That is what ARRL does on SKN.

Then everyone who does not have a website can get a Picasa account and post their pics to it. Or send them to me and I'll put them on my account under one file name, and leave them up for a month or so. Could also transfer them to the Yahoo group photo section.

Hey, thanks for that little antenna that extends. Next bug I'll use that.

[NT9K]

This event could spin off many variations. We could have one with a month to build the key using any tools or materials you can think of. Might see some real craftsmanship and innovations.

I'll start trying to work this into the next weekend sprint. I don't think the rules page would need any changes to accomodate this event. I will need an instruction page for the theme to post as the announcement. I'll start on that soon.

Don, putting it in the comments makes it alot easier on me rather than adding a second catagory or changing the results table everytime we change the theme. I like that idea! ps. no problem on the bug extension. Glad it arrive ok.

[KJ7BS]

&#*!#, I mashed my right index finger in my junk box this evening . Dang piano hinge! Now I sound like an newbie on my key. I sound even worse on my paddles, but I never sounded good on my paddles.

I would say a new junk box keyind device each time.

Ok, logs not needed, but photos of Junkbox keying device STRONGLY encouraged, bonus points even.

I'm itching to see a junkbox bug.

I like the best junk fist idea.

[NT9K]

How much bonus should be awarded for building the key? Consider these keys may be rough and tough to use. I think it should be a decent number if nothing else to promote complying with the theme. 100 points?

This is going to be fun!

[NT9K]

If Mark has no objections, I want to turn this into an annual event. From here on, the event shall be called
The Annual KJ7BS Junkbox Warz Weekend Sprintathon.

I'm looking at this for February 2008. This might help keep the momentum from K2A rolling. Last year, we all got the post K1Y blues with nothing to do.

73, Bill NT9K
SKCC WES Mangler..

[KJ7BS]

I have no objections.