Helvetia Contest/H26 2025 with HB9HTC
A stately group, consisting of HB9AFH, HB9CBR, HB9CGA, HB9EPE, HB9EWO, HB9IRF, HB9KOG, and HB9MPN as the non-CW operator, participated in this year's Helvetia Contest H26. After prior reconnaissance by HB9EWO with HB9AFH and HB9IRF, the Hohe Hirschberg (Canton AI), where the hotel and restaurant of the same name is located, was chosen. So much for that: an absolute insider tip; excellent food, accommodation likewise, and above all, very nice staff. Even the fact that the Säntis was rarely seen and only appeared on Saturday evening did not dampen the mood.
Some OPs met for lunch on Friday. Then, strengthened by the meal, they set off to install the two antennas, a dipole (for the 160, 80, and 40 m bands) and a GP (for the upper bands). The dipole was set up by HB9CBR, HB9CGA, and HB9EWO, and the GP by HB9AFH and HB9MPN. HB9EPE was in action as the official photographer. HB9CGA and HB9EWO took care of setting up the shack. The shack was located in the annex, which otherwise serves as the hotel's equipment and storage room. After the antenna setup, it was HB9MPN's turn: he measured both antennas with the VNA and the program from DL1JWD Walter. Only the dipole needed to be adjusted by means of a small shortening. The corresponding evaluation can be found in a separate report by HB9MPN.
HB9CBR and HB9AFH took the opportunity and time to go on a SOTA QSO hunt; on Saturday, HB9CBR went to Golterberg HB/AI-010, and on Sunday, HB9AFH and HB9CBR went to Fähnerenspitz HB/AI-008.
HB9ABO and HB9BSH were our guests on Friday afternoon, and they later delighted us with points from home during the contest.
On Saturday morning, HB9EWO gave an "introductory course" for the N1MM logging program for those who were not familiar with the program or not so familiar with it. At 3:00 p.m. HBT, it started, but the yield was rather meager - partly radio silence. HB9BJL also joined in the late afternoon and was used in the evening. A
On Sunday, HB9CMA and his wife Rita, HB9EXU, and HB9HPA, who was very interested in learning Morse code and traveled to Hirschberg especially for this purpose, visited us.
Transmission was done with the Elecraft K3, amplified by the Elecraft KPA 500 PA. PWR 400 W.
Before the radio activity really got going in the evening, the participants were treated to the traditional "Grand Diner". The yield during the night was varied; it was decent until about two o'clock, then rather sluggish. Time to enjoy the rich breakfast buffet from eight o'clock. They persevered until the end at 3:00 p.m., despite rather moderate attendance.
Without exaggeration, it was a successful event. The fact that the keyboard briefly gave up and the transceiver took a break provided some "action", but it was handled well.
Many thanks to Clemens HB9EWO for the great organization and also a big thank you to the Hotel/Restaurant Hoher Hirschberg for the excellent hospitality.
HB9EPE