[June 30, Los Angeles] Randy, K5ZD and I may not win WRTC, but it won't be due to a lack of preparation. Ever since I chose Randy as my teammate, we have been working toward being completely prepared for WRTC.

The first major step was getting together at Randy's QTH for CW WPX. We decided to try to win multi-single, even though that reduced the opportunity to work exactly like we will in WRTC. Also, WPX doesn't lend itself to practicing many of the techniques we’ll need to use since there is no point to moving mults and the 10 minute rule prevents active use of the listening radio. However, it gave us a chance to set up hardware the same way that we will be using it in Slovenia. I brought my TS-950s so Randy had a chance to get familiar with those radios. Also, we got to practice using notebook computer keyboards. When the contest ended we had a claimed new U. S. multi-single record.

When I got home I turned my attention to additional areas of preparation. For physical conditioning, I added a 45 minute double session on the exercise bike and upped my weights at the gym. For mental preparation, I used PED and RUFZ daily with an occasional crack at old KCDXC and TXDX pile-up tapes. (Comparing my results with Randy, I've concluded that he is the pile-up participant on this team. As much as I would like to be included, since the WRTC committee has decided that for the pile-up competition only one team member's score can count, Randy improves our chances of winning, and that is the ultimate goal.)

For specific WRTC preparation, I got into the All Asian contest and Field Day using my laptop setup as it will be for WRTC for further practice, redefining keys to streamline logging.

I examined the WRTC rules and FAQs very carefully and drove the WRTC committee crazy with some questions asking for clarification of the rules. I also prepared a briefing book containing all information that we would want to have at hand during the contest since only one computer is allowed and that will be tied up with logging.

As I write this, less than a week before leaving for Slovenia, I feel our goals in terms of preparation have been met. While I'm looking forward to the excitement of meeting the people behind the call signs, I am more looking forward to seeing our contest QTH for the first time, setting up the station, getting our call assignment, getting on the air and putting the game plan into practice.

On June 28th the WRTC-2000 Committee sent out a communique that listed the teams, judges and QTHs (by maidenhead grid square locators). Having an actual QTH to check out really got the juices flowing.

It's amazing what you can find on the Internet. First, a program to convert maidenhead grid square locators to longitude and latitude. Then maps of Slovenia. Then a satellite picture of the location. A day later an e-mail that we are on a hill at 647 meters near the Italian border in southwest Slovenia near Sezana. Then a map from Tino, OH1NOA with our QTHs plotted along with other nearby QTHs. Looks like 7 within 30 km.