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Author Topic: Cost to rent a remote station?  (Read 1147 times)

K1FBI

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #60 on: November 11, 2021, 12:30:43 PM »


Now consider what it would cost to purchase the land, put up, operate and maintain that kind of station. 10 years of your subscription expenses wouldn't begin to pay for it.

- Glenn W9IQ

Perhaps not.  But once the hobby becomes a business, its possible to depreciate equipment and other capital investments while writing off expenses for utilities and maintenance as well as qualifying for lucrative small business loans and incentives.

The bigger and more expensive the station, the more to write off - especially if it occupies a fair segment of taxable property.

And you still have a hobby station to operate yourself between rentals.

So for those willing to go through the bother, it may be a way to have an expensive hobby help pay for itself to an appreciable degree.

Brian - K6BRN

That is a viewpoint from the owner, not renter, perspective. If you want to make a business of it have fun but those that can afford the investment, float the loan or make it a successful business model are not in the main.

The crowd here is bemoaning the rental price of the Maserati that they would never have owned or driven in any case.

- Glenn W9IQ


Hmm, time to consider this. With 4 towers and stacks 40-6, 4 squares on 80 and 160, and lots of Beverages the biggest investment will be a Flex, Maestro and SS amp.
Is WARC that important?  I have plenty of spare 25G sections plus rotators for another tower.

Towers had more than that on them during my contesting years, 4/4/4/4 stacks 20-10, and 4/4 on 40 which can become 4/4 20-10 and 2/2 on 40, maybe 8/8 on 6 already built and one in the air. Property is 5 acres on top of highest hill in ~ 20 miles all downhill to the ocean over 150 degrees and LOS to ocean over a good part of that. Other directions are unobstructed for many miles plus the hill is sloping nicely in all directions for extremely low angles well proven over 3 decades here.

All the former yagis are apart and on the ground. easy to get back up; Hardline and control cables still in place, some side arms and rotators are still up.

Upgrade the antenna switching and rotator controls.

Dont go overboard, just enough $$ flow to pay the yearly property tax. Add a second station if warranted.

Hire someone(s) to do the physical stuff, at almost 81 I'll sit and watch ;D

I wouldnt touch a Maserati or any exotic import if given to me, choices would be a Hennessy Corvette and F-150, and maybe a cool street rod for daily driver I like the large series 37-41 Buicks. Keep the money in the USA.

Thoughts?

Carl
Thoughts....never waste an opportunity to brag.
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K7JQ

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #61 on: November 11, 2021, 03:32:40 PM »

N2SR,

As to your last post quoting me, now you're just being argumentative. If you read any of my previous comments, you will see that I have no problem with a person designing and *owning* his/her remote station anywhere else (even thousands of miles away), and qualifying in contests and applying for operating awards using it. IMO, pay-for-play is a different story. I also have no problem with anyone using pay RHR for normal everyday operating if they so desire. I also never said that the east coast has an "unfair" advantage, but an advantage nonetheless to Europe. Just as west coasters have an advantage to the Pacific and Asia. Stop putting words in my mouth.

Also, I never compared M/S with M/2...of course M/2 will score higher. An extra station is involved, operating at the same time. I compared SO with M/S, and M/S will generally score higher due to operator shifts and freshness. I said "generally", because I've seen instances where an experienced, seasoned SO will do better than multiple inexperienced ops using a single station. Also, an experienced SO1R operator can beat an inefficient, inexperienced SO2R op. Never say never. I am not a newbie contester, so please don't treat me like one. I know you've been through your share of contests (although you've stated never operating SO2R, and I haven't seen it in your 3830 score postings), and I respect that.

To all,

I have continually stated that my comments are my opinion only. You have yours and I respect them. There is no right or wrong, just personal preferences and difference of opinion. Operate the way you like, and enjoy the diversities of our hobby.

Bob K7JQ
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W9IQ

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #62 on: November 11, 2021, 03:39:16 PM »

I have continually stated that my comments are my opinion only. You have yours and I respect them. There is no right or wrong, just personal preferences and difference of opinion. Operate the way you like, and enjoy the diversities of our hobby.

Very well stated, Bob. Thanks. James' comments were very much along the same line.

- Glenn W9IQ
« Last Edit: November 11, 2021, 03:41:33 PM by W9IQ »
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

K6BRN

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #63 on: November 11, 2021, 06:28:00 PM »

Donald (K1VSK):

The only problem I see with your position is that it’s dependent entirely on ethics and a level playing field.

It all comes down to one fundamental question - is it your station, fixed, mobile or vacation venue, or not?

Glenn's response - the one I replied to and agreed with - was regarding the ethics of remote operation.

Regarding having a "... level playing field ...", the field is NEVER level, due to differing station locations, equipment capability, operator skill, etc.  I think I was pretty clear on that.

On the topic of your last question, above - I have multiple fixed stations at different residences (none remote operated), plus a "go-kit" for general travel.  Not sure what difference that makes.

When I'm on the East Coast, European QSOs are relatively easy.  When on the West Coast Japan, China, etc. are relatively easy.   And I always identify my operating grid square, though quite a few operators seem to ignore this and point their antennas at the registered primary station location instead.

Brian - K6BRN
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K1VSK

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #64 on: November 11, 2021, 06:32:10 PM »

It is interesting to contrast some of these thoughts to other 'hobbies' with similar awards and recognitions. For example, if you enter a bass fishing contest, no one disparages you if you rent your boat, fishing gear, lures, etc. It is basically accepted that it is talent and luck that determines the winner - not what the winner owns. Similarly, if you are out fishing just for fun one day and happen to catch the largest fish recorded, there is no footnote on the record of "oh - but he didn't actually own the boat so that isn't real fishing nor is it ethical".

I also note that the arguments center around awards and contests. No one has seems to have a problem with simply making QSOs using a rental station. Very interesting...

- Glenn W9IQ

Irrelevant analogy. A more correct one would be you rent a boat and then rent a  robot to do the fishing.

See it yet?
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K1FBI

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #65 on: November 11, 2021, 06:46:26 PM »

It is interesting to contrast some of these thoughts to other 'hobbies' with similar awards and recognitions. For example, if you enter a bass fishing contest, no one disparages you if you rent your boat, fishing gear, lures, etc. It is basically accepted that it is talent and luck that determines the winner - not what the winner owns. Similarly, if you are out fishing just for fun one day and happen to catch the largest fish recorded, there is no footnote on the record of "oh - but he didn't actually own the boat so that isn't real fishing nor is it ethical".

I also note that the arguments center around awards and contests. No one has seems to have a problem with simply making QSOs using a rental station. Very interesting...

- Glenn W9IQ

Irrelevant analogy. A more correct one would be you rent a boat and then rent a  robot to do the fishing.

See it yet?
Robot? Starting to sound like an FT-8 Debate…
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W9FIB

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #66 on: November 12, 2021, 03:18:34 AM »

I see it more for what it is. For some the technology to use remote stations is beyond what they can accomplish. Other's can't afford the big bucks to build a superstation. So feeling "left out" causes some of the angst on this subject.

Just like anything else in this hobby, if it is legal and can be utilized, what difference does it make? If you don't like it, why do I have to follow your rules?

Personally I think the whole contesting thing is a load of crap. Contests should be about what YOU can achieve. Not whether you can beat someone else's score. Being competitive is one thing. Being a "must win" is ridiculous.

If my little station can't hear the next county, is that someone else's fault? Absolutely not. Should that limit my options? I say NO! You have your ticket to use HR. How you use it is up to you and ONLY you. But don't cry if I choose a method that may seem to give me some sort of advantage. The option is there for everyone.
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73, Stan
Travelling the world one signal at a time.

W9IQ

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #67 on: November 12, 2021, 03:37:30 AM »

Irrelevant analogy. A more correct one would be you rent a boat and then rent a  robot to do the fishing.

See it yet?

No I don't. Please elaborate as I fail to see how a remotely operated station comes close to that.

- Glenn W9IQ
« Last Edit: November 12, 2021, 03:42:38 AM by W9IQ »
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

K1VSK

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  • Posts: 1949
Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #68 on: November 12, 2021, 07:06:00 AM »

Irrelevant analogy. A more correct one would be you rent a boat and then rent a  robot to do the fishing.

See it yet?

No I don't. Please elaborate as I fail to see how a remotely operated station comes close to that.

- Glenn W9IQ

Look at the forest, ….

Why focus on the ‘remotely’ instead of the fundamental issue of using other peoples’ stations? 
It could not be more clear except for anyone unwilling to see the issue.

It would be redundant to explain this further (and apparently futile).
« Last Edit: November 12, 2021, 07:16:03 AM by K1VSK »
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W9IQ

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #69 on: November 12, 2021, 08:11:16 AM »

Irrelevant analogy. A more correct one would be you rent a boat and then rent a  robot to do the fishing.

See it yet?

No I don't. Please elaborate as I fail to see how a remotely operated station comes close to that.

- Glenn W9IQ

Look at the forest, ….

Why focus on the ‘remotely’ instead of the fundamental issue of using other peoples’ stations? 
It could not be more clear except for anyone unwilling to see the issue.

It would be redundant to explain this further (and apparently futile).

Your stilted responses don't help make your case. I am trying to understand your position.

If your issue is with using other people's stations, bring some specifics to your point. Make your case. Win me over.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

KM1H

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #70 on: November 12, 2021, 01:21:34 PM »

Quote
If your issue is with using other people's stations, bring some specifics to your point. Make your case. Win me over.

- Glenn W9IQ

Based upon other threads that could take years until the other person passes away......
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K7JQ

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #71 on: November 13, 2021, 05:25:04 AM »

Looks like pay-for-play remote competition to RHR. Just saw an ad for BELOUD.US, run by WW4LL. Various rate structures.
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K1VSK

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #72 on: November 13, 2021, 08:20:15 AM »



If your issue is with using other people's stations, bring some specifics to your point. Make your case. Win me over.

- Glenn W9IQ
I have given you the explanation. What I can’t do is make you understand it.
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W9IQ

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #73 on: November 13, 2021, 08:33:47 AM »

I have given you the explanation. What I can’t do is make you understand it.

Ok.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

NO9E

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Re: Cost to rent a remote station?
« Reply #74 on: November 15, 2021, 10:50:46 AM »

A central point is why we play ham radio.

For some it is a satisfaction from contacting far away but also local stations.
For some it is passing milestones, like DXCC etc.
For some it is doing zillions of QSOs in contesting and ability to manage pileups.
For some it is testing different setups and antennas.
For some it is a comradery that comes with teh hobby.

These guys need each other. An excellent operator needs help with setting up a station. A big station needs small stations to contact. A rare DX would not have a pileup unless non DX stations call him..... And there is so much pleasure in installing and testing new antennas. If you build this big antenna, perhaps risking your life and bankruptcy, you want an audience to cheer you up.

Sadly for some, it is showing that they are better than the other.
Such guys would not be happy.

Ignacy NO9E
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