ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB
Call: NM0X
Operator(s): KC0CZI, NM0X, N0IB
Station: NM0X
Class: Multi-Op HP
QTH: KC0CZI
Operating Time (hrs): 24
Summary:
Band QSOs
------------
160: 0
80: 112
40: 244
20: 453
15: 95
10: 72
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Total: 976 Sections = 80 Total Score = 156,160
Club:
Comments:
First time to use a second S&P radio while still maintaining single tx signal.
It's tough to coordinate, but possible. Also tried the WriteLog DVK features -
but ended up not using it much - mainly because it slowed down our precious
rate. During the slow periods however - it was fast enough and a nice chance to
catch our breath/save our voices.
The ability of Writelog to network logging with multiple bandmap views, combined
with packet spots, was invaluable to "seeing" propagation happen.
Our setup began on Friday afternoon to put up a borrowed Cushcraft vertical
about 7' off the ground for the second radio (FT920 - NM0X). Plus adding the
table space for the second radio so that it could be S02R - or true multi.
Second "full-effort" test for my TS-2000. I still am very pleased with this
rig! The key is to have everything set before contest time - and don't second
guess. Hope the recipients were just as pleased.
Contest-wise we felt we had learned from last year not to wait 1.5 hours for the
"big dogs" to get going and got started right away at 2100UTC. Was able to work
NL (thanks V02WL) as #3 in the log - within an hour we had 25 of the sections
worked. The rest "trickled" in as normal. Had all 80 by 1500UTC (thanks VE2AWR
for hearing us on the vertical!) which gave us time to then work hard at getting
the rate up. Also thanks to VY1JA et al from NWT for taking the time to be on
the air! Finally - thanks to all those who were patient while we worked hard to
hear all of you or get the info right. We also noticed that MANY of the QRP
stations had the better overall signals - IMPRESSIVE!
Eric (NM0X) at one point had me going crazy with both radio audio in the
headphones, one foot on each PTT switch, and a mic-audio switch. I felt like a
rock and roll drummer. You S02R guys surely have a better method than that (I
hope).
Got some good time to run for quite awhile. Thanks to those who provided us
with a "spot" - as it's often to draw attention in 0-land unless you're MT, SD,
etc. Our goal was 1400Qs/80sections. We ended up short, but was still a very
fun test.
I did notice that folks seemed better behaved this year over past. Did still run
into a pirate or two sending something like the old CB licenses on 40m.
Strange. Anyone else hear that?
No major problems. XYL keep the sugar levels pretty high. Again thanks to all
for a fun SS.
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