Stew Perry Topband Challenge
Call: N0AX
Operator(s): N0AX
Station: N0AX
Class: Single Op LP
QTH: WA
Operating Time (hrs): 5
Summary:
Total: QSOs = 77 Total Score = 538
Club: Western Washington DX Club
Comments:
Too much holiday entertaining and no afternoon nap with predictable results
:-)
While conditions weren't really very good, I was able to really work on the
receive options, rewiring the receive antenna switching a couple of times during
the contest. Improved grounding over the past week, putting out a dozen
"temporary" radials, and a good wind storm that shook up the power lines really
improved the noise levels and transmit efficiency. QSB was really of long
duration - as noted by several others. K7RAT in nearby OR was fairly consistent
with about a 20 dB swing, while W7GG a little farther away would change from
10-20 over S-9 to S5 at different times of the evening. Absorbtion seemed to
vary greatly - the ionosphere seemed fairly unstable.
Although only low power, several answered my CQs from the East Coast, plus NL7Z
surprised me. Not as much as receiving a long call from VY1JA, though, who
called twice to be sure we exchanged information correctly - thanks, J! Working
FM5BH was a treat - and the best DX, as well.
While the solar disturbances didn't allow us to see it, I think Top Band
conditions will provide a few surprises this season.
73, Ward N0AX
Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: http://www.hornucopia.com/3830score/
|