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[3830] ARRL 160 W5MX Single Op HP

To: <3830@contesting.com>
Subject: [3830] ARRL 160 W5MX Single Op HP
From: "Bydal" <bydal@adelphia.net>
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 23:13:07 -0000
List-post: <mailto:3830@contesting.com>
Call: W5MX
Operator(s): W5MX
Station: W5MX

Class: Single Op HP
QTH: KY
Operating Time (hrs): 26

Summary:
Total:  QSOs = 1454  Sections = 78  Countries = 26  
Total Score = 321,152

Club: 

Comments:
I really like this contest because it doesn't take 10's of thousands of dollars 
in towers and aluminum to be at least somewhat competitive. 50 bucks worth of 
copper wire and your good to go. A bonus if you have a little room. That's not 
meant as a slam to the big guys by the way, it's just nice to be on at least a 
little more equal terms as far as antennas go. Obviously operating prowess is a 
still MAJOR pre-requisite to contesting. 
>From what everyone is saying, and my little experience on 160, we had 
>fantastic conditions in most of the US. I don't really operate 160 a whole 
>lot, so it's still a learning experience for me. A real thrill to work EU and 
>JA on this band. Something seems much more magical about it, unlike 40 through 
>10 meters (during the peak years of the sun spot cycle that is :-) ) Very 
>challenging, and I believe I will spend more time on 160, the low band bug may 
>have bitten me good this time.
Anyway, I did most of my operation (rcv and tx) with an inverted L, about 95ft 
of which is vertical off of a tree, and of course the remaining sloping at an 
angle downwards. Very noisy at times, something had to be done. I ran through 
the woods with a 500 ft spool of wire on Saturday and constructed somewhat of a 
crude beverage antenna, E-W. It worked okay, definitely quieter than the L. 
Helped dig out a few weak ones for the rest of the Test. Now I see why the must 
for a separate rx antenna on 160. Before the Stew Perry contest, this will be 
different. I plan on doing a little more research on 160 rx antennas and make a 
better beverage or a loop (K9AY perhaps). Luckily I live on an acre lot and it 
backs up to a farm so it gives me a little room. I know the people on smaller 
city lots face much bigger challenges in this area than I. Hat's off to those 
ops.
I saw several comments on the dupes, and I agree. There were some guys calling 
10 minutes after the last time they were told "sri, wkd b4". Tired maybe? 
Started the contest about 45 mins late (was at work). So missed a few Q's there 
no doubt. Had great runs most of Friday until early Sat. EU's occasionally 
calling made it even better. Operated until abt 4am local and took a little 
siesta. Back up at 6. JA's coming in! Worked about 15 of 'em. What an 
unexpected treat. OP'd until 9am. Had a date with the XYL to do a little xmas 
shopping and lunch. Got home around 2pm, put up the "beverage" and back on Sat 
early eve. Rates of course were down by Sat night. A few EU's, and a couple of 
JA's late. By Sunday AM though, it was a nightmare. Calling and calling, 
begging.....praying, for a new Q. Searched around for someone new to work. The 
last 2 hours I had 13 Q's. Did a little reading on beverages though while using 
auto CQ :-)
Overall it certainly was a great time, and thanks to all for the Q's!
73's de Bryan






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