CQWW WPX Contest, CW
Call: AE0EE
Operator(s): AE0EE
Station: AE0EE
Class: SOAB LP
QTH: MN
Operating Time (hrs): 32
Summary:
Band QSOs
------------
160: 2
80: 21
40: 176
20: 321
15: 86
10: 9
------------
Total: 615 Prefixes = 348 Total Score = 482,676
Club: Minnesota Wireless Assn
Comments:
100 W, dipoles (160/80 tuning on 10; 40/15; 20) up 5-10 m. Keyed on iambic
paddles or a Vibroplex bug (sometimes acting as a sideswiper).
Wow! Conditions were great considering where we are in the solar cycle!
I started out on 15 m after a short weather delay, mostly running but taking
advantage of the sub-receiver to search and pounce. I'm no SO2R op, but it was
an interesting experience trying to both run and spot
simultaneously---especially without using computer keying!
When 15 closed, I moved straight to 40 m to pick up the high-point-value EU
contacts on the low bands. Lots of stations were on and workable, and I picked
up 4U1ITU for an ATNO.
After a brief nap, I got back on 40 m to work west before and during my sunrise,
and that was also quite fruitful. I was hoping the ZL80 was really on Kermadec,
but knowing it was unlikely (they were not on Kermadec).
Much of the contest took place on 20 m for me, but there were openings up on 15
and 10 m that I was able to take advantage of. It was great to hear a few
stations on 10, and to even work a PY! I hadn't had time to repair and set up
my 10 m dipole, so I was simply tuning up the 80/160 m fan dipole, which worked
well enough.
I was floored Saturday evening local when a 9H6 (ATNO) called me as I was
running on 20 m. With my dipole I don't know what path was taken, but given the
time (0130z) it wouldn't surprise me if it were long-path.
On Sunday local I wasn't nearly as able to find/hold a run frequency, but kept
grinding out search-and-pounce contacts mostly on 20 m, checking back in on 15 m
and 10 m periodically.
While the overall rate wasn't the best, I think this was the most contacts I've
made in a contest. I'm certainly pleased with how well I did considering that
I'm using 100 W and wires (no tri-bander here!). Conditions were very good, and
it really makes a difference! One surprise was that there was less activity
from 14.080 up to 14.150 MHz than I was expecting. Often when stations on 20
are wall-to-wall and it's about the only band open, there are more stations up
high in the band.
Thanks for all the QSOs and good DX!
Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: http://www.3830scores.com/
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