Hello to All,
While trying to relax after the test, one thought kept recurring: What
a great selection of DX!--How does it compare to earlier 160 tests?
My log from last night shows 207 QSO's--158 of those are with the U.S.
and Canada. That leaves 49 DX. Add VY1JA back in to make an even 50!!! These
include 6 JA's, T88, 2 KL7's, and 40 eu's in one night!
Except for the Stew Perry Test last year (where I made only 10 DX
QSO's)--all 31 of the earlier 160 CW tests going back to 1981 were two-night
affairs . Never have I even approached this magnitude of DX QSO's from here in
any of those earlier contests--usually with nearly twice the time on the air.
No doubt that conditions--at least from New Mexico to EU--were excellent last
night, but there must be more to it than that. My station has improved along
with my age through the years too, and I guess I am a bit more savvy as an
operator now. -- But last night I made many bad blunders; I don't do well
trying to push.
So what makes this test different? As best I can tell, it must be a
matter of increased participation by the DX stations. I know that when this
test was designed, that was a primary goal. If this -IS- a contest that
appeals more to those of you outside the U.S. and Canada (than the other 160
tests do), I would be very interested in reading why you are attracted to the
"Stew". I suppose there may be many different reasons; I can guess at some.
But I would like to hear it from the DX, please!
Thanks to the sponsors and workers running the show;
and thanks to all for the QSO!
73, Charles
Charles W. Shaw, N5UL
Hobbs, NM (near the SE corner)
<n5ul@wtaccess.com>
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