The contest started out with a mini-disaster, when condensation formed in
the SPG electrical box just outside the house and dripped on the coaxial
connector going to the ICE lightning protector, causing a short. I was
running the Alpha 87a at legal input, and it smoked the connector and ICE
lightning protector, causing strange SWR indications. Since the snow was
pretty deep, and it was about midnight, I just climbed into bed the first
night after only a few QSOs.
Got it fixed the next day, and that evening was back in a SAP mode, just
picking up a few stations. The highlights were D4B (incredible OP and
signal), VP2E, KP2ZZ, VP5/K9NW, KL7J (for my 50th state on 160 - thanks
Les!), and VY2ZM. I saw lots of EU spots, but never heard any - too many
east coast stations calling them.
This is the first time I've used beverage antennas, and WOW what a
difference! I also put an ICE BCB filter on the 756 Pro, and it sure
helped to knock down the interference. I was amazed at how strong signals
were across the band - virtually S9 plus from bottom to top.
Had a great time, despite the difficult start. Looking forward to next year!
73,
Joe
WDØM
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.2 - Release Date: 1/28/2005
_______________________________________________
Topband mailing list
Topband@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
|