My biggest problem was figuring out how to log the contacts on FT8 and
SSB/CW. A little hint: If you want to figure out the finer points of
computing, do NOT call me. My solution was to bring along a small
laptop that was not connected to anything and use it to log SSB and CW
contacts. I used my normal logging program to determine beam headings
for particular callsigns. I then used the WSJTX log to record my FT8
contacts. The advantage is that the data entry is simple. The
disadvantage is that figuring out the score is not that simple. I had to
cut and paste the WSJT .adi file and figure out how many stations were
worked. During the Sprint, I had to keep reminding myself that stations
heard on FT8 that I ha worked on CW or SSB were also workable on the
digi mode.
Conditions seemed normal to me. I started out at 23:00 and the callers
were fast and furious. I saw 16 log entries in the first six minutes.
Things slowed down after about 30 minutes and then I needed to go
looking for stations. I probably spent a bit more time on CW and SSB
plus I tried a meteor sked late in the evening. I did try some FT8 but
have decided that I must not be doing something right as my results were
lackluster with no new grids worked via FT8. I did make 22 contacts on
FT8 plus another 48 contacts on CW/SSB. I missed a few easy ones I am
sure. I never found AA2SD to set up a try, but he would have been #49. I
tried with VA3IKE and looked for VE3HES with zero luck on FT8. I had
hoped that I might work somebody over a long haul via FT8 but it did not
happen. I never heard VE3ZV in EN92. He is usually a certain contact
for me. I did manage to work everyone else that I tried, so no
complaints here. It was a fun evening. 70 Qs in 21 grids.
Grids missing from my log: FN33, FN53, FN55 (N1BUG), FN24 (VE3KG),
FN23, FN21, FN10, FN11. My totals are 48 Qs and 21 grids on CW and SSB
plus 22 QSOs on FT8. All that was missing was a bit of Moonshine and
the chance of a DX contact via EME. I also wonder what it would be
like if a rip-snorting aurora had happened that evening. We would have
all gone crazy I am sure.
Dave K1WHS
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