Stew Perry Topband Challenge
Call: N5IA
Operator(s): N5IA
Station: N5IA
Class: Single Op QRP
QTH: AZ-DM52
Operating Time (hrs): 14
Summary:
Total: QSOs = 214 Total Score = 2,805
Club: Arizona Outlaws Contest Club
Comments:
This report is for my core operation in the QRP category. The 14 hours is
sandwiched between the N7GP operation at HP during the daylight hour. Since
the contest is for only 14 hours out of the 24 hour contest period, I make use
of some daylight propagation periods immediately before and after this QRP
operation to double up on my TopBand fun. See the separate report for the N7GP
operation.
The band appeared to be in good shape at the start. No QRN and as already had
been demonstrated in the HP operation immediately proceeding this operation,
signals from the eastern USA and Canada were easily heard and generally
workable with QRP.
My best hour was 25 Qs during the 0200 hour. But the rate was relatively even
throughout the night. I had a few 'runs' of more than 25 Qs with the best
being 37 in a row without being run off a freq by a single QRL followed 1
second later by the CQ machine.
How short is the baud count for N5IA at 25 WPM? Well, all I know is it is
longer than the interval between CQs used by a LOT of stations last night.
Perhaps two dozen stations I called last night, that never responded, were past
the 'C' and on the 'Q' of the next CQ by the time my single call was sent and my
receiver recovered. Hmmm. I set my CQ interval at a full FIVE seconds and find
that interval too short at times to LISTEN CAREFULLY for callers. One station
that I called perhaps five different times NEVER made a single contact during
all the times I was listening to him. Oh well, different strokes for different
folks. You can't work 'em if you don't take time to listen for 'em. Now off my
soapbox.
The surprise of the night was at 0212 while S&Ping, lo and behold in a totally
clear window I encountered G4AMT CQing without any takers. No interference on
either side. Just G4AMT and me alone in the world, he waiting for me to call.
And on the 3rd call, he was in the log for my longest contact of the contest.
QRP operation takes patience and technique. Although KV4FZ and CE1/K7CA were
loud and clear early on there was no chance to be heard with all the eastern
USA activity and the EU window still available to Herbie and Al. So I visited
their frequencies about every 30 minutes and tried calling them on a few
sequences. If no success, then continue CQing or S&Ping and try again later.
Most times this works, and late in the evening both stations were in the log.
Thanks to you both for your good ears.
Later FM5CD and HD2A were added to the log. A total of 3 KH6's and KL7RA
rounded out the DX for me.
Another SPDC has come and gone with great success. Thanks to Tree, Lew, and
the BARC for an outstanding contest format.
73 to all and the best for a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
de Milt, N5IA
Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: http://www.hornucopia.com/3830score/
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