Showed up to the ARRL 160 with only 100 watts using my Johnson Valiant 2,
which is my first real 160 meter transmitter back when I got started on the
band over 50 years ago.
Conditions have not been so good - although I did manage some East Coast
QSOs around midnight local time.
One or two QSOs didn't make it into the log for a reason I would like to
share. When the band is open to Europe for the East Coast, it is common
for us West Coast people to end up on their frequency as it is totally
clear on this end. If an East Coast station sends their call sign - but
totally out of sync, we pretty much know what is happening. However, if
the timing is good - then we can feel confident that they are working us.
However, when I am low power - it is hard for the East coast station to
hear me - add in some QSB - and thus the timing might get messed up. I had
this happen last night (calls changed to protect the guilty):
CQ TEST K7RAT
K3ZO
K3ZO 5NN OR
<nothing>
K3ZO 5NN OR
<nothing>
K3ZO 5NN OR
<them sending the exchange but out of sync>
<K3ZO 5NN OR>
K3ZO 5NN MDC
<nothing>
At no time during this am I feeling very confident that I am the one being
worked. Instead of sending K3ZO again - which I already have - sending
K7RAT once would really help me understand what is happening.
Food for thought. Again - if the QSO is well timed, this isn't necessary -
but if things are difficult due to QSB, sending the "other" guy's call when
S&Ping really helps.
Thanks for reading.
Tree N6TR / K7RAT
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