1365 x 77 = 210,210 19 HRs Last mult: PAC at abt 1815Z
80 591 Qs TS-930->LK500Z (800W)
40 244 80/40 dipoles @50'
20 279 TH7 @65'
15 242 Sure could use voice keyer/better computer/newer rig (Santa
are you listening?)
Although usually a low-power event for me, I decided to go "B" this time and
was planning on a full effort/beating previous personal best from SC
(1535xSweep).
The memory of last year's great 20M short skip openings both nites running
thru my head. Everything was in place until Friday when plans got shot full
of holes-long story (office motto of "why plan when you can react" is starting
to make more sense).
Contest started, 20M was too crowded so quickly went to 15. Only 97 Qs 1st
hour so tried 20/40. Both too crowded to hold a freq for very long so just kept
moving around, hoping 20 would eventually produce like last year. 20 closed
shortly after sundown and stayed closed. OH NO! Went to 80 - last year I
could hardly buy an 80M Qso on SSB, this year was a different story! Found
(and kept-sort of) a freq for abt 5 hours. QRN started building and had to
crash abt 0800Z (not enough sleep Friday-part of long story). Got up around
1000Z and passed 1000Qs around 1230Z. Had to break for abt 3-1/2 hours Sunday
morning during good 40M run - arch rival N4ZZ (multi with W9WI) passed me
here. Got back on around 1700Z and found most of day pretty slow with 20M
continuing to be non-productive due to crowding. Broke again at 2200Z (part
III of long story), just shy of 1300 Qs/200K ( at least I had my sweep!) Got
back on for last hour finding 20M with some short-skip and a KL7 and KH4 for
good measure. At least one hr on 20M was enjoyable!!
Some great scores!! Will miss CW CQWW due to annual event of Thanksgiving
holidays with visiting relatives - may sneak off for an hour or 2. Good luck
to all!!
73, Mark K0EJ
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