CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW
Call: N1EU
Operator(s): N1EU
Station: N1EU
Class: SO HP
QTH: Albany, NY
Operating Time (hrs):
QSOs: 801 States/Provinces: 55 Countries: 45 Score: 277,800
Comments:
The forces of propagation smiled on us Topbanders this weekend, although most
of the smiling was admittedly on day 1. Propagation to the west coast was
incredible, with 56 pacific coast stations worked. But the big surprise was
when the curtains opened on Europe around 0520Z the first night. Earlier in
the evening, propagation into Europe didn't seem that promising (many heard,
few were hearing) but then things changed dramatically. During the following
two hours up until European sunrise, my hour rate climbed to 90, and 87
ten-pointers were logged (119 total for day one). Europeans kept calling and
calling. It was quite exhilarating, to say the least. At the same time,
western US stations were just pounding in, as loud as locals.
Unfortunately, condx the second day fell far short, and propagation into Europe
was mediocre, start to finish. The European sunrise enhancement never really
happened. The rate generally slowed W-A-Y down as the well ran dry. I logged
only 10 ten-pointers day two, although I have to admit purposely avoiding the
ugly feeding frenzy pileups that materialized at the drop of a packet spot.
The worst that packet has to offer was apparent as it was quite evident that
stations were calling the dx without hearing - calling right over them in the
middle of their xmsn, or responding to a different callsign, etc. Not to
mention inordinate tail-ending so nobody could pick up the callsign the dx came
back to. What is the solution to this? Experiment with no packet next year?
That would require folks to actually hear the dx station and what they're
sending - a novel idea ;-)
Thanks to Riki and Mike for pulling me out day two for the weekend's WAC.
Where was South Dakota?
Thanks for all the q's
73,
Barry N1EU
Equipment: FT-1000MP, Centurion amp at 1000watts
Inv L, two 580ft Beverages
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