Hi All...
Recently, I decided to go and finally update my DXCC records and see how many
counties I still need. I gave up on serious DXing years ago... I think it was
about the time that packet came around. It was just no fun having to deal with
unrulely pileups and poor operating. Plus, I have never have had what you
would call a competitive station, with big antennas. In Ohio, I had some
mono banders, even though they were not very high, and an amp, which
helped. Right now down here in GA , I am stuck with 100 watts and a zepp at 40
ft. Not the best antenna for DXing....
Anyway, it turns out I need just 25 counties or so to have them all. It turns
out that two of them - BQ9P and VK9CD - Cocos Keeling are on the air now. Both
have had a pretty marginal signal on all the bands. The best signals I have
heard from BQ9P has been on 30 meters in the morning. The pileups have been
brutal and I am just looking for an idea for an antenna to put up to stand
out. I figure 30 meters is my best chance to work them since there is a power
limit, plus it seems to be the best path for me. I was thinking that
maybe a wire vertical or maybe a half square might work good. BTW.. I sure
would be interested in what K8MFO is using ??? It seems like he gets through
on the first call on every band I hear him on.
Any ideas ??? This past weekend was an exercise in frustration trying to work
these guys.... I should of just given up and gone back to working the PA QSO
Party !!!
73 Jeff KU8E
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