[3830] VE7NTT WPX CW SOAB LP

[Gary Caldwell]

WPX CW 1998

VE7NTT    Single op All Band
          Low Power

    160    0
     80   72
     40  497
     20  792
     15   49
     10    0

Total:   1410 x 537  for  2,523,900


Operated this one from the home QTH.  Single tower with 4 el 15 at 86',
      4 over 4 on 20 at 73' and 39', 2 el 40 at 73', rotary dipole on 80 
      at 79'.  Used two radios--an FT1000D and a TS830S.

      As noted by many others, conditions were quite poor the first 24 
hours, and picked up the second part of the test.  Unfortunately, Europe
was really tough from here.  I got only three to answer CQs--on Sunday 
afternoon.  The rest of the time it was S&P, and, with 100 watts, it was 
very difficult to make QSOs.  If the Eu was loud (S5 to S9 or better), I 
usually got through.  If the Eu was weaker, then there was about a 50% 
chance that I'd end up going away without a contact in the log.

     Usually I do contests with an amp, often as a guest op at places  
such as VE7SZ, and normally I don't have problems being heard!  I'll have 
 to admit that the 100 watt category is a real challenge, and one I think 
I'd like to try again.

     Forty was pretty good--the JAs were especially plentiful at sunrise 
on Sunday morning.  Also, I thought that activity from the USA was poor.
 There was essentially no rate to the States on 20 after the first few 
hours of the contest, a bit surprising as this year there was no conflict 
with Memorial Day weekend.

     Thanks to all for the QSOs!

73,

Gary Caldwell  VE7NTT

--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/3830faq.html
Submissions:              3830 at contesting.com
Administrative requests:  3830-REQUEST at contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-3830 at contesting.com