[3830] ARRL 160 W5MX Single Op HP

[Bydal]

Call: W5MX
Operator(s): W5MX
Station: W5MX

Class: Single Op HP
QTH: KY
Operating Time (hrs): 26

Summary:
Total:  QSOs = 1454  Sections = 78  Countries = 26  
Total Score = 321,152

Club: 

Comments:
I really like this contest because it doesn't take 10's of thousands of dollars in towers and aluminum to be at least somewhat competitive. 50 bucks worth of copper wire and your good to go. A bonus if you have a little room. That's not meant as a slam to the big guys by the way, it's just nice to be on at least a little more equal terms as far as antennas go. Obviously operating prowess is a still MAJOR pre-requisite to contesting. 
>From what everyone is saying, and my little experience on 160, we had fantastic conditions in most of the US. I don't really operate 160 a whole lot, so it's still a learning experience for me. A real thrill to work EU and JA on this band. Something seems much more magical about it, unlike 40 through 10 meters (during the peak years of the sun spot cycle that is :-) ) Very challenging, and I believe I will spend more time on 160, the low band bug may have bitten me good this time.
Anyway, I did most of my operation (rcv and tx) with an inverted L, about 95ft of which is vertical off of a tree, and of course the remaining sloping at an angle downwards. Very noisy at times, something had to be done. I ran through the woods with a 500 ft spool of wire on Saturday and constructed somewhat of a crude beverage antenna, E-W. It worked okay, definitely quieter than the L. Helped dig out a few weak ones for the rest of the Test. Now I see why the must for a separate rx antenna on 160. Before the Stew Perry contest, this will be different. I plan on doing a little more research on 160 rx antennas and make a better beverage or a loop (K9AY perhaps). Luckily I live on an acre lot and it backs up to a farm so it gives me a little room. I know the people on smaller city lots face much bigger challenges in this area than I. Hat's off to those ops.
I saw several comments on the dupes, and I agree. There were some guys calling 10 minutes after the last time they were told "sri, wkd b4". Tired maybe? 
Started the contest about 45 mins late (was at work). So missed a few Q's there no doubt. Had great runs most of Friday until early Sat. EU's occasionally calling made it even better. Operated until abt 4am local and took a little siesta. Back up at 6. JA's coming in! Worked about 15 of 'em. What an unexpected treat. OP'd until 9am. Had a date with the XYL to do a little xmas shopping and lunch. Got home around 2pm, put up the "beverage" and back on Sat early eve. Rates of course were down by Sat night. A few EU's, and a couple of JA's late. By Sunday AM though, it was a nightmare. Calling and calling, begging.....praying, for a new Q. Searched around for someone new to work. The last 2 hours I had 13 Q's. Did a little reading on beverages though while using auto CQ :-)
Overall it certainly was a great time, and thanks to all for the Q's!
73's de Bryan