[3830] CQ160 CW W3DQ Single Op HP

[webform at b4h.net]

                    CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW

Call: W3DQ
Operator(s): W3DQ
Station: W3DQ

Class: Single Op HP
QTH: Washington, DC
Operating Time (hrs): 14

Summary:
Total:  QSOs = 668  State/Prov = 55  Countries = 8  Total Score = 98,973

Club: Potomac Valley Radio Club

Comments:

I waited far too long to check out the station and antennas, and was still
hooking up things an hour after the contest started on Friday. Once I got
going, I couldn't believe how rusty I was, especially my CW skills (oiy vey!).


While activity was high, I was surprised to have missed so many 'easy' states
by the time I crashed Sunday AM. 

Things picked up on Sunday, but by then it was clear my RX antennas and
receiving in general continue to be a problem.  Understand that I operate from
a small city lot, bordered on all sides by *old* power lines (feeders and
drops), telephone, cable and other infrastructure. And don't forget the
broadcaster 5 miles north of me pumping out 50 kw on 1500 kHz!

So to all on the west coast and elsewhere who heard me but I clearly didn't
hear, my sincere apologies. While the inv-L and 26 radials is a great TX
antenna, it isn't a good receive antenna! Believe me, I'm working to make
things better! 

Never did hear SD, WY, ID, KH6, KL7 (have never heard KL7 on 160).

I did have a first-hand lesson on the power of spotting.  30 minutes before the
end of the contest, I was spotted as W4DQ. Worked 11 dupes in the next
half-hour, even though though I sent my call after every Q! 

Hope to see you all in the SSB contest. 

Eric W3DQ
Washington, DC


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