[3830] ARRL 160 N7IR Single Op QRP

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                    ARRL 160-Meter Contest

Call: N7IR
Operator(s): N7IR
Station: N7IR

Class: Single Op QRP
QTH: Arizona
Operating Time (hrs): 30

Summary:
Total:  QSOs = 369  Sections = 67  Countries = 4  Total Score = 53,463

Club: Central Arizona DX Association

Comments:

Band conditions were noisy and propagation seemed to vary rapidly here in
Arizona.  Friday/Saturday was better by far.  Ran for nearly two straight hours
from 0545 to 0735Z.  All later runs were much shorter and less productive.  

Used a K3 in diversity mode for the first time in a contest.  Given the rapid
changes in propagation it probably saved me a lot of lost Q's.  Used my old
K9AY loop array on the main RX and a new home brewed version of N6RK's remotely
tuned coax loop on the second RX.  The latter antenna was also used to null a
new noise source that is tearing up the band here locally.  Listening to
signals sometimes change rapidly from one ear to the other was very surprising
given the small separation of the two antennas.

Wasn't able to pull two consecutive all nighters this year.  Must be one of the
consequences of turning 60!  Had to take a 90 minute nap on Sunday morning
around 0930Z to keep from doing a face plant in the keyboard.  Fun time as
always, great to work the regulars and say hi to old friends and new.

TRX:      Elecraft K3 with second RX
Antennas: TX - shunt-fed, top-loaded 22 meter tower; 34 radials on the ground
          RX - K9AY loop array and N6RK remotely tuned coax loop

73
Gary, N7IR


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