[3830] TBDC K9MMS Single Op LP

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                    Stew Perry Topband Challenge

Call: K9MMS
Operator(s): K9MMS
Station: K9MMS

Class: Single Op LP
QTH: EN51 IL
Operating Time (hrs): 8.6

Summary:
Total:  QSOs = 202  Total Score = 1,184

Club: Society of Midwest Contesters

Comments:

Total score per NA logging program -- not adjusted for QRP and LP QSOs and for
new rules.  DX worked"  KH6LC, CE1/K7CA, P43JB, KV4FZ, F6KNB, GM3POI, and
GM4YXI.  Worked 121 grids.  Activity seemed down this year, but DX seemed
better.

I was hoping to try for the plaque for the most QSOs using a K3 radio, but
Murphy struck again.  My K3 transmitter failed after the first 76 QSOs.  For
the THIRD TIME, my K3 100 watt P.A. failed after only 2 to 3 hours into a 160
meter CW contest.  This happened sequentially this year, in the Stew Perry 160
Warm-up, the ARRL 160, and now the real Stew Perry 160.  The 100 watt P.A.
module was replaced after the failure in the Stew Warm-up, and it worked fine
for SS CW.  After the failure in the ARRL 160, the K3 seemed to recover, and
Elecraft's "fix" was just to have me load the latest version of firmware into
the radio.  The radio then seemed to "play" OK for a while -- before this past
weekend.  This time, the telephone will not do, the K3 must go back to
Elecraft!!!  This scenario has got to STOP!

I've about had it with this K3.  The receiver is tops, but the 100 watt P.A.
and tuner are junk!  I was off for over 2 hours making and recording
measurements on the antenna system and radio performance -- to verify it was
just the radio and that the failure modes were repeatable -- and for data to be
documented for Elecraft.  The K3 radio operated OK with the basic 12-watt
transmitter module, but was very erratic when the P.A. switched in.

After about 2.25 hours off of the air, I replaced the K3 with my IC-746PRO and
finished the contest without having use of my receive antennas (not readily
connected to a "746").

Still this, and any 160 meter contest, are my favorites.  Thanks for the QSOs.
73, Happy New Year, and best wishes to everyone.


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