[3830] ARRLDX SSB N4XL SOAB LP

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                    ARRL DX Contest, SSB

Call: N4XL
Operator(s): N4XL
Station: N4XL

Class: SOAB LP
QTH: SC
Operating Time (hrs): 33.5

Summary:
 Band  QSOs  Mults
-------------------
  160:    4     4
   80:   38    30
   40:   77    40
   20:  261    75
   15:  411    78
   10:  127    36
-------------------
Total:  918   263  Total Score = 721,935

Club: South East Contest Club

Comments:

I love the hunt!

Besides the weather had some unusual problems that I'm sure frustrated the
Europeans on 15 meters as much as it did me.  A lightening strike took out a
board in the rig and my voice keyer a few months back and replaced one board. 
Unfortunately, it seemed to have affected a couple other things too -- or else
I just don't know enough about the 1000MP Field to have replaced the board
correctly.  The receiver seemed to be weak after replacing the board and kept
having to play with the filter, preamp, and IF shift/width to bring people in.
That was okay when doing S&P as each station was individually tuned in using
the filters if needed. However, during a 15 mtr pile up (my first run) it
became almost impossible to hear anyone. Surging, artifacts, distortion, the
whole nine yards.  Tried the usual things but couldn't get it right.  Many
stations said they were running a KW and were weak, and many stations said I
had a very loud signal even though they were only moderately loud.

Finally started fiddling with the carrier offset for USB receive and things got
better.  Took three tries before finally seemed to get it where I could copy
amongst the QRM and QRN and line noise.  I'm sure I lost many, many Q's during
that time. Still not right, but it works somewhat. Ended up with a pretty good
15 mtr score.

Thank you everyone for your patience and I apologize for having to quit when
some still wanted to work me.

The other problem was with the MicroKeyer II.  The USB port apparently had a
loose solder joint or something as my audio from the computer dropped way off
and then went away completely.  Changed the cable and it worked fine so figured
the cable was it.  But no, the same thing happened again and had to wiggle the
cable up and down several times to find the magic spot and then keep well away
from the MicroKeyer and cabling.  Only had to do that a few times during the
contest. Guess I would bump the shack desk too hard and lose the connection.

But, I repeat -- I love contesting! Looking forward to CQWW.

Kevan
N4XL


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