[3830] SS SSB K7RL Single Op HP

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                    ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB

Call: K7RL
Operator(s): K7RL
Station: K7RL

Class: Single Op HP
QTH: WWA
Operating Time (hrs): 24

Summary:
 Band  QSOs
------------
  160:    0
   80:  112
   40:  461
   20:  527
   15:  400
   10:  420
------------
Total: 1920  Sections = 83  Total Score = 318,720

Club: Western Washington DX Club

Comments:

After operating two major contests over the last few weeks, I had a difficult
time bolstering motivation for this one. Getting through the Sunday doldrums is
always a challenge. But, once the 21:00z gun sounded, it was off to the races! 

I don't have a proper microphone switch for SO2R, so the second radio was idle
all weekend, except to search for NL Saturday morning, my last section for the
sweep. Probably could have found another solution, but that's what happens when
you sit down to operate just before the start! Finally found VO1TA on 10m with a
great signal! Later, VO1BQ and VO1MP found me during a run. My last three
sections for the sweep were SNJ, BC, and NL. Given what happened with hurricane
Sandy, SNJ wasn't a surprise, and NL is always the last section in the log, but
I can practically see BC from my house! I really started to sweat when running
and tuning 80m and no BC! Later Saturday evening I Finally found VE7CC up the
band, but had a difficult time breaking his pile-up as the band was long - but
finally, thank you Lee! VA7RR, VA7ST and VA7JW found me on the high bands
Sunday for reinforcement.

After reading comments from K4XS, I debated whether or not to include my
encounter with jammers. I don’t like to encourage these guys by acknowledging
them, but the problem seems to be growing. I run into at least one of these guys
now in every phone contest. They seem to really enjoy, and have nothing better
to do, than hassle legal operators. Seems like a big waste of time and money to
erect a ham station for the purpose of making random noises and comments aimed
at those following the rules trying to enjoy a little radio time. I am not sure
what can be done, but the ham radio community is full of smart, resourceful
individuals that may have solutions. Maybe someone knows who they are and where
they live?

As for my score: not as good as the last few years. Never did come close to
breaking 2,000 Qs this time. Finished 158 Qs below last year. When I took a
break, I was 100 Qs short of my 2011 pace - bummer. I tried to get creative
with my break times in an effort to make up the deficit. Didn't work. Maybe if
I had used the second radio, it would have been possible. There was certainly
plenty of time Sunday!
 
Awesome to hear so many 10, 11 and 12 checks! Thanks to all for the contacts
and Happy Thanksgiving!

73 de Mitch, K7RL


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