[3830] ARRL 160 K7RL Single Op HP

webform at b4h.net webform at b4h.net
Sun Dec 3 14:38:21 EST 2017


ARRL 160-Meter Contest

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

Class: Single Op HP
QTH: WWA
Operating Time (hrs): 9

Summary:
Total:  QSOs = 468  Sections = 77  Countries = 7  Total Score = 80,640

Club: Western Washington DX Club

Comments:

Always fun when when a band like 160m comes alive during this SB contest. Missed
MAR, PAC, PR, NNY, NNJ and oddly, LA for the sweep. Didn't stick around past 11
PM local, so missed any potential Pacific activity. 

A special thank you to these EU stations that called in and put a smile on my
face: OH0R, OH1XX, SM5EDX, and OH3XR. That was an unexpected surprise. Nice to
see the band opening to EU again. 

Most QSOs consisted of riding the QSB wave. Some stations started out loud,
then faded into the noise, then came back again. All within the exchange cycle.
Thanks to all that hung in there to complete the QSO!

My antenna is a full size vertical made from insulated #12 wire supported by a
tall tree with a FCP radial system, and within 200 meters of salt water on a
bluff. I've had a lot of trouble keeping elevated radials in the air as my
property is heavily treed - every year stuff just keeps falling on them and
always during contest season. Because of the terrain, ground radials just
aren't an option. Maintenance has been nothing short of a nightmare keeping
radials intact.  

This year I installed a FCP radial system as per K2AV (k2av.com). At 66' in
total length, and about 10' above ground, it takes up much less room and seems
to be as good as my previous full size elevated radial system. During the
contest, there were times I felt loud, and other times, not so much. Perhaps
that's typical on 160m. 

I think my vertical wire in the tree might have some attenuation because
it's...well...in the tree. Need to figure out a way to get it in the clear, and
hopefully squeeze out some additional performance.         

Thanks to all for the Qs!

73, Mitch, K7RL


Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: http://www.3830scores.com/


More information about the 3830 mailing list