[3830] CQWW SSB N9NB SOAB Classic LP

[webform at b4h.net]

                    CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB

Call: N9NB
Operator(s): N9NB
Station: N9NB

Class: SOAB LP
Class Overlay: Classic 
QTH: VA
Operating Time (hrs): 23:59

Summary:
 Band  QSOs  Zones  Countries
------------------------------
  160:   27     7       11
   80:   68    13       38
   40:  183    23       69
   20:  270    26       83
   15:  213    22       70
   10:   46     7       17
------------------------------
Total:  807    98      288  Total Score = 843,796

Club: Potomac Valley Radio Club

Comments:

This was my first chance to test out the new dual-band single-fed, trap-less,
switch-less vertical antenna for 80/160m. I didn't get a chance to phase both
towers, as it was raining the day before the contest when I had planned to affix
the connectors to the coax, so I used a single tower (e.g. single vertical) and
was happy with the results.

I entered the classic category, since I need my sleep (!). Tried a new strategy
to ensure plenty of shuteye, where I only participate in one of the early
morning openings, and I forgo the graveyard shift both nights  (I chose to sleep
in late on Saturday morning, and got up early to work all bands at sunrise on
Sunday).

So many stations have distorted audio, such that when mixed with their inherent
accents, it becomes hard to pick out a "2" from a "3" due to
the distortion, or to pick out a "fox" from a "golf". Other
stations would simply talk much too fast to be comprehensible, and I had to ask
many stations to slowly repeat their call sign.  This is why I find CW so
enjoyable!  It is fun, however, to practice Spanish on SSB when working SA
stations, which thankfully were plentiful on 10 and 15 m. Great to work SA and
Central America in this contest when the greater DX paths are minimized due to
low sun spots!

I did not use a voice keyer this weekend, since I wasn't happy with the audio
quality in the FTDX5000 recordings. I am amazed my voice held out during the
contest. 

Some exciting moments included finding and working VP6D on 15, and working two
FR4 stations!  It was fun to listen to UP0L build with a very strong signal on
40m on Sunday evening at sunset on 7.131 MHz, but I could not work him with LP -
his signal built to a true S8 on my yagi beaming to the north. When he left the
band, I swooped in and had a nice frequency for my only CQ run on 40, very late
in the contest.  My only other successful CQ run was on the Sunday morning
opening of 15 m. Both runs lasted much shorter than I would have liked. Running
low power certainly presents its challenges, and makes CQing extremely
difficult, and this certainly builds character. Yet, I enjoy LP operation, as I
find myself thinking and marveling how the power of a typical household light
bulb enables HF communications around the globe.For some stations, I would have
to call a solid minute or two before getting the contact, but its very
gratifying when the station finally makes it into the log!

Thanks to the CQWW contest committee and all who help support the fun! 
73, ted n9nb


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