[3830] Makrothen RTTY AB1J SO/Single Xcvr LP

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                    Makrothen RTTY Contest - 2021

Call: AB1J
Operator(s): AB1J
Station: AB1J

Class: SO/Single Xcvr LP
QTH: Waltham, EMA
Operating Time (hrs): 20:17

Summary:
 Band  QSOs
------------
   80:   44
   40:  139
   20:  145
   15:  110
   10:    0
------------
Total:  438  Total Score = 1,793,552

Club: Yankee Clipper Contest Club

Comments:

Solar stats: 

Saturday 00:00z: SSN=13 SFI=86 Kp=0 Ap=5
Sunday   10:00z: SSN=14 SFI=81 Kp=2 Ap=5

This and the CQ-WPX-RTTY are my favorite contests.  I like RTTY and the
Makrothen has that, distance scoring and 8 hour segments (FB for my old bones).
The WPX-RTTY comes in February, just when I need some cheering up, has a
relatively flat mult structure and subcategories and overlays that work for me.

Straight distance scoring is a giant step in the right direction, but likely
needs some refinements to even things out.  Some more sophisticated yet
transparent handicapping.  Still, it will help get people used to the idea. 
Progress is a step-wise thing and takes time and iteration.  Step by step, inch
by inch we move into the 21st century.

The Makrothen had a near death experience several years ago and was saved by the
Pizza Lovers, who should really do more to promote it. Especially to the deep
South Americans. There's been a dearth of them, especially Argentinians, who are
perfectly positioned to work Japan, NA and EU over the equator, a perfect long
path, lots of points. I don't understand why they are AWOL.

I did well in the past but now that the Makrothen is more popular my lack of
proper antennas is showing. I'm not sure what to do about it as my property is
quite antenna unfriendly. I bought it for Location, Location, Location, not QTH,
QTH, QTH. I had my best score this year, but got clobbered anyway.

I saw some faint, ghostly RTTY signals on 10m, not decodable. Just in time for
Halloween. Others reported some good openings but no one showed up, including
me. Of course, the FT8 guys and gals were sailing along on 10m as per usual.
They are a beacon and we should pay attention. Occasionally I hear the
suggestion that contest people show up on 10m on the hour or half-hour, but I
don't know if anyone does it. Of course, in a couple years the band will be
hoppin' regardless.

Some stats meaningful only to me, here for my future reference: 

Running this year = 14.0%
Running last year = 19.4%
Average points/QSO this year = 4094.9
Average points/QSO last year = 4057.4

Thanks for the QSOs and all the fun. See you in February for the WPX-RTTY.

73,
Ken, AB1J

Flex 6500
N1MM Logger+  
MMTTY(narrow) MMTTY(wide) 2Tone(Selective) GRITTY(Makrothen)
20m & 15m attic dipoles
80m, 40m & 20m outdoor end-fed 66' stealth wire and indoor counterpoise
LoTW  eQSL  ClubLog


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