[CQ-Contest] Contest DXpeditions in a suitcase

[sawyered@earthlink.net]

I can partially confirm what AH8DX said about this.  I did C6ARS in 2001 CQ WW CW, SOAB LP unassisted, number 7 world.  It was done at a nice little station on the beach with a 50 ft tower, a TH5DX, 2 el 40M, and inv vees for 80 and 160.  When I got there, I had premade a 20 and 15 2el wire vertical array which was switchable NE/SW (manually) and within 100 feet of the atlantic.  The intent was to be SO2R with it while running on the TH5DX.  My IC706 (radio 2) was damaged during transit so I didn't do SO2R but I didn't realize it until I had already installed the wire antennas.  To my surprise, the 2 el wire verticals (half wave vertical dipoles with a reflector) hanging from palm trees and with no grnd screen underneath, equalled or beat the TH5DX into EU for the whole contest.  I could have basicly been doing what AH8DX on 10 - 20 and been equally as successful.

I would add to his statement that it is surprising to me how many quality QTH's that I have either been at or know about do not have activity in the CQ WW or especially the ARRL (Africa and Carib and S America).  I loved it and will definately do it again as I have time.

Ed N1UR