[NCC] FW: CQ160 CW W2FU Multi-Op LP

[Patrick Barkey]

Jeff,

You want to write up a short NCJ article about this?

  - Pat
    N9RV

On Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 6:35 AM, Jeffrey Ach <w2fu at frontiernet.net> wrote:

>                     CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW
>
> Call: W2FU
> Operator(s): K2TJ W2FU
> Station: W2FU
>
> Class: Multi-Op LP
> QTH: WNY
> Operating Time (hrs): 6
>
> Summary:
> Total:  QSOs = 103  State/Prov = 32  Countries = 0  Total Score = 7,068
>
> Club: Rochester (NY) DX Association
>
> Comments:
>
> This was REAL FUN!
>
> K2TJ and I dusted off a couple of boat anchors from the late 50s to see
> what
> it would be like to operate in todays crowded contest band conditions......
>
> Transmitter - Johnson Navigator - 25W
> Receiver - HRO-60 - 'E' coil set General Coverage 900-2050 kc
>
> We tried, but couldn't re-master a bug, so we cheated a bit and used an MFJ
> keyer that had a grid block key output.  This was for the benefit of those
> that were trying to copy our somewhat chirpy and off frequency signal.  We
> did log and control antennas using a computer.
>
> I originally wanted to use my Ranger, but it didn't cooperate and emitted
> funny clicking noises from within. When W6TR stopped by to help us giggle
> like kids, we dug into the Ranger while TJ was 'running' up somewhere
> between 1860 and
> 1880 kc.  Found the HV filter cap completely without capacitance anymore
> causing the 5R4 to flash-over.  In true 50s style, we clip-leaded in a 16
> MF
> oil filled cap from an old Henry amplifier, and 'swapped' in the Ranger for
> the Navigator.
>
> TJ says he felt louder (50W now) and the Ranger did look a lot sexier and
> the meter didn't slam around like the Navigator.  It also didn't chirp, but
> listening to it on a k3, it sounded pretty clicky to me, so we yanked it
> after a few QSO to return to the Navigator.  I will need to soften the
> keying up a bit before we try it again.
>
> No product detector
> No AGC
> Single pole xtal filter with ~ 8 KHz (errr 8 kc) 60 dB bandwidth About 1/2
> inch of scale for 1 Mc of the 160m band No computer CW No transceive, with
> the wide RX, it was a real challenge to call on-frequency No reaching
> around
> the open Ranger chassis...one hand in your pocket
>
> We never really copied any Europe, but we sorta heard a few.  With the wide
> RX bandwidth, it was really hard to hear any weak ones.  I did copy a KP4,
> and CW5W was quite loud.
>
> Next time we may move up to the 60s where we can get some narrower
> bandwidth
> and use radios from the SSB era!  We also need to practice with the
> Vibroplex bug.
>
> Jeff
>
>
> Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: http://www.3830scores.com/
>
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