[SCCC] CaQP K6RIX Single Op LP

[Dino Darling]

>California QSO Party
>
>Call: K6RIX
>Operator(s): K6RIX
>Station: K6RIX
>
>Class: Single Op LP
>QTH: Whittier, CA
>Operating Time (hrs): 4:00
>
>Summary:
>  Band  CW Qs  Ph Qs
>--------------------
>   160:
>    80:           5
>    40:          13
>    20:          15
>    15:           1
>    10:
>     6:           1
>     2:
>--------------------
>Total:   0      35  Mults = 15  Total Score = 1,050
>
>Club:
>
>Comments:
>
>This was my FIRST contest (not counting Field Day).  I planned on a low key
>effort, just to get my feet wet.  I purchased and installed N3FJP's 
>software and
>it worked great!  I spent money on a new Heil headset, footswitch, adapter for
>IC-706MkII, only to find out on Saturday, 6-hours after the contest 
>started and
>about 10 minutes of calling CQ, that the Heil mic will not drive the ICOM 
>radio.
>  Its best to test this BEFORE the contest!  So out came the handmic 
> (yuck), but
>at least I had some comfortable phones.  I actually thought of using a 
>headband
>to strap the mic to my face, as the footswitch was working perfectly to 
>key the
>radio; it would have made a great picture (wife already thinks I'm a dork).
>
>I knew I would be starting late on Saturday as I was going to install my M2
>6M7JHV beam and try for some 6-meter contacts.  The beam went up in about an
>hour, but I wasn't going to be ready to start operating until 2200z.  6 sucked
>BTW.  A lot of effort for nothing unless you count experience for the 
>future.  I
>really need to learn about 6-meter propagation!  The neighbors really like the
>new antenna!  They said a 30' boom is not long enough and I should have gone
>bigger.
>
>The HF antenna is nothing more than two 51' lengths of wire fed with 
>ladderline.
>  The manual tuner about killed me when it came time to switch 
> bands.  Nightmare!
>  I was able to talk to everyone I heard with good signal reports coming 
> back.  A
>LDG tuner is on the wishlist now.
>
>My big problem was RFI.  I will address this in the near future.  In the mean
>time, Dad's contest comes before World of Warcraft and I'm really sorry 
>the DSL
>modem keeps losing its connection.  The KT34XA will be up for next years
>contest, on a properly installed and grounded tower system.
>
>I had fun for the few short hours I actully got to play.  I don't think I will
>ever be a 24 hour operator, but am more than happy to hand out points where I
>can.  CW next year for sure too!
>
>I almost hate to admit it, but I had more fun installing the beam than 
>operating
>the radio.  Don't hesitate to give me a call if you ever need an extra hand to
>hold a guy rope or swap out a feedline!  Have belt, will travel!
>
>Dino - K6RIX
>
>
>Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: 
>http://www.hornucopia.com/3830score/

Dino...k6rix at earthlink.net