[SECC] ARRL SS SSB AA4LR SO LP

[Bill Coleman]

                     ARRL Sweepstakes, SSB
                    
Call: AA4LR
Operator(s): AA4LR
Station: AA4LR

Class: SO LP
QTH: GA
Operating Time (hrs): 19
 

Summary:
 Band     QSOs
-------------------------------
  160:      0
   80:     85
   40:    156
   20:    223
   15:    127
   10:     59
-------------------------------
Total:    650 x     79  =  102,700

Club: SECC

Comments:

Equipment:
Kenwood TS-430S running 100 watts, AT-250
K1KP-style homebrew voice keyer (1 message)
Heil BM-10

Antennas:
Cushcraft A3S @ 49.5' (10-20m)
1/4 wave sloper @ 40' (40m)
105' doublet @ 35' (80m)

Comments:
This was my first SS Phone with real antennas in six years. I had waited 
a long 
time for this moment. 

Goal was to break the 1000 Q barrier. Got off to a great start. First 
four 
hours netted nearly 200 Qs (and would have had more if not for an 
unscheduled 
20-minute off period -- which unfortunately counts as on-time) By 0300z, 
however, the rate had died way off as I hit the low bands. Finished the 
first 
12 hours with 450 Q. I had hoped for 600.

After a 3 hour nap, back at the radio to the considerably lower Sunday 
rates. 
Did OK on the high bands. Had to take 2 hours off to babysit my sick 5 
year old 
so my wife could go to church. Just after 2205z, I decided to bag the 
effort. 
It was clear I wasn't coming near my goal, and I had sickness in the 
family to 
take care of.

Antennas did OK. The A3S really makes a huge difference compared to the 
old 
R7000 vertical. The 40m sloper was OK, but doesn't really cut it with all 
the 
Region 1 QRM. The 80m doublet just isn't that effective unless the band 
is 
really quiet -- it's too doggone low. 

I can't see how I did phone contests without a voice keyer to call CQ. 
Before, 
I'd be hoarse after just a couple of hours. As it was, I could have gone 
the 
full 24 and only been a little scratchy.

Plenty of improvements to make for next year.

Never heard NWT/YU, although I looked for one on Sunday. Probably would 
have found him if I stayed on the air longer.

I don't recall anyone saying anything about Georgia being hard to find. 
Had most of my problem trying to correct my check to 75. Many folks kept 
hearing "35" for some reason. Maybe I just sound old....



Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901


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