TopBand: Stew Perry Test

[Charles W. Shaw]

Hello to All,

	While trying to relax after the test, one thought kept recurring:  What a great selection of DX!--How does it compare to earlier 160 tests?  
	My log from last night shows 207 QSO's--158 of those are with the U.S. and Canada.  That leaves 49 DX.  Add VY1JA back in to make an even 50!!!  These include 6 JA's, T88, 2 KL7's, and 40 eu's in one night!
	Except for the Stew Perry Test last year (where I made only 10 DX QSO's)--all 31 of the earlier 160 CW tests going back to 1981 were two-night affairs .  Never have I even approached this magnitude of DX QSO's from here in any of those earlier contests--usually with nearly twice the time on the air.  No doubt that conditions--at least from New Mexico to EU--were excellent last night, but there must be more to it than that.  My station has improved along with my age through the years too, and I guess I am a bit more savvy as an operator now. -- But last night I made many bad blunders; I don't do well trying to push.
	So what makes this test different?  As best I can tell, it must be a matter of increased participation by the DX stations.  I know that when this test was designed, that was a primary goal.  If this -IS- a contest that appeals more to those of you outside the U.S. and Canada (than the other 160 tests do), I would be very interested in reading why you are attracted to the "Stew".  I suppose there may be many different reasons; I can guess at some.  But I would like to hear it from the DX, please!
	Thanks to the sponsors and workers running the show; 
	and thanks to all for the QSO!


	
73, Charles

Charles W. Shaw, N5UL
Hobbs, NM (near the SE corner)
<n5ul@wtaccess.com> 

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