Topband: 2004 ARRL 160M Contest

[Ford Peterson]

I have been asked to once again write the QST article and web page content for the ARRL 160M contest this coming weekend. (RULES) http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/160-Meters.html  I'm told that we may get 3 pages in QST this year!  Last year, I introduced "all-time-records" into the results.  Check out the article, along with the line scores if you are not an ARRL member. http://www.arrl.org/contests/results/2003/160Meter.pdf  And of course last year's Soapbox http://www.arrl.org/contests/soapbox/?con_id=57  ARRL members can also view the Web Page results http://www.arrl.org/members-only/contests/results/2003/160-Meters/  and of course the scores database http://www.arrl.org/members-only/contests/scores.html?con_id=57

160M propagation can be as fickle as 6M, you just never know until you play radio for the duration of the contest.  Just because it sounds rough at 02:00Z doesn't mean it won't be excellent by 06:00Z.  We are very near the peak for 160M propagation (bottom of the solar cycle).  I'm anticipating a record year for participation.  You never know, this may be the year you get to work Alaska along with the other 49 states.

I would like to ask those of you doing a special effort to help me.  Pictures are always well received.  If you are trying something different that others would find interesting, or just want to brag a bit, I'd like to help you out.  Contact me about what you have going.  No promises, but I'd like to incorporate as much as possible--especially in the web page content.  Whatever you put into your ARRL Soapbox is fair game as far as including your pictures and write-up in the results.  I encourage you to use the Soapbox feature at the ARRL website.  http://www.arrl.org/contests/soapbox/  Or contact me directly  N0FP at ARRL.NET

Although the ARRL 160M contest is considered by many to be a 'domestic' contest, DX entities are multipliers that play a significant role in the results by geographic location.  Part of the plan for this year is to include a special feature about the "DX View."  It is hoped that I can find at least one significant participant from each continent.  Who did you hear?  If in EU or AF, how far west?  If in AU or OC, how far east?  The number of QSOs by state would be an excellent presentation.  Who did you hear for the longest time?  Who could you hear but not hear you?  We want to hear it all as filtered through DX ears.  I would especially like to hear from Alaska.  I have missed AK in the 160M so many times.  I would love to work a WAS on Topband.  I am sure I'm not alone.  Maybe 2004 is the year!

See you in the contest.

Ford-N0FP
N0FP at ARRL.NET