Topband: QSLing

[BLamboley at aol.com]

And now for something completely different!  I have a modest 160 station, and 
have recently enjoyed discovering some of its joys.  I am learning a lot 
reading the Topband reflector as well.  I decided that a good challenge might be 
to go for the 160 meter WAS award - sort of like when I was a novice back in 
the '50s and thought plain WAS was about as good as it could ever get.  I waited 
until I had worked HI and AK and had cards from them before I got really 
serious.  My efforts in the ARRL 160 contest last December netted me QSOs in all 
the states, so I promptly sent off SASEs to the states I still needed.  I 
mailed a total of 44 cards.  I rediscovered the thrill of walking fast (I do not 
run anymore) to the mailbox in excited anticipation of the cards that would get 
me WAS on 160.  Of the 44 QSLs I mailed I got back 29.  I was really 
surprised!  What with all the press about 160 being the "Gentleman's Band" I figured 
real gentlemen would also QSL!  Big mistake.  

The CQ 160 netted me more QSOs, and I sent out more SASEs.  I now have only 5 
more states to go.  But I was really surprised at the overall lack of 
response.  Was it something I said?  Is this typical?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Best,

Wes - W3WL