Topband: QRP/Poor antenna stations ARRL160

[Bill Stewart]

Jon,
Good job with a minimal setup. 
I worked ten stations using my homebrew 1924 4-coil Meissner osc, 
using a C-301A tube ('24 vintage) at about 4 watts input (maybe 1.5 out). The antenna was a 160m off ctr fed hertz, now called a windom, at 35ft. Most of the stns I worked were in PA, TN and FL. Hope to be squeaking this w/e in an AWA event. Great fun.
73 de Bill K4JYS (NC) 

----- Original Message -----

While not running QRP, my antenna in the ARRL 160 was loading up the rain gutter on ourone story rental duplex in Lawrence, KS. Maximum height is about 10 feet above ground, a marginalTop Band antenaa at best. I set up to hand out some contacts in the contest. Oddly, it loaded easilywith a MFJ tuner.   N0TT, N0NI, W0SD, AA1K and about 80 other stations heard me, most on first or second call Saturday night. Best DXwas probably KA6BIM/7 in Oregon. Good ops and patient with the weak signal crowd. I found it easier to work stations after mid-night as many of the big ops were hungry for QSOs. Butseveral stations were not worked who kept calling CQ over and over with almost no time listening...

 - N0JK

Some harder than others.  W0SD gave my QRP signal a real good try early 
in the evening, but couldn't get the exchange. I'll certainly try again 
tonight.  N0TT and N0NI heard me almost right away, but it took some 
repeats to get in their logs. They were my best DX last night. I worked 
several NM stations, but WD5COV, even when on his 20 over S9 west-facing 
TX antenna, never gave me so much as a QRZ for the several dozen times I 
called, and had his auto CQ set for a very short recycle time.
 
If you're going to work weak signals, both sides of the QSO need 
patience, operating skill, and good ears. There are FAR too many 
alligators on the band. Doing the math, 20dB down from 1.5 kW is 15 
watts, and a 5W signal would be S8. If your noise level is S8, IMO, you 
have no business running 1.5kW! - K9YC
 













                                               
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