Topband: QRP/Poor antenna stations ARRL160

[DAVID CUTHBERT]

N6VW reports driving 5 watts into his apartment plumbing against the AC
system ground and making a couples dozen QSOs in the 'test.

Dave WX7G
On Dec 3, 2012 9:19 AM, "Bill Stewart" <cwopr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> 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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