Topband: Stew Beef

[Gary Smith]

For me, unless I use the amp, I get more DX on quiet nights than 
during a contest on 160. The more powerful stations always trump me 
when it comes to DX but while I'd rather make the contest DX Q, it's 
part of the game I chose to play, I could turn on the amp and I know 
if I hear them, I can work them.

With that said, I get far more enjoyment out of working so many 
people on 160 during a contest than I do prowling the band, looking 
for a weak signal from a DXCC entity I haven't worked before. 

And thinking about it while I type this, I don't believe I have 
worked a DXCC ATNO or even a needed 160M ATNO during a contest in the 
last 5-6 years now. To that end, I'm usually listening to 160 most 
every night and I haven't worked a non-DXPedetion new one on 160 in 
maybe, the last 3 years.

In summation; I agree with Tree's assessment. To me, for the very few 
nights per year with a contest on and considering the tremendous 
activity they generate; the rest of the year is not impacted by them 
and the amount of operators found on 160 on any given non-contest 
night, is minuscule in comparison.

I don't see Contesting interfering with my contacts in the least, it 
only increases my log numbers...  :D

73 & HNY,

Gary
KA1J


> Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective!!!!
> 
> Plus, I love the increased DX  activity a contest brings.  
> 
> Bob AA6VB