[UK-CONTEST] 1st 160cw - G3SJJ

[G3SJJ]

Different to say the least. I wanted to give the K2 a good try-out but 
felt flu-like symptoms earlier in the evening. A decent meal accompanied 
by a nice Chablis provided the required medicine plus the additional 
concentration needed with the K2. I don't feel the skirt selectivity is 
as good as the MP with Roofing filter and Inrads. Maybe as good down to 
-60dB but I suspect much wider around -80. I also had the RIT set at too 
fast a speed and sometimes lost a station when I moved the knob too far. 
Missed SO2V, but reverted back to the old days of the TS930 and just 
kept switching VFOs. Made most QSOs in the first hour at 30wpm using 
paddles. For me it is a comfort zone to use an external keyer in a 
"stress" situation, eg different radio, environment etc. I used Ins/+/F 
Keys later when I had settled down.

Having said all that, managed 194 Qs, 51 Districts, 23 countries for 952 
points. DX included W1,2,3,4,8, VE3, KV4 and 5B4. Noise level was high 
even on the Rx loop so I expect to lose some points. Very satisfying 
though to be able to perform at that level with a radio that you have 
built yourself.

Worst signal by far was PI9SRS who appeared to be keying a big relay. 
Really bad.

Wintest performed well until the last 30 minutes, when the WinKey/mHam 
Router interface went unstable yet again.

Made around 2000 contest/chatting/DXing QSOs in total so far this year, 
all but 140 (SSB AFS) on CW at around 30wpm. Need to get down to some 
decorating/DIY now, I'm becoming (already?) a contest nerd!!

Chris G3SJJ