[UK-CONTEST] WPX

[Bernie McIntosh (GM4WZG)]

Decided on a single band entry. I always do well, comparatively speaking, on
20m so ignored the lure of the higher bands which no doubt were in great
shape this year.

So with 100w and an insignificant end fed wire at a little under a half wave
in length and at around 25ft height I ventured forth amongst the monsters.

The TS590 performed well. Now that I've got used to its modern DSP-ish
sound, it's a cracker of a radio. Wouldn't mind another for SO2R but its
probably a bit silly doing that with the few little higher band antennas in
my small plot.

Best strategy for me is to S&P then every hour or so try running. This
always brings a flurry of activity as stations that are new to the band or
have now got propagation find you. But its always short lived with my puny
signal so its back to S&P. As much as I hate how the clusters and RBN have
destroyed the art of working DX, they definitely make the contests more fun.
Can't we turn them off at other times please ?

The rather ambitious target was to get a certificate for single band in
Europe, relying rather hopefully on the fact that most single band ops would
be elsewhere enjoying 15 or 10 !  

Well I had a great time but with my final result I'm 100% sure that I won't
meet that particular target. Nice to have something in mind though and its
suprising what you can do with a limited station.

So when I threw the big switch I had 970Qs, 615 prefixes repesenting 87 DXCC
including at least one new one. 

Its always nice to be called by a few familiar G-stations as at times there
was some very short skip. Also very nice to be called by VK, HK, JA etc.
when you're running a small station. Its only in contests that this happens.
It makes me think of the anti-contest brigade who swear that it's all
pointless. Just how can we educate them about all the skills to be honed
and the pleasures to be had ??!! 

Single band is a nice way to study the detail of propagation as it changes.
When you're away on other bands you can miss some subtleties.  20m was open
at all hours.  I did feel the need to try and get my usual shut-eye so only
managed a few short bursts during the night as contest-induced insomnia
crept in.....

So roll on the next one !

73

Bernie
GM4WZG