2007 ARRL November Sweepstakes (Phone)
11/23/2007 |
N2OBY
As always, Phone Sweepstakes was too much fun! This is probably my favorite contest. I didnt start until 01:00Z, and put in 23 hours with a three hour nap from 4:00-7:00 A.M. local time. My goal this year was a clean sweep, and I came closer than ever 74 of the 80 sections. Never heard QC, BC, NT or WNY (I never hear WNY frustrating to not get part of my own state). Only heard AK and ND once each and couldnt bust the pileups, moving on and hoping for another opportunity later which never came.
As many others have said, conditions were awful this year. QSB was incredible, with stations appearing and disappearing in the blink of an eye. Between conditions and the big guns this years contest was a definite challenge. However technique and persistence do pay off!
The most productive bands for me this year were 80m, 40m and 20m; though 160m and 15m also produced results. Of 236 total QSOs, the breakdown was as follows:
160m/27 80m/94 40m/56 20m/43 15m/16
Total score: 34,928
My modest station never let me down, performing very well despite the terrible conditions. The FT-847 and OCF dipole up around 25 work nicely, and I always receive great signal reports. The antenna is cut for 80m but works well just about everywhere. During the 18 months or so that Ive been contesting my skills have definitely improved, and while I still plan to install a tower-mounted beam and amplifier Im still having a ball in the contests and DXing. The station improvements will be nice, but not mandatory.
From my observations both during the contest and reading the soapbox entries it sounds as though everyone had a great time. I always enjoy the camaraderie and gentlemanly spirit displayed during this contest once again I never hear any attitudes or impatience.
One suggestion for those new to this or any other contest please read the rules or at least LISTEN for a while before you jump in. Everyone is more than welcome, but its not fair to those you contact or yourself to jump in without knowing whats expected. It will only take a few minutes to read the rules online and familiarize yourself with the required exchange. I heard a number of operators patiently explaining the exchange to newbies, but its not fair for them to have to take that time away from their own efforts when the rules are so readily available.
Speaking of patience, thanks in particular to K6IDX & K5RX for theirs in completing our exchanges under the conditions. That kind of spirit is what distinguishes this contest from so many of the rest.
73 to all from ENY and Good Luck in the Contest! -- N2OBY
As many others have said, conditions were awful this year. QSB was incredible, with stations appearing and disappearing in the blink of an eye. Between conditions and the big guns this years contest was a definite challenge. However technique and persistence do pay off!
The most productive bands for me this year were 80m, 40m and 20m; though 160m and 15m also produced results. Of 236 total QSOs, the breakdown was as follows:
160m/27 80m/94 40m/56 20m/43 15m/16
Total score: 34,928
My modest station never let me down, performing very well despite the terrible conditions. The FT-847 and OCF dipole up around 25 work nicely, and I always receive great signal reports. The antenna is cut for 80m but works well just about everywhere. During the 18 months or so that Ive been contesting my skills have definitely improved, and while I still plan to install a tower-mounted beam and amplifier Im still having a ball in the contests and DXing. The station improvements will be nice, but not mandatory.
From my observations both during the contest and reading the soapbox entries it sounds as though everyone had a great time. I always enjoy the camaraderie and gentlemanly spirit displayed during this contest once again I never hear any attitudes or impatience.
One suggestion for those new to this or any other contest please read the rules or at least LISTEN for a while before you jump in. Everyone is more than welcome, but its not fair to those you contact or yourself to jump in without knowing whats expected. It will only take a few minutes to read the rules online and familiarize yourself with the required exchange. I heard a number of operators patiently explaining the exchange to newbies, but its not fair for them to have to take that time away from their own efforts when the rules are so readily available.
Speaking of patience, thanks in particular to K6IDX & K5RX for theirs in completing our exchanges under the conditions. That kind of spirit is what distinguishes this contest from so many of the rest.
73 to all from ENY and Good Luck in the Contest! -- N2OBY
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