01/10/2005 | K0FJ MULTI HI POWER (500W) KANSAS

We do a full multi time-wise but don't use a 2nd radio. We do keep an eye on web spots. But mainly we enjoy the chance to ragchew in the shack while one of us clicks away at the mouse logging Qs. The multi format also lets us all attend church and do other chores. Wx was great after a cold spell so everyone wanted some outside time.

This year we had Nathan KC0GLA in the seat alot of the time. A multi contest is an ideal chance to show off HF RTTY to Techs and we hope to continue this contest Elmering activity. Gary N0XNK also visited but didn't operate.

In 2003 we logged 1000 Qs and 102 mults. We hoped for a similar showing this time but the sunspot cycle hasn't been kind over those 2 years. No real pipeline to Europe ever showed up. We did get a mini JA-run and a few exotic AS & OC mults.

Total: 864 Qs State/Prov= 52 Countries= 42 Score= 81,216

Mike's station is on a town lot with 50' tribander and wires. These aren't world-class antennas, but the station is cyberiffic running WriteLog/MMTTY with Telnetted bandmapping and auto rotator control. Gear is IC-756PRO and SB-220 throttled to 500W (OK, 700 on new, weak mults...). The SB-220 is not a good city-bound amp due to TVI but RTTY mode seems to minimize the problem.

We were glad to be called by YB on 15 for a new mult at 2350. Then we noticed SV spotted on 40 -- we're on the western edge of the Central Time zone and doubted we'd have copy at 2356Z, but Mike clicked on the spot, getting solid copy at s7. Soon Greece was logged.

See you next year. -- K0BJ