2006 ARRL November Sweepstakes (Phone)
11/20/2006 |
KI6DU
This was the first contest that I have worked since 1987 or 1988. I have been away from Ham Radio for almost 15 years but I'm back.
The last time I worked SS-Phone I ran with a 40ft tower and an A4 with 40 Mtr add-on. This time I had to run with a Gap TitanDX. I pulled out my TS-940S, blew off the dust and fired her up with my fingers crossed. She worked almost perfectly but does need a couple minor adjustments done on the audio. But we had a great time inspite of a few problems.
I had never used computer logging software before so that became a learning experience in itself. But after getting going I wondered why they didn't have this stuff way back when or if they did why I didn't know about it. Life is so much easier now.
I didn't make a clean sweep but I managed to pull 72 of the 80 sections. I tried and tried to get NT but I just wasn't strong enough to get through the massive pile ups trying to work him. Then of course there are those BIG Guns in Texas that always have some fantastic signals booming in here. But we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend and I did get a terrific nights sleep when it was all over.
Will I wait another 15 or so years to work SweepStakes again or even get on air. I can say without a doubt, "Absolutely Not". I have renewed my interest in our hobby and I will not leave it again. Now I just have to convince my XYL to get me my 70ft tower and a couple of beams and we then can safely say we are back in the saddle again.
It was great fun even if I did have to hunt for the multipliers. But then that's what you have to do when you run with a small setup.
My sincere thanks to all the big guys and everyone else who had the patience to pull us small fish out of the pile. Next year hopefully I will be back to being one of those big guys again.
See you all in November 2007.
Tnx & 73's
Steve -- KI6DU
The last time I worked SS-Phone I ran with a 40ft tower and an A4 with 40 Mtr add-on. This time I had to run with a Gap TitanDX. I pulled out my TS-940S, blew off the dust and fired her up with my fingers crossed. She worked almost perfectly but does need a couple minor adjustments done on the audio. But we had a great time inspite of a few problems.
I had never used computer logging software before so that became a learning experience in itself. But after getting going I wondered why they didn't have this stuff way back when or if they did why I didn't know about it. Life is so much easier now.
I didn't make a clean sweep but I managed to pull 72 of the 80 sections. I tried and tried to get NT but I just wasn't strong enough to get through the massive pile ups trying to work him. Then of course there are those BIG Guns in Texas that always have some fantastic signals booming in here. But we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend and I did get a terrific nights sleep when it was all over.
Will I wait another 15 or so years to work SweepStakes again or even get on air. I can say without a doubt, "Absolutely Not". I have renewed my interest in our hobby and I will not leave it again. Now I just have to convince my XYL to get me my 70ft tower and a couple of beams and we then can safely say we are back in the saddle again.
It was great fun even if I did have to hunt for the multipliers. But then that's what you have to do when you run with a small setup.
My sincere thanks to all the big guys and everyone else who had the patience to pull us small fish out of the pile. Next year hopefully I will be back to being one of those big guys again.
See you all in November 2007.
Tnx & 73's
Steve -- KI6DU
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