03/04/2008 | KI6LTC This was my first contesting experience and I can tell that Im hooked. I have only picked up my General recently and was told that this would be a great contest to participate in for my first. On Saturday I was a bit intimidated hearing the big station signals. I was running about 40 watts from a TS-520 to a portable MP-1 antenna about 15 ft above ground. I worked 20m all day Saturday and most of Sunday before switching to 15m. I am still learning how to be a better operator as I am still young in the hobby, and think this experience helped considerably. My antenna tuner consisted of the two hands I was born with and I can now tune that MP-1 faster than I thought possible. I also heightened my listening skills as I worked a few weak signal QSOs. I came away with only 49 QSOs in all, but the operating skills gained were the real award for me.
I cant wait for the next contest!
73s Chris -- KI6LTC