2008 ARRL June VHF Contest
06/16/2008 |
N3AWS
My software malfunctioned and counted some QSOs twice, although it summed the multipliers correctly. One hundred QSOs, one point each, and 56 mults for a score of 5,600. Operated 10 hours.
I operated QRP (5 watts) entering the single-op portable category. I ended up making all my contacts on 6 meters. I did check 2 meters a couple of times on Sunday, but heard no one.
I had only a brief amount of operating time on Saturday right at the start, but made a handful of QSOs with some usually difficult grids. I came back around midnight local time and found the band still open and made another few contacts. I had most of Sunday to operate, but a sick family member took some of my time. I ended up with 58 grids and about 100 QSOs. I anticipate a score of about 5,800. This isn't bad for 5 watts and a dipole. This was my first use of my new (to me) Icom 756 Pro II. Considering how crowded six was, I suspect this increased my score substantially compared to my usual Icom 706 MKIIG & Yaesu FT-817. I heard both K3FM & W5THT, but did not manage to work my own grid (EM50).
Some observations:
--It was good to see activity spread out away from 50.125 MHz. I worked stations up to 50.300. I found that the 756 matched my antenna better above 50.200--unlike my 706 & 817. Not sure why.
--First time I ever worked two rovers in a contest (there is little rover activity in the Southeast).
--Many, many new calls!
--Sometimes booming loud stations failed to hear me yet I could work weak signals down in the mud a few KHz away. Go figure...
--Everyone was polite. Not a single frequency fight was heard and no objectionable language. This is a big point for me as I often attempt to get grade school kids to try a stint at the radio. Several times I have been embarassed by foul language and intentional QRM.
--I think 100 grids QRP was possible from here on six alone during this contest. Last January, I worked a single station (on two meters) despite more time in the chair. Gotta love the June VHF Contest!
Well, it was fun! Lots of fun! I leave for South Korea July 1, 2008 for a year as a remote tour at Kunsan AFB. Don't know yet if I'll get a license, but I won't be operating any VHF contests for awhile. Maybe a few QSOs for Field Day, though.
73,
Jim N3AWS -- N3AWS
I operated QRP (5 watts) entering the single-op portable category. I ended up making all my contacts on 6 meters. I did check 2 meters a couple of times on Sunday, but heard no one.
I had only a brief amount of operating time on Saturday right at the start, but made a handful of QSOs with some usually difficult grids. I came back around midnight local time and found the band still open and made another few contacts. I had most of Sunday to operate, but a sick family member took some of my time. I ended up with 58 grids and about 100 QSOs. I anticipate a score of about 5,800. This isn't bad for 5 watts and a dipole. This was my first use of my new (to me) Icom 756 Pro II. Considering how crowded six was, I suspect this increased my score substantially compared to my usual Icom 706 MKIIG & Yaesu FT-817. I heard both K3FM & W5THT, but did not manage to work my own grid (EM50).
Some observations:
--It was good to see activity spread out away from 50.125 MHz. I worked stations up to 50.300. I found that the 756 matched my antenna better above 50.200--unlike my 706 & 817. Not sure why.
--First time I ever worked two rovers in a contest (there is little rover activity in the Southeast).
--Many, many new calls!
--Sometimes booming loud stations failed to hear me yet I could work weak signals down in the mud a few KHz away. Go figure...
--Everyone was polite. Not a single frequency fight was heard and no objectionable language. This is a big point for me as I often attempt to get grade school kids to try a stint at the radio. Several times I have been embarassed by foul language and intentional QRM.
--I think 100 grids QRP was possible from here on six alone during this contest. Last January, I worked a single station (on two meters) despite more time in the chair. Gotta love the June VHF Contest!
Well, it was fun! Lots of fun! I leave for South Korea July 1, 2008 for a year as a remote tour at Kunsan AFB. Don't know yet if I'll get a license, but I won't be operating any VHF contests for awhile. Maybe a few QSOs for Field Day, though.
73,
Jim N3AWS -- N3AWS
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