11/03/2008 | WB4YDL This was my very first CW Sweepstakes and one with such a long exchange. It really keeps you on your toes and naturally gets your code speed up. It makes the Field Day exchange down right trivial! I started out with an error by using B as my precedence even though I was using low power - I didn't realize the error until about 40 Q's into the contest. I decided to just keep it at B so as not to disturb the other logs. I used an Elecraft K3 barefoot. I was really giving the rotator a workout on 20M as it was like aiming a rifle. It was much easier on 40M and I was able to get Q's off the back and side of the beam. The N1MM Logger software worked great but you had to watch your spacing.I still had to write the exchange on paper and transfer it into the program while my exchange was sending. I'm not good enough to directly type into the program, but I'm getting there slowly. I have a mental block on the number 8 when it comes at me fast! Overall, I was pleased to get a couple hundred Q's on my first attempt. Next year I may muster the courage to call CQ! -- WB4YDL