01/23/2009 | KA3ZLS This contest was fun as always. This was the first contest operating with the new antenna setup. Band conditions did stink mainly on six meters but I scored my all time best by about 5,000 points from my previous score. I had the usual high noise level on both 2 and 6 meters which I am sure cost me several Q's. I believe most of my contacts came from the north and northeast of me especially on two. I did hear for a second or two what I thought was a VE out of FN15 but could not pull them out the noise. I wasn't hearing to much to the south or west which was strange. I think I went to bed about 4:30am after completing my one and only FSK441 contact with K5QE on six. I woke up at 7am and jumped on six and probly just missed an Es opening to the south because I was hearing a station with heavy QSB out of EM90. I never did try to call him. I did better than expected on two meters. I was hearing better than in the past which I contribute to the new stacked antennas that are up on the new tower. Six meters started out slow for me but I made up some ground on Sunday. Disappointed that I didn't catch any Es that I have been reading about. Well there is always June. Murphy did pay me a visit by taking out my 432 amp which left me with only 20 watts on that band. I could of hooked up my little 100 watt mirage amp but never did. I worked just about everyone I heard on 432. My Q count on 6,222 and 432 was down but my Q and grid totals on 1296 was the highest it has ever been which was nice. Managed to work K1TEO on 1296 with no problem on SSB with only 10 watts. By June I will have my 1296 amp back up and running. Also by June I will have 903 and 2304 up and running. Best DX...FM27 to the southeast, FM05 to the south, FM09 to the west, FN01 to the northwest, and FN23 & FN43 to the north and northeast. Well it was good to hear and work everyone and again thanks to all the rovers for getting out there and braving the cold and giving out the points and multis. Catch everyone in June. 73, Chris, KA3ZLS -- KA3ZLS