03/09/2009 | W0SZP Other than Straight Key Night, this was the first contest I ever participated in. Even with the sunspot numbers low, I readily discovered that DX is out there if you try. I casually operated and had no problem working all portions of Europe and South America with 100 watts and a vertical. When 20 got too hectic for me, I tried 15 just to see what would happen there and I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of congestion and ability to work Brazil, Argentina, Antilles, Azores, and others. Maybe it takes a contest to get hams to try a band against conventional wisdom. If you don't tune up on the band, you'll never know if it's open. This will not be my last contest!!! -- W0SZP