11/09/2009 | W4MPS The XYL and I retired this year and relocated to North Carolina along with a "relocated" callsign (formerly WA2S in N.J.), so I was looking forward to Sweeps from the new QTH. Since I haven't yet put up a decent antenna, the trusty slingshot came out of mothballs and a G5RV was shot into the trees as high as possible. New neighbors means an entirely new set of explanations about "what the hell are you doing?" That, together with my beloved FT-857D at 90 Watts was my arsenal for this year's event. I didn't expect much with that modest setup, except the usual amount of great fun. I wasn't disappointed. CW is apparently alive and well based on the consistent wall to wall signals I heard on 80, 40 and 20. I really enjoy participating in Sweeps as the vast majority of stations are manned by very good operators. This contest is fabulous for keeping operating skills and CW proficiency up to par. I couldn't believe I logged multiple contacts from the elusive (for me anyway) PAC, NT and AK sections. Very exciting. I missed a sweep though as I never heard NL, SB or OR. But no complaints; I finished with a big smile. I always enjoy watching the XYL's face after the contest, as she grins, knowing I had a good time, but silently wondering why we hams put ourselves through this madness. These soapbox opportunities are also fun since many of the guys are now posting pictures of their operations, which lets you visualize some of your contacts. It also emphasizes the lengths to which some of our more adventuresome bretheren go to participate from a unique location.
Tnx everyone for another enjoyable weekend.
73
Marc, (FM05 / NC) -- W4MPS