11/25/2009 | W4LT Back when I was a novice, SS was the first contest I competed in (FD is not a contest, right? hi hi!). Come a long way from a HW16/HG10 and a dipole. In all this time, the sweep has eluded me, but this year, finally, A SWEEP!

My rate was running low on 20, so I thought that I should investigate what was on 15 meters. I switched bands and right where the vfo was, I heard a off frequency signal. When I tuned it, it was VE8EV calling CQ!!! It was all anticlimactic from there, hence a lower score from last year. Guess it was just meant to be!

Althought my score was not as high as last year, I am glad to have been able to accomplish the elusive sweep and learn to use all the anti-QRM weapons in my new Elecraft K3 transceiver under SSB contest contditions. It is great to be able to actually hear signals in heavy QRM conditions!

In an attempt to increase the available universe of points, I am doing my best to develop new ops. Here, I let my friend Jack Coffey, the 3 year old son of co worker and "honorary sister" Lorraine Coffey, sits in on some contest operating action. Look out, in a few years, maybe we will get him on the air for Kids Day!

Lu Romero, W4LT -- W4LT