Inside Superstation NQ4I During 2007 CQ World Wide DX SSB

I want to thank Charlie, NF4A who is the 20-meter Team Captain at Superstation NQ4I for this groundbreaking moment in RadioSport. In fact, C50C and another multiplier went into the log followed by the traditional bell ringing as we spoke.

Charlie, NF4A said, "All hell is breaking loose on 160-meters."

I felt the rush and speaking of propagation which is the hot conversation going into the contest.

Charlie stated, "Conditions really surprised us better than expected."

Friday night propagation silenced Japan for the team but opened into VK/ZL territory. BX5AA and YB0ZZ were notable multipliers in addition to the VK/ZL opening according to Charlie, NF4A. Additionally, 40-meters presented a unique opening for NQ4I lasting from Friday evening well into the European afternoon.

Jim, VE7ZO will pilot the 40-meter operating chair and one can expect a full-throttle effort from this operator through the night according to Charlie, NF4A.

Furthermore, Charlie reported excellent openings on all bands as well. Currently, NQ4I reports 3449 -Qs and 647 multipliers according to Live Amateur Radio Contest Scores.

I asked Charlie, NF4A about the NQ4I Superstation web cam introduced for the first time last year. He initated a live web cam tour of the Superstation while we spoke.

Charlie said, "The north end of the Superstation is our 80- and 40-meter operating positions. You will see those positions as you walk through the door. The south end of the room toward the door is our 20-meter operating position. The web cam itself refreshes every minute. Likewise, we have live streaming audio complimenting our NQ4I Superstation web cam."

Charlie took me to NQ4I's rest and relaxation area during our virtual tour of the Superstation.

"The team enjoyed a carbo-load dinner prior to the contest Friday night consisting of lasagna and salad. Competition demanded a portable type meal this evening and the team ordered pizza and chicken wings." stated Charlie.

Zingers, sandwich fixings, salad, health food, and potato chips are included as part of the team's dietary needs during the contest. We had a good chuckle about the Zingers. They are turbo charged Twinkies for the contester.

Charlie, NF4A described the team's best moment thus far as working those elusive Asian multipliers. Additionally, team spirit is high as propagation is better than expected and the team is doing a good job sticking to its 4-hour operating schedule. Well, some ops slept-in but they worked additional time into their operating schedule according to NQ4I's 20-meter Team Captain.

Charlie continued, "Our new 8-element 20-meter beam at 185-feet is working beyond our expectations."

The new antenna is another contributing factor to great morale at Superstation NQ4I.

Lastly, Charlie replied when asked about the second half of CQ WW SSB 2007, "We have an understanding around here. First, Mr. Murphy is part of the team. Secondly, never let a band go without someone in the chair. And, a team doesn't have a commanding lead until it's over."

That's keeping the eye on the ball.

I want to thank the NQ4I Superstation team for this groundbreaking moment in RadioSport. Likewise, my hat is off to Charlie, NF4A 20-meter Team Captain for graciously answering my questions and giving me a virtual web cam tour of the Superstation. Lastly, to the Ham Radio operator who pulled all this together within hours, Bobby, KF4GTA. Right on!

Take a moment and check out NQ4I's new 20-meter 8-element beam on the Superstation's website. Plus the added bonus of streaming audio and web cam.

Contest on.

Reference:

Charlie, NF4A (personal communication, October 27, 2007).

NQ4I Superstation - Griffin, Georgia Retrieved on October 27, 2007 from http://www.nq4i.com/.