2007 ARRL DX International CW | Low Power

What is KA3DRR's strategy for the ARRL DX International?

Variables to consider are 1) propagation and 2) antenna. My random wire is cut at 33-feet and runs from the first floor terrace to a wooden mast mounted 25-feet above ground. This is not optimal height as many suggest at least a quarter wavelength above ground. The virtue of location within a dense urban setting (i.e. apartment complex) moderates improving KA3DRR's antenna situation. The positive is excellent take-off toward Asia and the Pacific. I hope to gain further insight into antenna performance through the contest. Also, increase my knowledge base regarding propagation.

Furthermore, low-power operation at 25-watts equals a cw signal just above the noise floor, if propagation is anything less than ideal. The propagation variable is important for any contester moreso for the low-power and QRP operator. The current solar data indicates less than optimal conditions for this weekend inconjunction with a bottoming cycle. Perhaps 40 and 80 meters will provide exciting multiplier potential through the weekend? Will 20 and 15 meters play like the lower bands?

KA3DRR will focus on SP techniques, utilize the internet for multiplier spotting, and calling CQ. What will be the quantitative difference in terms of Qs and mults between Saturday and Sunday?

My strategy is SP and calling CQ. My overarching goal for this contest is practice and more practice.

73s...

NCJ Sprint 2007: The Tripped Circuit Breaker

The bulbous nosed man whose suspended paunch rolls like a bowl of jello tripped the circuit breaker two hours into the contest. I lost the AE6Y contest log and gained insight into KA3DRR's station needs as a result.

I operated according to the plan and remained in the fifities on 20,40, and 80 meters as suggested by N6TR. The first hour on 20 meters produced 7 Qs for KA3DRR running 25-watts of peak envelope power.

The 5th call area between OK, TX, and Kansas pulsed the S-meter. Meanwhile, the east coast big guns were not as loud. I attribute this more to my location and/or beam headings than band propagation. Hills jutting upwards at 70 degrees moderate signal strength from the east. It is a geological limitation for KA3DRR.

Continuing, I changed to 40 meters around 0120 UTC as activity declined on 20 meters. The hoped for 6s and 7s on 40 was nil instead, a concentration of mid-west stations clustered between 7.025 through 7.030 mHz. Band propagation did not favor the KA3DRR random wire antenna. In fact, I did not work any stations on 40-meters. This was disappointing but not like the tripped circuit breaker and lost log.

Further, I switched to 80 meters and heard loud W6's calling CQ NA. I adjusted the cw filter on the Yaesu Ft-100 micro mobile rig and the adrenaline flowed. KA3DRR called CQ NA in the fifities however the busy 1x2s searched and pounced (SP) below. The strategy of calling CQ and SP in the fifities quickly changed. KA3DRR moved down the dial and into the thicket below. KA3DRR produced one contest QSO on 80 meters, a K6 station, before the bulbous nosed man known as Mister Murphy tripped the circuit breaker dumping my log.

What needs improvement?

1. Interface the Yaesu FT100 micro mobile with computer.
2. Increase antenna height.
3. Practice, practice, and practice.

In addition, ensure circuit breaker number 15 does not overload (e.g. leave instructions not to run drier and portable heater etc.). Furthermore, save my log every x-number of contacts and purchase the Yaesu CT-62 computer interface cable in the near future.

Notably, I was nervous realizing the edge from previous years of contesting had dulled. This is my first season in over a decade and it is important to understand the necessary skills for successful contesting take both time and practice. Likewise, as a single-operator with 1 radio (SO1R) running low-power on a random wire adds a new dimension. KA3DRR is working on conceptualizing appropriate goals for SO1R low-power contesting.

I'm looking forward to the ARRL International CW Contest...73s and cu in the international!