This Weekend In RadioSport | Marathon

Prince may sing, "Party like it's 1999." And I say, "RadioSport like it's CQ WPX 2009."

I admit, my excitement got the best of me and I jumped the proverbial starting gun, thinking last weekend. Quick action at #hamr network on Twitter saved my bacon. Now! This is RadioSport weekend for Iron Butt and I'm ready for a little Morse code in my ears.

Ham radio operators across the planet will skip radio frequency (RF) off the ionosphere for a period of 48-hours. For me, as a single operator all band (SOAB), there is a time limit of 36-hours of operation with 60-minute off periods. One must chose wisely when to sleep, stretch, and take an off period. Additionally, I analyzed SpotCollector data in order to determine band conditions through the week. My results suggest stiff competition across all entry categories vying for bandwidth on 20 and forty meters. Ten and 15m might surprise the planet and I plan on checking this spectrum space throughout each day.

My goal is simple; beat last year's score both in Q-count and multipliers. I'm operating SOAB without assistance because WPX is a rate type event. My strategy is search and pounce the band then call CQ then repeat. I want to establish a few burst rates given each prefix counts and a strong point showing on 40 and eighty meters. One collects 6-points on the low bands and I'm expecting supernatural activity.

Jose, CT1BOH kept the inner amplifier at full current through the week with his mp3 recordings. I want to 'thank' each volunteer for your hard work going into this weekend. And I'm ready for the marathon. Be safe. Have fun. And play RadioSport CQ WPX like it's 2009!

Links.

• CQ World Wide WPX Contest (link).
• High Claimed Scores - 2009 CQ WPX SSB (link).
  

Contest on!

P.S. Thank you CQ Magazine (link) for sponsoring CQ World Wide WPX.

3830 Claimed Scores | 2009 Baltic Contest | Low Power

Single Operator All Band (SOAB) CW.

• YO6VCB (YU7CB) | 207 Qs | 5hrs | 891 Points [YU CC].
• EJ6DX (EI6DX) | 184 Qs | 832 Points.
• DJ5QV | 161 Qs | 3.5hrs | 755 Points [RR DX].

SOAB CW & SSB.

• R3/SM6LRR | 170 CW Qs | 110 SSB Qs | 5hrs | 1,360 Points [TOEC].
• ES5RY (@ES5KJ) | 196 CW Qs | 135 SSB Qs | 5hrs | 333 Points [Tartu Contest Team].
• LY7Z | 100 CW Qs | 100 SSB Qs | 2.4hrs | 200 Points.
  

We finished cutting quarter wavelength radials for Project 3BTV and improved mechanical connections. I also bought additional hardware to mount the radials. I'm listening to CT1BOH operating P40E as part of my ramp up for CQ WPX CW this weekend. Jose rocks!

73 from the shackadelic.

Say It Ain't So RadioSport?

Recently, that is within the last week, a thread bubbled to the surface on CQ Contest Digest regarding performance enhancement and RadioSport. I was, to say the least, taken aback that anyone seriously considered such strategy. Additionally, Anonymous at Fi-Ni Report wrote "Juicing" Scandal in Radio-Sport Contesting? Both occurred within a few days of each other, at least for me, this is not coincidental.

I'm approaching my post from two angles. First, using medication to enhance one's performance is plain and simply, wrong. Secondly, if Anonymous at Fi-Ni Report wrote a hoax, I'm deeply disappointed. There is a fine line between poking fun and malicious intent.

On the other hand, our competitive behavior across a spectrum of sports is suffering; the drive to achieve success at a Machiavellian cost has torn our social cohesiveness asunder. Trust is taking a big hit these days. I am, in effect, reaping a consequence by turning my back and pretending such things like cheating do not exist.

I would consider, if Anonymous is indeed accurate, a troubling problem exists, one demanding attention and solution. Conversely, I cannot overlook a recent topical discussion at CQ Contest Digest in addition to the latest posting at Fi-Ni Report. I recognize that ignoring such a problem creates an even greater consequence in the future. Perhaps, Anonymous put contest sponsorship on notice?

I soul searched regarding my response and I have a duty as author of this blog. My responsibility is to meet specific journalistic criteria and I take this seriously as a reflection of my character. In addition, for those who are passionate about RadioSport, there is reasonable expectation that scores are an accomplishment of the highest ethical standard.

What happened to guts, sweat, and character? The notice is posted on the community bulletin board and cannot be ignored.

73 from the shackadelic.

On DXLab | SpotCollector | DXView World Map | DXView Info

Figure 1 DXView Configuration, World Map tab allowing me to define parameter(s) such as graphic, filter, mode, and display. I varied diameter(s) and line width in the graphic sub-section to include logged Qs then plotted DXKeeper Qs. A quick visual analysis of DXView World Map revealed propagation effects and station configuration in relationship to antenna system. I noted signal strength and weakness by identifying geographical clusters across four continents. Additionally, if I'm not operating I like to observe network activity, and DXView World Map interfaced with SpotCollector transposes network information for analysis. The result helps me determine HF activity.

Figure 2 is DXView World Map and DXView Info interfaced with SpotCollector producing network information on spotted station. I survey DXKeeper output in relationship to award progress and make operating decisions. I'm collecting Maiden Fields as a long term project and DXView World Map is a plus. Eventually, we may consider replacing city and state with Maiden Field/Grid Square locations within our exchanges, given the proliferation of software programs.

Figure 3 SpotCollector Configuration is multi-tabbed allowing one to adjust parameters such as network sources, audio, and network database display. I worked with font colors to improve SpotCollector's visual network information display. I chose font color [white] and background color(s) [blue, black, and gray] for a high-tech visual feel. Furthermore, I adjusted database field alignments to center versus left or right for streamlined effects.

Figure 4 SpotCollector is a powerful analytical tool when interfaced with DXView Info and DXView World Map. I sort incoming information according to received time. Received time is located in sort on SpotCollector. Additionally, I can quickly discern QSL route using black, blue, gray color coding for incoming spots. I've found this color combination is effective for my needs.

Logging programs like DXLab continue to enhance my HF operating experience. However expecting quick results from the database is not reasonable because one needs to experiment. Subsequently, assign a few hours each weekend or take an entire weekend and learn the database. I'm satisfied with my results thus far and the suite continues improving with each development update.

DXLab Links.

• DXLabSuite (link).
• Downloading and Installing DXLab Applications (link).
• Downloading and Installing DXLab Applications (link).

73 from the shackadelic.

P.S. The price is free.

CT1BOH Number One On RadioSport Audio Chart

Content courtesy of CQ Contest Digest.

A remarkable 8181 Qs as Jose, CT1BOH operated P40E from P43P thus establishing an all-time world Q record for single operator all band (SOAB) in the CQ WW DX event. His achievements during this 48-hour marathon include

• Achieving a personal best of 261 Qs in an hour that's Jedi in my logbook.
• Establishing 17,000,000 points as a new claimed South America record.
• Synchronization of operator with signal swarm.
• Operating above 200 Qs per hour for a total of twelve hours.

Jose, CT1BOH produced a K5ZD like table for one to select operating hours, log snippets, Q-count, and commentary. Additionally, CT1BOH operated single operator 2 radio (SO2R) throughout CQ WW DX and one gets the feel while Jose switched between each radio.

CT1BOH operating P40E (link).

Contest on!

P.S. I'm listening to the first mp3 file right now.