RadioSport History | CQ World Wide DX CW 1971

An electromagnetic handshake symbolizes the spirit of ham radio. We built social networking because of our wireless transmitters and it looks like our baby is beginning to mature. The smiles of Trev, 5W1AR and Phil, 5W1AU speak to the foundation of the hobby when solder smoke clears the work bench and another RadioSport season closes, "Ham radio is friendship."

I was struck with a smile while reading the 1971 edition because some topics really have not changed. However Frank, W1WY noted that a shift was underway and looking at CQ WPX survey results one might be surprised; SSB was trending in popularity with a total of 3,000 logs submitted in that year with help from sideband activity.

Dupe disqualification drew significant attention and was not tucked away. Five paragraphs later RadioSport's international community was made aware of excessive score claims because of dupes. The range fell between 4- and 5-percent of log total. One major DXpedition was disqualified on the front page.

Frank, W1WY explained the decision in straight forward and understandable terms.

I remember the days when pencil and paper ruled RadioSport from logs to dupe sheets. Can one imagine sitting down today and typing an entire event with several hundred or several thousand Qs in the log? Computerized logging on our 21st Century scale did not exist.

I can't imagine the painstaking task of adjudicating hand written or typed logs.

My take away from 1971 is the electromagnetic handshake. Man, that is ham radio spirit that sparks friendships for life.

73 from the shackadelic on the beach.

Reference: Anzalone, F. W1WY (1972, September). CQ Magazine: 1971 CQ World Wide DX Contest: C.W. Results. pp. 50 - 60.

3830 Claimed Scores | 2010 North American QSO Party v.CW | Low Power

Multi 2 Transmitter.

• NR5M | 2265 Qs | 254 Mults | 12hrs | 575,056 Points [CTDXCC].
• W2FU | 1839 Qs | 240 Mults | 12hrs | 441,360 Points [Rochester (NY) DX Association].
  
• NY3A (@K4VV) | 1775 Qs | 220 Mults | 12hrs | 390,500 Points [PVRC].

n = 8 low power scores submitted for this category.

Single Operator.

• NK7U (KL9A) | 1348 Qs | 239 Mults | 10hrs | 322,172 Points [WWYC].
• N5KO/6 (@W6NL) | 1337 Qs | 226 Mults | 10hrs | 302,162 Points [NCCC].
• AA3B | 1218 Qs | 199 Mults | 10hrs | 242,382 Points [FRC].

n = 272 low power scores submitted for this category.

Hamapalooza! A successful RadioSport event this weekend where clubs fielded competitive teams at all levels of experience. Propagation or not. I'm curious if solar cycles really generate activity or is it word of mouth that speaks to the competitive spirit of RadioSport operators? I'm hedging that most have fun with a touch of competitive.

Or everyone likes a good party!

Congratulations Chris, KL9A who operated NK7U into position number one prior to log adjudication. An accomplishment well done indeed. Is this a banner year for World Wide Young Contesters? Are they planning to lead the RadioSport pack like those from the lore years when Titans roamed the airwaves?

Contest on.

2010 North American QSO Party v.CW Raw Results

How much fun can one have during 10-hours of RadioSport action? A lot! Ham radio in the slow lane of low profile, low power is a challenge. I'm not first in the flash swarm. I scratch for each Q in the log. I struggle with electronic theory. An elder statesmen Ernie, W6ND shared his wisdom about our hobby, "I have operated for 50-plus years and I'm still having fun."

These are not easy times and fun mitigates the stress of one's daily grind. Whatever one's niche in our hobby, now more than ever, take a break. Sit in the chair, I mean really sit in your chair and look around at your accomplishment. The shack is relaxation zone. A place to unplug from pressing daily demands.

North American QSO Party v.CW Raw Results.

80m | 8 Qs | 3 Sections.
40m | 16 Qs | 9 Sections.
20m | 25 Qs | 14 Sections.

Total Production = 49 Qs plus 26 out of 378 available sections.
Total Score = 1,274 Points.

I gave myself a break and purchased a new pair of cans. Those ear buds were fatiguing and I wanted improved listening pleasure. The cans are Sennheiser HD428 stereo headphones with frequency response between 18 and 22,000 Hz weighing 32 ounces. Signal sound was remarkable and less fatiguing.

My bent center fed doublet is waiting for my attention and there are a few more chores like laundry as well.

Shackadelic chill'in on the beach.

P.S. Thank you Team NR5M for video streaming through Saturday evening.