Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hi The conditions in my area were very poor. 21 QSOs. I did not manage to meet many familiar stations from USA and Canada with big good antennas... It seems that they did not work on CQ at all... --- Nick, UY0ZG http://www.topband.in.ua Roger Kennedy писал 2023-02-19 20:01: I came on 160m a couple of times during Friday night, but only worked 15 NA stations, as conditions seemed poor. Saturday night I was doing a late night gig, so didn't get home until 03.30Z. However, conditions seemed much better! After working everyone I heard, I then found a channel and called CQ, and got lots of takers . . . eventually had to give up and go to bed around 05.30 as I was falling asleep! But managed to work a total of 67 NA stations, which I was pretty pleased with. I still have a fairly high local noise problem, which OFCOM are still trying to track down . . . so apologies if you were one of the stations that called me that I couldn't quite pull out of the noise. 73 Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: ARRL CW Contest
I came on 160m a couple of times during Friday night, but only worked 15 NA stations, as conditions seemed poor. Saturday night I was doing a late night gig, so didn't get home until 03.30Z. However, conditions seemed much better! After working everyone I heard, I then found a channel and called CQ, and got lots of takers . . . eventually had to give up and go to bed around 05.30 as I was falling asleep! But managed to work a total of 67 NA stations, which I was pretty pleased with. I still have a fairly high local noise problem, which OFCOM are still trying to track down . . . so apologies if you were one of the stations that called me that I couldn't quite pull out of the noise. 73 Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest (and TB Contests generally)
And we appreciate those in the Northern Hemisphere who operate year round so we can work some DX during our Winter months, when the band is relatively quiet! 73, Luke VK3HJ Sent from Mail for Windows 10 From: David Raymond Sent: Wednesday, 24 February 2021 1:22 PM To: List Mail; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest (and TB Contests generally) Kudos to our friends "down under" that hang in there and remain QRV on the low bands and fight horrible QRN during their summer months for the benefit of the rest of us "up here." Luke, VK3HJ remains consistently active during our winter months in spite of all the challenges. Thanks Luke! 73. . . Dave, W0FLS _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: ARRL CW Contest
There are obviously SOME stations that come on during a Contest to actually enter (or at least to see how many points they can get if they sent their entry in) . . . However, I would wager that the majority of stations you hear in a Contest come on just for a couple of hours, to try and work a few stations, just because there is activity. That is especially true on 160m, where often people just don't bother coming on, as there aren't many stations there to work ! It really is Catch 22 . . . That's why I am forever trying to encourage people to come on the band on CW . . . if more people come on at the same time, there WILL be Activity, i.e. lots of DX QSOs to be had. Given the effort required to put out a decent signal on Top Band, I was amazed this weekend how many stations I worked that I've never heard on the band before . . . what a waste of all those big antennas ! I know some of you on here aren't interested in working a station multiple times . . . but I would say that the majority of us get a buzz out of EVERY DX QSO on 160m, regardless of how many times we may have worked a station before. Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest (and TB Contests generally)
Kudos to our friends "down under" that hang in there and remain QRV on the low bands and fight horrible QRN during their summer months for the benefit of the rest of us "up here." Luke, VK3HJ remains consistently active during our winter months in spite of all the challenges. Thanks Luke! 73. . . Dave, W0FLS On 2/23/2021 5:56 PM, List Mail wrote: I usually have a listen when there’s a Top Band Contest on, but rarely participate, and don’t compete. Conditions are usually poor, with storm static to contend with, as most contests are over our summer. The DX is usually occupied with working NA/EU/JA where there are the numbers, obviously, with little attention being paid to Oceania. Of course, there are so few OC stations on Top Band, that it is hardly worthwhile for the Contesters to spend the time and resources looking for one or two country multipliers. Conditions to NA from VK have been exceptionally poor this year so far, with only a couple of evenings where there has been any sort of opening. Hopefully, there is still some EU propagation next month, when I should have the Quarter wave vertical operational. 73, Luke VK3HJ Sent from Mail for Windows 10 _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Henk hit the nail squarely on the head - 100%. I'll add that even a lot of the top scorers only had 100-300Q's on 160m for an entire weekends work. The easier Q's (rate) are on other bands. ".Lot of people who take part in contest do that because they like to contest, not to make regular qso's. In most contests the purpose is to work as much stations and multipliers. Working as much stations works best on the higher bands. Only reason to come on 160 is to work multipliers, and maybe work some strong stations. 73 Henk PA5KT ." Mike VE9AA Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest (and TB Contests generally)
I usually have a listen when there’s a Top Band Contest on, but rarely participate, and don’t compete. Conditions are usually poor, with storm static to contend with, as most contests are over our summer. The DX is usually occupied with working NA/EU/JA where there are the numbers, obviously, with little attention being paid to Oceania. Of course, there are so few OC stations on Top Band, that it is hardly worthwhile for the Contesters to spend the time and resources looking for one or two country multipliers. Conditions to NA from VK have been exceptionally poor this year so far, with only a couple of evenings where there has been any sort of opening. Hopefully, there is still some EU propagation next month, when I should have the Quarter wave vertical operational. 73, Luke VK3HJ Sent from Mail for Windows 10 _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Roger, I dont agree with you on the conditions, to me the experience was that the conditions were terrible. On Saturday morning it was terrible, on Sunday morning it was even worse. I only worked 104 stations in 28 states, only east coast. That is less then I worked during some contests in the past solar maximum. In 2010 I had 194 in 48 states. Lot of people who take part in contest do that because they like to contest, not to make regular qso's. In most contests the purpose is to work as much stations and multipliers. Working as much stations works best on the higher bands. Only reason to come on 160 is to work multipliers, and maybe work some strong stations. 73 Henk PA5KT Op 22-2-2021 om 12:49 schreef Roger Kennedy: Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday night . . . Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased with. That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a Contest ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
No EU prop to CA at all. I saw G3YRO spotted but heard nothing on my new 9 circle RX array. OTOH, I worked over 30 JA's between 0900Z and 1030Z. A fair number were reporting only 100 watts. Also worked ZM4T. I supposedly QSO'ed UZ3DD with the 9 circle beaming to Asia. I see that UZ3DD is reported as valid by SCP, but in not shown on QRZ. WFWL? Rick N6RK On 2/22/2021 8:16 AM, wa8...@wa8wzg.net wrote: No Propagation here in AZ either night,,I could hear East Coast stations working EU.. BUT could NOT here anything out here.. Even JA's were VERY slim and weak both mornings.. Still FUN!! Tom N7GP Ex WA8WZG On 2021-02-22 15:58, Roger Kennedy wrote: Yes, most contacts were on the East Coast . . . farthest West was Oklahoma . . . also worked into Georgia and Florida. But didn't even hear any of the big signals I regularly work in Texas, Colorado, Arizona etc. It makes me wonder how many QSOs I would have had if the band had been open further west ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
No Propagation here in AZ either night,,I could hear East Coast stations working EU.. BUT could NOT here anything out here.. Even JA's were VERY slim and weak both mornings.. Still FUN!! Tom N7GP Ex WA8WZG On 2021-02-22 15:58, Roger Kennedy wrote: Yes, most contacts were on the East Coast . . . farthest West was Oklahoma . . . also worked into Georgia and Florida. But didn't even hear any of the big signals I regularly work in Texas, Colorado, Arizona etc. It makes me wonder how many QSOs I would have had if the band had been open further west ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hi Roger and gang, I operated W9VW which is a pretty big contest station Saturday morning but did not get on 160 meters until 0545 UTC, and I commented to my fellow operators that conditions were about as poor as I have ever encountered on 160 from Indiana into Eu and I was running 1300 watts versus the 100 watts I typically run from my home station. I was also having issues with our other transmitter getting into our 9 circle RX array which did not help.. I did operate some from my home station Sunday morning but started at 0400 UTC and actually put a considerable amount of Eu stations in my log running my 100 watts, so maybe conditions favored the earlier hours Next year I will definitely try and get on 160 much earlier in the evening if I'm invited back to W9VW. I certainly felt embarrassed with my performance. 73, Don (wd8dsb) _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Also here in North band was lousy on both nights. I managed to work only a couple of dozens Qs, all S I did hear only Northern East Coast. All the indicators K, A, Solar Wind Speed and Proton Density did also show that band was not Ok for DXing those nights. 73 Ilmo, OH2BO -Alkuperäinen viesti- Lähettäjä: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+ilmo.anttila=qualisys...@contesting.com] Puolesta w...@w5zn.org Lähetetty: 22. helmikuutata 2021 16:48 Vastaanottaja: topband@contesting.com; Topband Aihe: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest Same down here in Arkansas Dave. Not gud on 160 at all this past weekend during the contest. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2021-02-22 07:43, David Raymond wrote: > Conditions on 160 from here in the Midwest were dreadful. I could never hear Roger, G3YRO, well enough to even call. Other EU beacons like OK1CF were just detectable. Conditions to Asia weren't any better. . .I never did work a JA on 160. I still had a good time. > > 73. . . Dave, W0FLS > > On 2/22/2021 7:56 AM, Tim Shoppa wrote: Yes! Signals from EU were huge on 160 for many hours both nights. I had to > peer at my radio dial a few times just to be sure I wasn't accidentally on > 80 or something. 80 was great too. > > How far west in US/Canada did you work, Roger? > > Tim N3QE > > On Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 6:49 AM Roger Kennedy > wrote: > > Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. > > I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday > night . . . > > Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased > with. > > That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what > saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a > Contest ! > > Roger G3YRO > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband > Reflector > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Yes, most contacts were on the East Coast . . . farthest West was Oklahoma . . . also worked into Georgia and Florida. But didn't even hear any of the big signals I regularly work in Texas, Colorado, Arizona etc. It makes me wonder how many QSOs I would have had if the band had been open further west ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
in all I spent about 5 hours mostly from 04:30Z to 07:00Z both nights Signals were generally good . Unusual "spotlight" propagation Friday Night/Saturday morn. Worked a half dozen S5xxx stations ALL with unusually loud signals. More than one over S-9 on the BOG. While ALL other EU's were down as is typical just above my noise floor. One S5 commented that I too was very loud. In general things were better on a broader scale the 2nd night here in the tropics Did not seem to be the same level of participation as prior year. only 68 Q's in 27 countries this year vs 98 Q's in 51 countries in 2020. This might reflect the impact of fewer multi ops and dxpeditions this year due to CV-19 ??? Dave NR1DX On 2/22/2021 6:49 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday night . . . Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased with. That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a Contest ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector -- Dave manu...@artekmanuals.com www.ArtekManuals.com -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Same down here in Arkansas Dave. Not gud on 160 at all this past weekend during the contest. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2021-02-22 07:43, David Raymond wrote: > Conditions on 160 from here in the Midwest were dreadful. I could never hear > Roger, G3YRO, well enough to even call. Other EU beacons like OK1CF were > just detectable. Conditions to Asia weren't any better. . .I never did work > a JA on 160. I still had a good time. > > 73. . . Dave, W0FLS > > On 2/22/2021 7:56 AM, Tim Shoppa wrote: Yes! Signals from EU were huge on 160 > for many hours both nights. I had to > peer at my radio dial a few times just to be sure I wasn't accidentally on > 80 or something. 80 was great too. > > How far west in US/Canada did you work, Roger? > > Tim N3QE > > On Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 6:49 AM Roger Kennedy > wrote: > > Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. > > I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday > night . . . > > Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased > with. > > That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what > saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a > Contest ! > > Roger G3YRO > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband > Reflector > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Conditions on 160 from here in the Midwest were dreadful. I could never hear Roger, G3YRO, well enough to even call. Other EU beacons like OK1CF were just detectable. Conditions to Asia weren't any better. . .I never did work a JA on 160. I still had a good time. 73. . . Dave, W0FLS On 2/22/2021 7:56 AM, Tim Shoppa wrote: Yes! Signals from EU were huge on 160 for many hours both nights. I had to peer at my radio dial a few times just to be sure I wasn't accidentally on 80 or something. 80 was great too. How far west in US/Canada did you work, Roger? Tim N3QE On Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 6:49 AM Roger Kennedy wrote: Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday night . . . Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased with. That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a Contest ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Yes! Signals from EU were huge on 160 for many hours both nights. I had to peer at my radio dial a few times just to be sure I wasn't accidentally on 80 or something. 80 was great too. How far west in US/Canada did you work, Roger? Tim N3QE On Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 6:49 AM Roger Kennedy wrote: > > Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. > > I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday > night . . . > > Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased > with. > > That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what > saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a > Contest ! > > Roger G3YRO > > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband > Reflector > _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Well conditions to NA from EU were pretty good over the weekend. I came on 160m for a couple of hours on Friday Night, and again on Saturday night . . . Managed to work a total of 132 NA stations, which I was really pleased with. That included lots of people that I had never worked before . . . but what saddens me, is why these people don't come on Top Band when there ISN'T a Contest ! Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Tune the amp till the antenna ARK’s and back off a little? Cecil K5DL Sent from my iPad > On Feb 18, 2020, at 8:43 AM, Wes wrote: > > I want to know what a power level of "ARK" is. Copied this from two > different stations. > > Wes N7WS > > >> On 2/18/2020 7:09 AM, Sam Josuweit wrote: >> I totally agree. With some of the abbreviations used for this contest it can >> be even more confusing. >> >> Sam(N3XZ) >> >> >> > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
You may be correct. Since two stations both used it and to make sure I was reading it correctly, I turned on the K3 decoder and that's what it came up with too. Maybe we should just log what is received and not use a magic decoder ring to figure it out. Wes N7WS On 2/18/2020 7:54 AM, David Olean wrote: I think they might mean 1000, as in resistor or cap values now... 1R5. 4R7. Just a guess. On 2/18/2020 2:43 PM, Wes wrote: I want to know what a power level of "ARK" is. Copied this from two different stations. Wes N7WS On 2/18/2020 7:09 AM, Sam Josuweit wrote: I totally agree. With some of the abbreviations used for this contest it can be even more confusing. Sam(N3XZ) _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
1000 has always been K or KW. I have seen ATT for 100 and nn for 99. Never heard ARK. W0MU On 2/18/2020 7:54 AM, David Olean wrote: I think they might mean 1000, as in resistor or cap values now... 1R5. 4R7. Just a guess. On 2/18/2020 2:43 PM, Wes wrote: I want to know what a power level of "ARK" is. Copied this from two different stations. Wes N7WS On 2/18/2020 7:09 AM, Sam Josuweit wrote: I totally agree. With some of the abbreviations used for this contest it can be even more confusing. Sam(N3XZ) _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
I think they might mean 1000, as in resistor or cap values now... 1R5. 4R7. Just a guess. On 2/18/2020 2:43 PM, Wes wrote: I want to know what a power level of "ARK" is. Copied this from two different stations. Wes N7WS On 2/18/2020 7:09 AM, Sam Josuweit wrote: I totally agree. With some of the abbreviations used for this contest it can be even more confusing. Sam(N3XZ) _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
I want to know what a power level of "ARK" is. Copied this from two different stations. Wes N7WS On 2/18/2020 7:09 AM, Sam Josuweit wrote: I totally agree. With some of the abbreviations used for this contest it can be even more confusing. Sam(N3XZ) _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
I totally agree. With some of the abbreviations used for this contest it can be even more confusing. Sam(N3XZ) Hi guy’s, Right, we must adapt the cw speed to the Band conditions. Personnaly, I was at a speed of 26, and sometimes activing my bencher key... Faster, around 36, is a non sense on top band. 73 Jean-Paul F6FYA en direct depuis son iPad. > Le 17 févr. 2020 à 19:10, Artek Manuals a écrit : > > NR1DX: > > Equipment: 1400W + 60' (20M) high "T" with 3 elevated radials + Bevs & BOGs > Location: Near Tampa Florida > > > Here in Florida, except for Africa and the Carib, we typically do not enjoy > the same good condx to EU that you fellows up north get the price we pay for > not having to use our amplifiers to heat the basement > Friday Night: Very poor all EU just above the noise, very slow QSB > Saturday AM: Hand full of Caribbean, NO ZL/VK/JA > Saturday PM: Much better, band opened 45 minutes before our sunset,,tapered > off a bit after sunset then built up as the Evening wore on > Sunday AM. one KH6 but otherwise still no Pacific stations heard here > Sunday PM: poor condx again like Friday, no pre-sunset opening, only a few > weak EU's heard after sunset > > General: We were strictly search and pounce for a total of 98-Q's in 51 > countries. Lots of good ops on both sides. > Why a few stations feel compelled to send at 50wpm on topband with the noise > levels as they are is a mystery. 35wpm is plenty fast enough for the > conditions. I guess they get to send a few more unanswered CQ's per hour > while we try and figure out is that an S or H? Did he bust my call ?...better > ask for fill. > > > Sorry I missed you Roger > > > Dave > NR1DX > > > >>> 73 Roger G3YRO >>> >>> >>> >>> _ >>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector >> _ >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector > > -- > Dave > manu...@artekmanuals.com > www.ArtekManuals.com > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hi guy’s, Right, we must adapt the cw speed to the Band conditions. Personnaly, I was at a speed of 26, and sometimes activing my bencher key... Faster, around 36, is a non sense on top band. 73 Jean-Paul F6FYA en direct depuis son iPad. > Le 17 févr. 2020 à 19:10, Artek Manuals a écrit : > > NR1DX: > > Equipment: 1400W + 60' (20M) high "T" with 3 elevated radials + Bevs & BOGs > Location: Near Tampa Florida > > > Here in Florida, except for Africa and the Carib, we typically do not enjoy > the same good condx to EU that you fellows up north get the price we pay for > not having to use our amplifiers to heat the basement > Friday Night: Very poor all EU just above the noise, very slow QSB > Saturday AM: Hand full of Caribbean, NO ZL/VK/JA > Saturday PM: Much better, band opened 45 minutes before our sunset,,tapered > off a bit after sunset then built up as the Evening wore on > Sunday AM. one KH6 but otherwise still no Pacific stations heard here > Sunday PM: poor condx again like Friday, no pre-sunset opening, only a few > weak EU's heard after sunset > > General: We were strictly search and pounce for a total of 98-Q's in 51 > countries. Lots of good ops on both sides. > Why a few stations feel compelled to send at 50wpm on topband with the noise > levels as they are is a mystery. 35wpm is plenty fast enough for the > conditions. I guess they get to send a few more unanswered CQ's per hour > while we try and figure out is that an S or H? Did he bust my call ?...better > ask for fill. > > > Sorry I missed you Roger > > > Dave > NR1DX > > > >>> 73 Roger G3YRO >>> >>> >>> >>> _ >>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector >> _ >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector > > -- > Dave > manu...@artekmanuals.com > www.ArtekManuals.com > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hi Dave, There were several speed demons who were shooting themselves in the foot with endless high speed CQs. Why would anyone send hundreds -- even thousands -- of unanswered high speed CQs on topband when slowing their speed to 26-30 WPM (or even lower) will only improve their topband results? They did not slow down for the vast majority of callers were at 30 WPM or lower. Its a mindless approach to contesting... 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Artek Manuals" To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Monday, February 17, 2020 6:09:51 PM Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest NR1DX: Equipment: 1400W + 60' (20M) high "T" with 3 elevated radials + Bevs & BOGs Location: Near Tampa Florida Here in Florida, except for Africa and the Carib, we typically do not enjoy the same good condx to EU that you fellows up north get the price we pay for not having to use our amplifiers to heat the basement Friday Night: Very poor all EU just above the noise, very slow QSB Saturday AM: Hand full of Caribbean, NO ZL/VK/JA Saturday PM: Much better, band opened 45 minutes before our sunset,,tapered off a bit after sunset then built up as the Evening wore on Sunday AM. one KH6 but otherwise still no Pacific stations heard here Sunday PM: poor condx again like Friday, no pre-sunset opening, only a few weak EU's heard after sunset General: We were strictly search and pounce for a total of 98-Q's in 51 countries. Lots of good ops on both sides. Why a few stations feel compelled to send at 50wpm on topband with the noise levels as they are is a mystery. 35wpm is plenty fast enough for the conditions. I guess they get to send a few more unanswered CQ's per hour while we try and figure out is that an S or H? Did he bust my call ?...better ask for fill. Sorry I missed you Roger Dave NR1DX >> 73 Roger G3YRO >> >> >> >> _ >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband >> Reflector > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband > Reflector -- Dave manu...@artekmanuals.com www.ArtekManuals.com _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
NR1DX: Equipment: 1400W + 60' (20M) high "T" with 3 elevated radials + Bevs & BOGs Location: Near Tampa Florida Here in Florida, except for Africa and the Carib, we typically do not enjoy the same good condx to EU that you fellows up north get the price we pay for not having to use our amplifiers to heat the basement Friday Night: Very poor all EU just above the noise, very slow QSB Saturday AM: Hand full of Caribbean, NO ZL/VK/JA Saturday PM: Much better, band opened 45 minutes before our sunset,,tapered off a bit after sunset then built up as the Evening wore on Sunday AM. one KH6 but otherwise still no Pacific stations heard here Sunday PM: poor condx again like Friday, no pre-sunset opening, only a few weak EU's heard after sunset General: We were strictly search and pounce for a total of 98-Q's in 51 countries. Lots of good ops on both sides. Why a few stations feel compelled to send at 50wpm on topband with the noise levels as they are is a mystery. 35wpm is plenty fast enough for the conditions. I guess they get to send a few more unanswered CQ's per hour while we try and figure out is that an S or H? Did he bust my call ?...better ask for fill. Sorry I missed you Roger Dave NR1DX 73 Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector -- Dave manu...@artekmanuals.com www.ArtekManuals.com _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hello Roger, Yesterday night I heard you when you QSO AB8UL. Your receiving system works well, signals we re confortable but not too strong. I called you at the end, but you were gone. During all contest top band was not so quiet in the central west part of France, even on beverage. But, acceptable anyway. I met 45 us/ve with 12 hours of trafic. Signals, except big gun as ever, were strong enouph to be catch most of them. But, I din’t heard most of the W0 states and VE4/5 and far west, as usual. To conclude, we need contests to have a lot of different stations on the Topband. Antenna is a 22 meters vertical and 220 meters beverage. So, cu son Roger at the greyline. 73 to the list. Jean-Paul / F6FYA F6FYA en direct depuis son iPad. > Le 17 févr. 2020 à 02:15, Roger Kennedy a > écrit : > > > I had forgotten it was a multiband contest, so I now appreciate that's why > less NA stations are on calling CQ. > > Well I came on for a total of about 4 hours over the weekend . . . managed > to work a total of 128 NA stations, so was pretty pleased with that. > > Apologies to any of you I couldn't copy . . . but bear in mind that - like > many British stations - I only live in an ordinary street in a City, with a > normal size garden (yard), with many houses within one wavelength. So I > have a high noise level, and no room for Beverages or anything (just my > homebrew Receiving Loop in the loft.) > > 73 Roger G3YRO > > > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hi Roger, Topband propagation to Europe was about as good as it gets this weekend, except Sunday night when it was significantly depressed. I compared your signal to the three other UK stations who were calling CQ at the end of the contest The strongest were GM5X and GW5R, both consistently about one S-unit stronger than you and G5W who was consistently just a few dB stronger. Your signals was about 569 during the entire time, good easy copy on clear frequencies. 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Roger Kennedy" To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Monday, February 17, 2020 1:15:32 AM Subject: Topband: ARRL CW Contest I had forgotten it was a multiband contest, so I now appreciate that's why less NA stations are on calling CQ. Well I came on for a total of about 4 hours over the weekend . . . managed to work a total of 128 NA stations, so was pretty pleased with that. Apologies to any of you I couldn't copy . . . but bear in mind that - like many British stations - I only live in an ordinary street in a City, with a normal size garden (yard), with many houses within one wavelength. So I have a high noise level, and no room for Beverages or anything (just my homebrew Receiving Loop in the loft.) 73 Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: ARRL CW Contest
I had forgotten it was a multiband contest, so I now appreciate that's why less NA stations are on calling CQ. Well I came on for a total of about 4 hours over the weekend . . . managed to work a total of 128 NA stations, so was pretty pleased with that. Apologies to any of you I couldn't copy . . . but bear in mind that - like many British stations - I only live in an ordinary street in a City, with a normal size garden (yard), with many houses within one wavelength. So I have a high noise level, and no room for Beverages or anything (just my homebrew Receiving Loop in the loft.) 73 Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Due to other commitments, I only had an hour on Saturday evening to do S on Top Band for the contest. Signals from EU were not that strong, but the band was quiet. With just 100 watts and a less-than-ideal inverted L installation for xmit (HiZ array for receive), I was able to work 24 stations in an hour. That's credit to the band and the very good CW ops in EU who were able to copy my weak signalseveral ops were very patient and did not give up in spite of some deep QSB on my signal. I also witnessed some superb CW operators...a lot of respecting the DX calling a specific station in response to his CQ; this patience by US/VE hams is a tradition with top-band and it's nice to see it in action still in 2020. Although it was only an hour, I very much enjoyed my contest time and am re-energized on top-band. Mark Lunday, WD4ELG Greensboro, NC FM06be wd4...@arrl.net _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Signals last night in Ky seemed better to me. Many strong signals ...EI7M was very strong here among others. Lots of very weak stations that must have very good RX antennas was I surprised that I was able to work them...and most were running a KW. Some signals were very strong on the K9AY loop...not sure what that tells me maybe signals coming in at high angles? I heard Roger last night I called but he was too close to a very loud local and he kept returning my call. Had fun fooling around in the contest I worked just over 50 on 160. My area in KY is in a building boom. Lots of farms being turned into neighborhoods. Three major developments close to me ...two within a 1/4 mile... each with 150 each or so houses. And the other one is abt 1/2 from me with 1100 big houses. The QRM is really starting to rise. I now have a very loud buzz on 160 80 and a little on 4080 and 160 are S7 I never had this before. I'm hoping this is something the contractors are using...maybe big salamander heaters?? It comes and goes and eventually goes off at night...maybe a hour after dark. So looks like this spring/summer will be trying out new RX antennas to cope. 73 Fred KB4QZH On 2/15/2020 4:57 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: Hi Roger, I heard you CQing early this morning (of course you were already in the log). You had en excellent signal right up there with the best European signals. I hope you try again tonight 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Wes" To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:55:47 PM Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest I answered your CQ many times with no joy. Wes N7WS On 2/15/2020 8:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Yes there is Roger, RATE ! DX and US/VE stns make the minimum amount of contacts on bands with poor rate to get the most mults possible there and then CQ (or S) the more productive bands. Why work on 10m, 15m or 160m when you could be making double or trip the contacts on 20/40 or even 80m. Get your mults, then move on. Rate is King. Mike VE9AA === Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
The loudest DX I heard last night was M3LPL.. HIBad skimmer decodes for W3LPL. I did work RL3A and UW2M and lots of Carib and Central America. The band seemed quiet but not that many stations. I was not checking on the top of the hour like I should have. 40 and 80 were not super crowded and they sounded off to me here at my QTH W0MU On 2/15/2020 2:57 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: Hi Roger, I heard you CQing early this morning (of course you were already in the log). You had en excellent signal right up there with the best European signals. I hope you try again tonight 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Wes" To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:55:47 PM Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest I answered your CQ many times with no joy. Wes N7WS On 2/15/2020 8:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Hi Roger, I heard you CQing early this morning (of course you were already in the log). You had en excellent signal right up there with the best European signals. I hope you try again tonight 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Wes" To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:55:47 PM Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest I answered your CQ many times with no joy. Wes N7WS On 2/15/2020 8:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: > Very curious . . . > > I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the > contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations > calling CQ, all of which I worked. > > I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't > call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) > > And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when > signals started dropping out after our sunrise) > > I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling > CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? > > Roger G3YRO > > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Perhaps you were on at the wrong time. Most of the 160m contest activity will be for 10 minutes or so after the top of the hour. John KK9A from Roger G3YRO To: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Fred I was not able to be on much Friday evening because of other pressing priorities, but I did note that signals seemed great from my location in southern Maine. Signals from Europe were way up and about as good as you might typically see for a good night. I tuned around for about 1/2 hour and worked a few stations. No real exotic DX but the signals were strong here. I wish I could have spent the evening working stations when things were so good! I think much depends on where you are at any given time. In the CQ 160, I thought condx were not good, but fellows farther South had great fun and thought otherwise. I hope to make a few QSOs this evening. I have permission to stay up late! 73 Dave K1WHS On 2/15/2020 6:13 PM, Fred Moeves wrote: Roger, I stayed on 160 for the evening. I just didn't feel like battling it out with the big guns. I had a laid back fun time working Eu and Caribbean stations. Conditions here in Kentucky were not very good deep QSB but I did work maybe 20 stations. It was tough to work every one of them... Been having lots of rain here it finally got cold and was able to do some antenna maintenance. Also was able to install two common mode chokes on RX antennas. I hope condx are better tonight...I wonder how others found conditions last night?? 73 Fred KB4QZH On 2/15/2020 10:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Roger, I stayed on 160 for the evening. I just didn't feel like battling it out with the big guns. I had a laid back fun time working Eu and Caribbean stations. Conditions here in Kentucky were not very good deep QSB but I did work maybe 20 stations. It was tough to work every one of them... Been having lots of rain here it finally got cold and was able to do some antenna maintenance. Also was able to install two common mode chokes on RX antennas. I hope condx are better tonight...I wonder how others found conditions last night?? 73 Fred KB4QZH On 2/15/2020 10:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
I answered your CQ many times with no joy. Wes N7WS On 2/15/2020 8:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Didn't hear many stateside CQers here in NC either. But quite a few DX stns calling. Pileups were not too bad and I managed, just tuning around and not in the contest, to work into EU, Carib, Cent. Am. and KH6. Only running 100w and a run-of-the-mill Inv. L. Good condx and pretty good ears at the other end. Hope same for tonight. 73 de Bill K4JYS - Original Message - From: "Richard Thorne" To: "Roger Kennedy" , "topband" Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2020 11:12:53 AM Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest Roger, Rates were probably better on 40m. Guys may move to 160 for a couple mults then back to the band that generates rates. Rich - N5ZC On 2/15/2020 9:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: > > Very curious . . . > > I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the > contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations > calling CQ, all of which I worked. > > I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't > call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) > > And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when > signals started dropping out after our sunrise) > > I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling > CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? > > Roger G3YRO > > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector > _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Roger, Rates were probably better on 40m. Guys may move to 160 for a couple mults then back to the band that generates rates. Rich - N5ZC On 2/15/2020 9:52 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: ARRL CW Contest
Very curious . . . I came on 160m last night to see what NA stations I could work in the contest . . . spent half an hour tuning around and only heard 12 stations calling CQ, all of which I worked. I then figured it might be worth calling CQ, as hopefully Europeans wouldn't call me, as they only get points for working NA stations (unlike the CQ WW) And in just over half an hour I was called by 50 stations ! (I stopped when signals started dropping out after our sunrise) I was just surprised that there weren't more big NA signals on 160 calling CQ, like there is in the CQ WW - is there a reason for this? Roger G3YRO _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
