For me, unless I use the amp, I get more DX on quiet nights than during a contest on 160. The more powerful stations always trump me when it comes to DX but while I'd rather make the contest DX Q, it's part of the game I chose to play, I could turn on the amp and I know if I hear them, I can work them.
With that said, I get far more enjoyment out of working so many people on 160 during a contest than I do prowling the band, looking for a weak signal from a DXCC entity I haven't worked before. And thinking about it while I type this, I don't believe I have worked a DXCC ATNO or even a needed 160M ATNO during a contest in the last 5-6 years now. To that end, I'm usually listening to 160 most every night and I haven't worked a non-DXPedetion new one on 160 in maybe, the last 3 years. In summation; I agree with Tree's assessment. To me, for the very few nights per year with a contest on and considering the tremendous activity they generate; the rest of the year is not impacted by them and the amount of operators found on 160 on any given non-contest night, is minuscule in comparison. I don't see Contesting interfering with my contacts in the least, it only increases my log numbers... :D 73 & HNY, Gary KA1J > Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective!!!! > > Plus, I love the increased DX activity a contest brings. > > Bob AA6VB _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
