2011 November Sweeps

Well, the ARRL November Sweeps (SSB) are officially over and I, for one, had a fun time - even though I was only able to operate for 10 hours.


So, how did I fair? Lets compare my first year (2010) and this year.


Last year, I was still learning the radio and antenna as I had only had it for about a week. I was still learning what a log was and there was a vehicle breakdown. This year a lot of things actually went better. I still had to work on Saturday and I still had husbandly duties to attend to. Other than that I made almost 100 more contacts this year than last (2010=19 Q's and 2011=116 Q's) This year, the learning curve was with the logging software that I was using for the first time.


I really like using the software to log. Last year, I did paper log and it took me a little bit to get the logs filled out, entered into the computer and then submitted. With the computer logging program, I don't get the writers' cramps and I have also submitted my log already - take that pudgy fingers! Additionally, the computer logging allows me to throw together a spreadsheet to share, as in this: 


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajvnl1xNxjPVdFVQMm9tc2VhV3dhcWRXSkZDbHYwT0E


Yes, there it is - the extract from my Cabrillo file. If you find yourself in there, a heartfelt thanks for the Q.


Next year, my goals are as follows:
1.) Operate from the warmth and comfort of a truly fixed shack - mobile shack means getting the same exact spot if I was to leave, facilities at a distance and the (brrrrrr) elements.
2.) Computer logging is a must - no way I will return to paper logs for a contest. One entry point and instantaneous determination of whether a station is unique or a dupe.
3.) Request time off for contest - this is absolutely necessary and means more hours to operate
4.) Make 200+ Q's.


So, again, thanks to all those that I had QSO's with and I hope to see you all next year.


73 de KDØMCV

Latest Happenings

Greetings from the trenches.  This weekend was a busy one as was the week.

I finally bit the bullet and subscribed to Ham Test Online (http://hamtestonline.com) and have started studying for the Extra Class license.  The way that it teaches is to give you some info as to the how and why of a topic, then test you on it.  Questions that you pass then have a reduced repetition rate than the ones you pass.  So it is teach you something, quiz you, teach you, quiz you, etc. and quizzing you repeatedly until you have it 100%.  So far I am running a 74% on 30 questions.  My goal is the have those numbers up around 90% on the whole test and then taking the test in either Madison (WI) or Muscatine (IA) this weekend.  Other than Sunday, I have been getting in about an hour each day of study.  Math is still kicking me in the backside, but I am optimistic.

Saturday, NØRWR, W9UPK and I worked to get W9UPK's storm damaged Stepp-IR down off of the tower and on the ground.  Such a shame that the elements don't hold up.  I have see so many high raves about this antenna, but I am not so sure that there will be one in my future after seeing how one lasts in Iowa.

Band conditions have been superb!  While on the way to W9UPK's QTH, I was thumbing through 10m and thrying to break through all of the pileups.  Didn't work one until I pulled into the driveway and then worked Vienna, Austria.  5/9 reports both directions and then a happy dance that I have finally worked some DX on 10m.  Getting a 5/9 as a mobile on HF from a station nearly 5000 miles away was a bonus.

Also while at it this weekend, we looked over the Motorola equipment that was given to us from Midwest Energy via the Davenport ARC.  Time to start tearing down the model numbers, figure out what we have and get ready to program it all.  The EC there in Davenport is looking to have an established set of linked repeaters along the Mississippi River from Davenport northward to the state line.  Our local repeater is doing so well that we were asked to help on that.  I was looking more towards getting the equipment for the two local hospitals here so we can have on-site ham shacks for emergency communication should something happen.

Well, off to another fun filled week of work.  Hey, gotta pay for my hobby one way or another.

73 de Mike, KDØMCV