NAQCC September 2012 Challenge

Call of those who made the 10 QSO's

KD0V
K3WWP
K9OSC
VE3FUJ
KU4A
NU7T
KC9SNC
K1IEE

Above get a certificate and participation point.
Below get a participation point (made fewer than 10 rag chews).

W9UX  [4]
N8XMS [4]
PA5LR [1]

Soapbox:
KD0V: This was a fun challenge. Four of the ten stations worked were NAQCC Members, AA4MC, KC3W, N1ZX, and N7IGK. Two of the stations worked were using less that 5 watts: The first was N7MOD, Bill, in Washington was using 1 watt and K during the time of the QSO was 4. That was really amazing. Just shows what can be done with low power even under poor operating conditions, with a little patience and persistence. The second was N7IGK, #0883, was also interesting. Don was running 2 watts. The band conditions were not very stable, but again patience and persistence paid off again. An other interesting QSO was with KE7LKW, Steward, #1975, K2 at 5 watts, as usual. He was telling me about the wild fire problems in his area, but the band die before 20 minutes were up. This challenge was very enjoyable and it was remarkable the number of stations willing to rag chew with a QRP station. It was like many stations really desire to have a real QSO, beyond RST, QTH, and Name.

K3WWP: The first 8 days of the month it seemed no one wanted to talk or when a good QSO got started, the band would change. As a result it looked like it would be tough sledding to master this challenge. Near the end of the 8th, I had only two such QSOs. Then things got reversed, the bands were good, and folks were talkative. In 11 QSOs from the end of the 8th through the beginning of the 13th, 8 of them lasted 20 minutes or longer hence I again completed a challenge on the 13th of a month as I did in August. Thanks to all the talkative folks I worked.

K9OSC: Once the bands stabilized the Challenge went smoothly and was a great deal of fun. Of the ten QSO's four were with QRP stations. Those were the most fun. Tom, W4VHH/4 was on vacation in the mountains with his RV running a K2 and screwdriver antenna. Harv, VE3BYR was out in Muscoka, ON running two watts into a dipole. Karl, N9XVC was running his K2 at 5 watts into a dipole. While not QRP, found W8KGI running a Central Electronics 100V and HQ-145 which brought back fond memories as I used to have both of those radios some 40 years ago. Really good operators and great fun.

VE3FUJ: I enjoyed the September Challenge and finally fulfilled the it. Looking forward to the milliwatt Challenge. Brion # 3011

KU4A: Got a late start on this one, so didn't finish until the 25th of the month. I was "10-for-10" - all 10 QSOs I started ran 20 minutes or more to qualify for the challenge. All QSOs 40m. One of the QSOs was VE3FUJ who I see has already reported his results. This challenge always reminds me of my early days as a ham. We love going back to our roots, don't we?

K1IEE: After the first week of the challenge I thought it would not be possible to make the 10 QSO's. Bands got better and I found operating after 0000Z was more successful for me. Band of choice was 40M with 8 and 20M with 2. Really enjoyed the challenge. Thanks to all.

W9UX: Enjoyed the September challenge but came up a bit short. Only had four QSO's which lasted 20 minutes or more. Need more time and to try harder. Did however complete the European Chapter's challenge. 72, Terry W9UX #0033

PREMISE:
Make at least TEN 20 minute 'rag chews' during the month.

TIME FRAME:
The first day of the month 0000Z through the last day of the month 2400Z

RULES:
Get on the air and make QSO's lasting 20 minutes or longer. Technically a rag chew is 30 minutes, but we're shortening the time to 20 minutes which should still allow for some additional interesting chatting beyond the trite WX, RIG, etc.

You must use QRP and the other station can be using any power.

You may count only one rag chew with the same station. This to discourage simply making skeds with one station to run up your totals.

AWARDS:
A certificate and Participation Point go to everyone who makes it to 10 rag chew QSO's and submits their results before the deadline.

A Participation Point goes to everyone who makes at least 1, but less than 10 rag chew QSO's and submits their results before the deadline.

PRIZES:
Some challenges involve a prize. Check the Prize page in the main section of the webs site for more info.

LOGS:
For your report, simply tell us you made the 10 QSO's or how many you made if less than 10.

You may also include comments about the challenge.

Please preface any comments you want posted with "SOAPBOX:" so we will know what you want posted and what is private.

Send your results to:

E-mail:

You must type that address into your email program.

Subject must read: (your call) NAQCC (month) Challenge

For example: K3WWP NAQCC October Challenge

Postal mail:
Hap - K7HAP
8532 Canterbury Dr.
Annandale, VA 22003

All entries must be RECEIVED before the 10th of the following month at 2400Z.