NAQCC Feb 2009 Sprint

SWA Category - Eastern Division
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna
*N1LU   27   27   54   17  918  x2  1836  cobra ultralite@40'
*K3WWP  28   28   56   16  896  x2  1792  ~110' attic random wire
W4ONC   17   15   32   11  352  x2   704  inv vee@55'
W2JEK   16   16   32   10  320  x2   640  40m dpl@20', ef wire@20'
W2SH    16   16   32   10  320  x2   640  80m cf sloping dpl@65-5'
KA2KGP  16   16   32   10  320  x2   640  5 bnd dipole@??'
KA8MPT  13   13   26   10  260  x2   520  g5rv@25'
*N8XMS  12   12   24   10  240  x2   480  cushcraft r7 vert
KB3AAG  15   13   28   10  280       280  80M loop@35'
K4JPN   13   12   25    9  225       225  80m cf zepp@32'
K6BFA    8    8   16    7  112  x2   224  g5rv@60'
KA8HFN  10   10   20    7  140 x1.5  210  dipole@9'
K2MEN    7    6   13    7   91  x2   182  80 mtr windom@??' 
W0EJ    10   10   20    8  160       160  250' G5RV@40'
KJ4IC    7    6   13    6   78  x2   156  4-band vert, rnd wire@20'
KB4WJA   6    6   12    6   72  x2   144  inv vee@50'
AF4LQ    7    6   13    5   65  x2   130  44' dblt@25'
WA3ZBJ  10    8   18    7  126       126  attic dipole
K8KFJ    6    6   12    5   60  x2   120  dipole@30'
KQ1P     5    5   10    4   40  x2    80  80m zepp@30'
K4BAI    5    5   10    4   40  x2    80  80M inv v@35',88'cf zepp@45'
KG1W     5    5   10    4   40  x2    80  windom@30'
W9CC     5    5   10    4   40  x2    80  80m loop@15'
N4FI     6    6   12    3   36  x2    72  115' rnd wire@20',attic G5RV jr
KD2MX    4    4    8    4   32  x2    64  600' loop@20'
N3COR    6    6   12    5   60        60  80m inv vee@14'
W9ILF    5    4    9    4   36 x1.5   54  gnd mtd vert
K2ZC     3    3    6    3   18  x2    36  g5rv@30'
KB3FJJ   3    3    6    2   12        12  Par 40/20/10 EFHWA Sloper@??'
KU4A     2    2    4    2    8         8  1/4 wv sloper@40'
VA3NU    1    1    2    1    2         2  dipole@30'
VE3HUR   0    0    0    0    0  x2     0  80m ef@??', 40m dipole@??'
%W3IK   12   11   23    7  161       161  135' ef wire@40-15'
% - Check log per W3IK's request, no times logged

SWA Category - Central Division
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna
*NB4M   12   12   24    8  192  x2   384  slopers@50'
N5KIP    8    8   16    7  112  x2   224  hy-gain vert@46'
AA9L     7    7   14    7   98  x2   196  trap dpl@50'
W5RCP    4    4    8    4   32  x2    64  ocf dipole@35'
K4NVJ    3    3    6    3   18  x2    36  88' dipole@35'
KC9BSP   3    3    6    2   12  x2    24  dipole@25'
WA9VEE   2    2    4    2    8  x2    16  LW@30'

SWA Category - Mountain Division
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna
W0JFR    7    7   14    7   98  x2   196  vertical, doublet@??'
*WY7N    2    2    4    1    4  x2     8  ~100' rnd wire@23' 

SWA Category - Pacific Division
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna
NU7T     9    5   14    5   70  x2   140  90' inv L@30'
@K6APW   1    1    2    1    2  x2     4  marconi@15'
@-QRO 15W

GAIN ANTENNA Category
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna

* - Special Award contenders: K3WWP-32284,N1LU-33320,NB4M-15165,
                              N8XMS-11282,WY7N-868
Drawing entrants: N1LU,NB4M,WY7N
Drawing winner: WY7N

AWARD WINNERS:
1st SWA Eastern: N1LU
1st SWA Central: NB4M
1st SWA Mountain: W0JFR
1st SWA Pacific: NU7T
1st Gain: n/a

The following appeared 5 or more times in submitted logs, but
did not submit a log themselves for whatever reason:
N4BP - 17
K9FO - 9
N4SAM - 7
AB4QL - 5
W4SEC - 5

We hope these folks will continue to participate AND
submit their logs in the future. Remember your listing in the
results shows the ham radio world you are a Morse Code supporter.

STATS:
Logs submitted: 44 
Total participants found in cross-checking spreadsheet: 76 
Total QSO's in master cross-checking spreadsheet: 366
States represented: 32 + ON

If anyone wishes a list of errors found in cross-checking their
log, email K3WWP. If any errors cause a scoring change, you
will be notified automatically.

SOAPBOX:
K3WWP - I'm not quite sure what to make of conditions tonight. 40 seemed in good shape at the start, but little activity there although I did get 5 QSO's in 8 minutes. 80 seemed up and down like an elevator. It was good for a while, then kinda died for a while followed by a resurrection, and that cycle continued until 10 PM (0300Z) when I went about 20 minutes without working a soul until I made 3 QSO's in the last 7 minutes. In looking at the 20 or so logs received so far, all have under 20 QSO's and about half those under 10 QSO's. I may have had somewhat of a 'white hole' here with my 28 QSO's. I was just talking to Tom WY3H on the phone and he said he didn't hear anything at all just about 2-3 miles from here, so again I'm not sure what to say about conditions except they were very confusing. Anyway I had fun sending left-handed again for the whole sprint. I think I'm getting better at it, but still get sloppy at times. But I guess you all copied me OK as I only was asked for one repeat of an RST. Incidentally I'm a bit tired tonight so I may not get many scores posted till tomorrow morning, or if you look tonight and see them there, I got my second wind and did them. HI

WA9VEE - 80 quiet, 40 heard 2/worked 2. Finally figured how to set the FT897 for QRP noisy condx receive... AF full on, back down RF Gain from full on setting until loud enough to hear. No DSP. Well anyway, it works for me. CU next time..

KD2MX - Another tough evening. I couldn't really tell how conditions were because I've been plagued by awful powerline QRN of S9+ for much of the past 6 weeks. It has made operating very unpleasant and QRP next to impossible. I was hoping to catch a break tonight because I finally finished debugging my "new" (under construction since early fall) K1 last night and I really wanted to take it out on its first sprint tonight. But no such luck, the noise was going strong but although it was tough going here, I was determined to get at least a few QSOs in the log.
I started on 40M with the K1 but could not hear anybody over the QRN. I switched to the FT897 which has a noise blanker along with other filtering capabilities and I was able to eke out two QSOs. I then gave a listen to 80M and heard K3WWP and decided to plug in the K1 again. The K1 noise blanker module has yet to be built but John was loud enough that I could copy him. It took a couple of calls until John heard me and I was able to get QSO#1 for K1 SN02627 in the log. Appropriately enough it was with K3WWP who just happened to be my first QRP QSO ever a few years ago. This was a very happy occasion as I've spent a lot of time since New Years ironing out my K1 problems and it was really nice to get QSO #1.
I was then able to work nearby W2JEK to finish up as there's just so much QRN you can stand in any one evening. My next project might be to try and track down the source of the noise. I had the same problem last winter but it mysteriously disappeared as abruptly as it started. It might be a good idea to build the K1 noise blanker too.
While my score tonight is low, this sprint will be memorable.

W0JFR - Not much fun in Colorado. Everything shut down after 0230. K3, Vertical, Gen Log.

KB3FJJ - Ran Elecraft K1 @ 5W to Par 40/20/10 EFHWA Sloper. Noise on my end, heard OH and FL but no luck. Got mine calling CQ

K6APW - Easy log with only one entry. Not much activity on 80 or 40

KJ4IC - Great fun as usual. I vote to do this twice a month. I was glad to hear Mike, KB4WJA, a local QRP enthusiast. I was recruiting at the radio club meeting last night and was hoping to hear a couple of others, also. CU all next month. - 73, Bob

W0EJ - Plenty of noise and rough conditions tonight. 20 was a bust from the get-go then hit a couple on 40 but had to work 80 starting about 02:00. Noise seemed to drop off a bit towards the end here in EPA but not very helpful. Heard a ME station but band shifted and we couldn't get hooked up. My thanks to all that worked me and my apologies to K6BFA, I think I started calling before you signed. Thanks again all, I had a good time even with the noise and looking forward to next month. 73 Bill

VA3NU - Conditions ruff up here but enjoyed it anyway.

NU7T - Adding two radials increased signals by 1 to 2 S units and increased my score. I used my FISTS "Know Code" anniversary straight key by Vibroplex. Good Luck.

NB4M - 1st time. Had fun. 72/72 de NB4M

KB3AAG - Wow, I thought wwinter was supposed to bring good band conditions? I pushed every button on the face of my radio, you know, agc,noise blanker, pre amp, wide narrow and none helped! I considered unhooking the antenna! Don't get me wrong I am not complaining, just crying! If it was easy any one could and would do it! It was fun in fact I had a ball! I'll bet no one reports that kb3aag bent any needles tonite, but the noise level spent most of the nite at nine plus but qrp got through some. Oh well perhaps in July it will get better. Thanks John !

W4ONC - With all of the wind here in Norfolk my antenna ended up on the ground. Just before the sprint I was able to get up part of my 4 leg inverted V in the dark. What we won't do for a QRP Sprint!

WA3ZBJ - 20 meters was empty and I can't get on 80 meters from here, but in spite of continued severe sunspot deficit, 40 meters wasn't bad tonight. Best signals into FL tonight were K2ZC and W2SH. This was first attempt with new attic dipole. Inserted coils on pvc into 20 meter attic dipole to get on 40 and pleased to have been heard tonight. Thanks for those patient ops on the other end. ... 72/73 ... Don

W5RCP - Well, we really need rain here in central Texas, but did it have to come through tonight. Winds as high as 50 mph reported at Abilene Airport. 80M was dead; not a sound. 40M was rough and then QRN got to S9 so I quit for a while. When I came back it was dead. I went outside to see if my antenna got blown down, but it was standing tall. Maybe everyone quit at the same time. Will try again next month. Ron/W5RCP/483

K4BAI - Limited time this month. Spent an hour trying to work the QRP Fox KT5E. Then about 22 minutes on this Sprint. QRN was very heavy. Did most listening with the 40M dipole, which was quieter. Hope to see more of you next month. 73/72, John

W3IK - Whew...was the static bad or BAD? S-8 almost constantly and at times well over S-9, amazing I could hear any of you. Never seen static this bad in at least six months. Still, a pleasure to snag 13 qso's, twelve of them members, through all that hash. There was one power static noise-killer, KB3AAG, well above S-9 at times!!! Once again, a real blast. Did not hear a thing on the other bands. Until the next one......73 John

K8KFJ - I only had less than an hour to operate but was able to make a few contacts nevertheless on 80m. The static crashes were quite bad. Hopefully, I'll have more time to operate in the next event. 72, Gary -K8KFJ- West Virginia NAQCC #265

K2ZC - Bands were very noisy here. I was using my softrock receiver to pick out the signals. Then transmitting on my K2. But, switching back and forth got rather cumbersome. It seems that just when I get everything setup and working comfortably the contest is over. hi.Looking forward to next month. 72 es 73 Dave

N1LU - Very high noise level on 40 and 80 at the start. Stations which are usually very strong here (ex N4BP) were tough to pull out and visa versa. Bob, thanks for you patience on that one. Activity seemed to go in and out. Got a little better as it went on.

VE3HUR - No contacts at all this month! Managed tohear W4SEC, K9FO, and WA3ZBJ but couldn't work them. 73, Don

KG1W - Thanks. Going well here in CT on 80, but had to leave early. See you in March.

KA2KGP - Another sprint with very poor band conditions. 20 was dead! 40 wasn't much better... Weak Sigs on 80 were the standard here in WNY. TNX to all who persisted thru the QSB. See ya'll next sprint. 73

AA9L - Nothing on 20, many stations on 40 but weak with QSB, lot's of QRN on 80. Lot's of fun!

KB4WJA - First time participating. Heard about sprint from Bob, KJ4IC. I heard Bob first after getting on and then received calls from 5 stations in a row..... Fun!

KA8HFN - Enjoyed the SPRINT. Much QRN in Ohio tonight. Thanks for the QSO's. Good luck in the SPRINTS. 73, Larry KA8HFN

K4JPN - Called and listened on 40M, but nothing heard. QRN was heavy on 80M. Wait till next month. 72, Steve

W9CC - The temperature was about 55 degrees and the qrn stupendous and a storm was upon us. Otherwise 80 sounded great -- hi.

N8XMS - Conditions were much better for me than last month, although the noise and static crashes on 40 meters reminded me of the summertime thunderstorm season. I only operated for the first hour and enjoyed 12 QSOs using my K1 and special SKCC "Marconi" straight key. As always it was a lot of fun. By the way, I know that a lot of the sprint action takes place on 80 meters. But since I don't have an antenna or rig for that band let me extend to any and all my personal invitation to stop by for a visit on 40 next time! CUL and 73.

KU4A - Just had a few minutes for this in between hockey and basketball games. Really didn't hear too many folks, at least not on 80

K4NVJ - I could not get through to anyone on 80m. Finally I worked 3 on 40, just before my qrt time. Still every qso is a thrill in this contest. I was disappointed I did not work k3wwp. Next time. 72, Joe

AF4LQ - Worked 40m only for about an hour, K2 @5w to a 44ft doublet. Conditions improved a little over the past few months but still not great. Only stations worked were from the south of here (KY) with nothing heard from the other directions, at least sprint-wise, except for an N1 who couldn't hear me. Plenty of straight key CQ practice in between calls worked but I probably need that anyway, hi. GB es 73.

W2JEK - was only on for the last hour. was glad to make 3 qso on 40. lately it seems to be a mostly 80m event. sunspots??? at any rate a lot of fun. maybe better next month after daylight saving time starts. 72 and 73 don younger w2jek # 1135

W2SH - After one hour I only managed five QSOs, two on 80 and three on 40. 80 did improve at the very end and I made five QSOs in nine minutes. The atmospheric noise on 80 was very strong. Signals on 40 were few and weak, except WA3ZBJ who was loud from Florida.

W9ILF - Rig: MFJ 9040 to a SCAF audio filter I had a great time as ususal. I'm using this rig to work the monthly challenge. The SCAF filter is working great with the rig, but being single band made the spint a challenge. I used my Vibroplex bug and that added to the enjoyment! I had a ball with this sprint. I will be back to my normal all band radio next time and more competive. Thanks NAQCC for these sprints and monthly challenges!!!

KQ1P - My first sprint as a member of NAQCC; great fun. Plenty of stations to try to work over S7 QRN. Look forward to another.

KA8MPT - Noise s5-s9 on both 40 and 80. Not a lot of signals this sprint.

See General Sprint Rules for rules common to every NAQCC sprint.

RULES specific to this month's sprint:

Date and time:
Wednesday February 11, 0130-0330 UTC
(Remember that's Tuesday evening here in the USA)

Special Award:
To the winner of a drawing among the following: With apologies to FISTS for plagiarism, the one who has the highest total of NAQCC member numbers in his log for the sprint and has the highest score in each division. You may add a member's number each time you work him (max 3 times - once each on 20,40,80 meters)

Autologger SA info:
Eligible for the Special Award.......' box - Select Yes if you are competing for the award
Special Award info.......' box - The total of the member numbers in your log.

Entry Deadline:
All entries must be RECEIVED before 2400Z on the Sunday following the sprint. So submit as soon as possible, especially regular mail entries.

Preferred method of submitting your log and report is our on-line autologger.