N1TX: More Impressions of SSB Sweeps

Contest         : ARRL Sweepstakes
Callsign        : KL2R
Mode            : PHONE
Category        : Multi Operator - Single Transmitter (MS)
Overlay         : ---
Band(s)         : All bands (AB)
Class           : Low Power (LP)

Zone/State/...  : AK

Locator         : BP64KU
Operating time  : 14h33

 BAND   QSO DUP SECT  POINTS
-----------------------------
  160     0   0    0       0
   80     3   0    0       6
   40    12   0    1      24
   20   187   1   28     372
   15    92   0   25     184
   10     7   0    5      14
-----------------------------
TOTAL   301   1   59     600
=============================
    TOTAL SCORE : 35 400

Operators       : N1TX, KL1JP, N6PU, WL7GK

Dan KL1JP and Elaine N6PU kicked off Saturday on 10, and shortly thereafter moved to 15 meters to good effect.  Elaine was new to Win-Test, and between that and getting used to the complicated Sweeps exchange, she had a steep learning curve.  However, she soon became expert.  The operators discovered that the cure for calling CQ and getting dead air in return was to have one of them remove their headsets. 

Dan took advantage of the relative heat wave of Saturday afternoon -- it had warmed to -15F -- to try installing a new 160m vertical (rev 2.0), which unfortunately wouldn't tune up.  The MFJ antenna analyzer was cranky in the cold, too.  Dang!

At 1800 local, their shifts were done, so I pressed on 40m for a short while before getting a headache.  After supper, I napped a couple of hours and returned to the airwaves to ply 80/40 to little effect.  I mean, something like 10 QSOs in six hours?  C'MON!

Elaine returned early Sunday morning as 20m was perking up.  Guest operator Bob WL7GK arrived around 0900 local.  He was new to contesting, and Elaine patiently showed him the ropes while I fought a Windoze problem on a rebuilt laptop.  She gave him a good hour tutoring before having to leave again.  Bob caught his stride with S&P, picking up several badly needed sections on 20 and 15m. 

After lunch I finally elbowed my way on to 20m to try to catch a little running.  After a couple of CQs, and operator called me and told me I was QRMing some net and asked me to move a few kHz.  I agreed, but only after I guilted him into giving me an exchange. :-) I also worked W2RCA, a special event station for the Radio Club of America, which was a bonus.

Just after 1600 local I broke 300 QSOs and pulled the plug, completely exhausted but quite pleased with everyone's teamwork. 

We had no equipment problems, save for the 160m antenna situation.  Dan and I are determined to solve the Top Band QSO gap sooner rather than later.

Notice: We have finally signed up with GlobalQSL for confirmation delivery via the bureaus.  Service of everyone's QSL request should be much more responsive.