[CW] CW Use on Bands - Results So Far

[N2EY@aol.com]

About a week ago there was some discussion about CW activity or the lack of 
it, particularly on 80 meters. So I made a simple resolution: Have at least one 
CW QSO per day, preferably on 80 meters. Work and family schedule limits me 
to evenings from about 0000 to 01000 Z

So far, I'm about on schedule, though on one or two evenings I could not get 
to the rig at all. All QSOs have been ragchews, averaging a half hour or so. 
Lots of fun and good conversations. About half were the result of me calling 
CQ, while the others resulted from answering others' CQs or tail-ending. Usual 
hangout is 3550 with 7035 as alternate.

80 has been a challenge due to summer QRN and low activity. Sometimes it has 
taken several 3x3 CQs to get an answer. But only once have I failed to raise 
anyone at all on 80. 40 is easier, and sometimes a single CQ will raise more 
than one answer.

Rig used is my homebrew hollowstate 80/40/20 100 watt output CW transceiver 
("Southgate Type 7") feeding a homebrew trap inverted V at about 35 feet. 

Hope to hear some of the gang!

73 de Jim, N2EY