[CW] Re: GB> CW Use on Bands - Results So Far

[Sandy W5TVW]

80 meter usage seems to have been waning for several years now.  "Newbie" hams seem
to abhor atmospheric noise!  80 meters can be very useful in spite of QRN levels as
the
signal levels are many times higher frequently.
The "Glowbug/Boatanchors" net has been meeting informally on 3546.5 and 7050.
80 perdominates in late fall thru early spring/summer, whilst 40 meters does during
the rest of the year (at night).  During daytimes, we use 7050 whenever possible.

40 meters has, unfortunately, been clobbered by a high influx of Central American
SSB,
many of the operators not caring about "nets" or "watering holes" that are used
frequently.  I understand there is a few Canadians who are doing the same thing to
those in the northern parts of the country.  This MAY abate once the ITU gets off its
collective "duffs" and implements the 7000-7300 band in all regions for Amateur use.

Secondly, "Ragchewing" on CW seems to have fallen out of favor by increasing amounts
in
recent years.  There is NO LACK of CW activity when some 'contest' in in session even
way down on 160 meters!!

Hoping to see some of the CW people on the bands soon!

73,
Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message -----
From: <N2EY@aol.com>
To: <cw@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: <glowbugs@piobaire.mines.uidaho.edu>
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 1:21 PM
Subject: GB> CW Use on Bands - Results So Far


| 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
|
|