[DX] Does anyone still run barefoot?

[Gary Smith]

John,

Take heart!!  I run 100 watts or less at all times,
using an ICOM 746 Pro into a Carolina Windom mounted
as an inverted V at 45 feet.  I, too, struggle from
time to time trying to get my signal through and, to
be sure, it can get frustrating.  But there are also
those moments, like last night, when I worked HC8N on
the third call despite all of the big guns on 20M.  In
the past few years of DX'ing, I have had only one time
that I wasn't able to get a signal through.  The
thrill for me is doing it on 100 watts or less because
I have to be more careful in how I listen and what
strategy I use to call based on what the DX station
seems to be responding to.  I don't mind that there
are those out there who choose to run higher power and
large beams mounted on massive towers.  It's just not
for me because (1) I can't afford to do it and (2)
I've had good success with what I currently run. 
Also, running 100 watts puts me in a position where I
usually don't have to be concerned with "running the
minimum required power to make the contact".

Take care, hang in there, and good DX to you!

73 de Gary
WA1TJB

P.S.  When you talk about hitting the wall with your
capabilities, also remember where we are in the solar
cycle.  Things ain't horrible, but they aren't as good
as they were 12 months ago.

--- John Geiger <johngeig@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Been having a terrible time this week with the ST
> dxpeditions.  Sudan would make #305 for me, and the
> previous 304 have been worked with 100 watts, and
> simple antennas-first a dipole for around the first
> 255, then a cushcraft MA5B for awhile, and now a
> mini
> quad.  However, I am having no luck whatsoever with
> the ST guys.  I can hear ST2CF at S6 but can't get
> through, even when he works by call areas.  ST0RY is
> not very strong here most of the time, except on 15
> today when they were calling for Japan.  They did
> have
> a decent signal on 20 CW tonight, but still couldn't
> get through.
> 
> Does anyone else still run 100 watts for dxing? 
> Seems
> like I am getting creamed by guys with linears.  A
> few
> DX spots have even commented that they got through
> with 100 watts, which makes it sound unusual.  
> 
> This setup used to work.  I worked both VP6D
> dxpeditions 4 times.  recently worked A7, 9M2, 3C,
> TY,
> KH9, and S0 for new ones, plus a few other good ones
> in the past year.  I have always had a thing about
> wanting to DX barefoot, plus don't want to risk the
> TVI and wrath of the neighbors and wife with a KW,
> but
> am wondering if I have finally hit the wall with my
> capabilities.  Believe me, the frustration has been
> enough the past couple of days that I have
> contemplated selling the miniquad, quitting DXing
> altogether, and sticking with VHF/UHF and
> satellites. 
> Maybe I will have a more level playing field there.
> 
> So I am a dying breed, or do others still chase DX
> barefoot with simpler antennas, and actually
> succeed?
> 
> 73s John NE0P
> 
> p.s. I am to the point where I want to work the ST
> just so life can get back to normal here.  Getting
> tired of sitting in front of the radio for several
> hours each day repeating my call over and over.
> 
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