[Elecraft] Contest: ARRL 10M Contest Results - K7RE

[Brian Kassel]

Gangue:

   Well I had a really difficult time deciding on what mode to do in
this contest.  I finally decided on Mixed LP, as I wanted to give SSB a
try. Conditions were fair, but not all that hot. I used my 2 element
tribander set on EU (NE) and several wire vee beams. I had some really
great rates on both modes, reached 200 on SSB at one point, and 160 on
CW.  I was satisfied with the rates which was why I chose 100W rather
than QRP. The K-2 and PA100 worked flawlessly. I simply set the fan to
run on high the whole time, rather than depend on the temperature
detecting circuitry.  My big miscue was trying to do SSB along with CW.
Next year I think that I will be CW only. I could never get any good
rates from DX stations on either mode, owing to the famous east coast
wall. I could here the eastern stations working long strings of EU, and
most of the time, I never even heard the EU stations at all.  I managed
to work a few rare ones though, and actually had 2 rare ones, Egypt and
Greece, call ME while I was searching and pouncing on CW. The figured
out my tuning pattern and waited to call me. Fine operators to be sure.
Last year I made the top 10 on QRP CW, but don't think that I'll make
the top ten this time, going on last years scores. Still, I REALLY loved
the high rates and enjoyed myself immensely.

I am glad that I tried mixed mode, but think that I would do better,
competitively on CW only. Part of contesting to me is experimentation
with techniques, modes and antennas. Next year bigger VEE beams toward
EU.  There are no bad contests, only some are better than others. ;)

                              ARRL 10 SUMMARY SHEET


    Contest Dates : 14-Dec-02, 15-Dec-02


    Callsign Used : K7RE
        Operators : BRIAN KASSEL K7RE

         Category : Mixed LP SO

 Default Exchange : 599 SD

             Name : Brian Kassel
          Address : 10559 West Highway 14
   City/State/Zip : Spearfish SD 57783
          Country : United States



   BAND   Raw QSOs   Valid QSOs   Points   Mults   Countries   
 ______________________________________________________________

   10CW      706         705       2820      51        40 
   10SSB     645         645       1290      41        32 
 ______________________________________________________________

 Totals     1351        1350       4110      92        72 


    Final Score = 674,040 points.