[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for April 23rd & 24th, 2006

[Kevin Rock]

Good Evening,
    Twenty meters was tougher than normal.  I was told in another email 
that this solar minimum may be the weakest in some time.  I would not know 
any better because this is my first as a transmitting op.  I was an SWL 
during a few previous cycles but working two way is much more fun.  In my 
opinion this evening's twenty meter net was like listening through a layer 
of marshmallows.  I know there were some 4 land folks trying but all I got 
was the four and a letter or two.  I did get an NN station and am sure I 
heard K4JPN but did not get a reply when I called either of them back.  
K2HYD on 20 had to be the toughest successful contact.  It took him 
sending his call over and over until I got all the parts.  I thought I 
heard HYD right off the bat but QSB must have been so bad my 100 watts did 
not make it to VA.  However, we got it done and in the books.
    Wayne should be proud of what his KX1 design can do on the air.  Look 
at how many check ins were from that little rig.  They make me work but I 
got them in the log ;)  On 20 meters Rick had a good signal but Ray was 
weak.  On 40 meters Rick was weak and Ray was strong.  But neither of them 
could match what Chuck did with his KX1 on 40 meters.  I thought he was 
running his K2/100!  Great signal from a tough place on the map for my 
wire in Oregon.  Chuck sent me a note a few minutes ago.  He has a number 
of Elecraft rigs: each of the KX1, K1, and K2 and a few repeats.  
Customers like this keep Elecraft in business :)  But you cannot beat a 
good product and World Class customer support.  Thanks!

On 14050 kHz at 2258z:
VE3XL - Ric - ON - K1 - 968
KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798
AB9V - Mike - IN - K2 - 3993
W3MC - Mike - MD - K2 - 2125
K6DGW - Fred - CA - K2 - 4398
AB8KJ - Chuck - MI - K2 - 2596
K2HYD - Ray - VA - KX1 - 608

On 7045 kHz at 0200z:
VE3XL - Ric - ON - K1 - 968      Rapidly approaching the century mark!! :)
K6PJV - Dale - CA - K2 - 5345
AB8KJ - Chuck - MI - KX1 - 58
K6DBG - Chris - CA - K2 - 3641   Welcome to ECN!!
K2HYD - Ray - VA - KX1 - 608
W1TF - Ty - GA - K1 - 1423
KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798    A bit weaker than on 20 m but still OK.
VE6ITA - John - AB - K2 - 5384   You're on my list now John ;)
W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031
KL7V/5 - Sam - OK - K2 - 3158     Howdy Sam!!

    The weather reports I was getting from folks this evening were much 
better than the RSTs.  Ken mentioned 77 but Sam must have had it hotter 
because he said it was like summer in OK.  Even Rick had 50 degree 
temperatures and he lives in Alaska.  Here, it was a very nice day but it 
did not break 70.  Close but the wind off the Pacific kept it cool.  Now 
that each side of our twenty acres has been clear cut the wind is getting 
through to ground level at the house.  Sam, the cat, did not mind though, 
he and I sat outside while the hummingbirds zoomed past.  I worked on my 
computer as he watched the birds remembering his youth and their 
tastiness.  He is in retirement now; even the mice are not afraid of him.  
His eighteenth year may be his last but I'll see he is comfortable and 
able to live pleasantly.
    If there are any errors in the above two lists please send me an 
email.  As ever I am thankful for all of the nice reports and contacts 
 from across the continent.  I have many friends here on ECN.  I've only 
met a small number of you but I am sure I'd be welcome in a number of 
places.  Hopefully I will get to Ozarkcon next year (I know two of you are 
planning on it! )  There are a few other hamfests I would like to attend 
also.  I would rather have taken Pat to each of them since there is 
singing and dancing but that is just not possible.  You would have not 
even have noticed I was there with her in attendance.  Her voice and her 
dancing ability would have gotten your attention as well as her wit and 
pleasant personality while not otherwise occupied with performing.  I am 
one to sit back and listen and watch.  She jumped in with both feet and 
experienced life.  It was a pleasure to have known her.
    Until next week please stay well and stay happy,
       73,
          Kevin.  KD5ONS  (Net Control Operator 5th Class)