[ILQSO] Observations

[Jim Funk]

I've commented on the mobile participation already.  One thing I didn't mention was that $3.50/gal (and up) gas doesn't help.

As for out-of-state, I wonder if the fact that we now (as of last year) have two QSO parties (NY and IA) the day before ILQP has affected the Sunday participation?  Are people "worn out" from Saturday?  Or are they "warmed up" for Sunday?  Or neither?

Pretty hard to find any action on 15 or 10.  Maybe we need to get used to having sunspots again?  I was surprised that 80 was not busier at the last.  I put that down to everyone being "worn out"....

73, Jim N9JF

-----Original Message-----
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Carobine - WB8RFB
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 5:15 PM
To: Illinois QSO Party
Subject: Re: [ILQSO] Observations

My experience was very similar to most everyone else.  
 
Overall, participation seemed down.  That being said, I had no trouble working 5 DX QSO's in short order.  40 meters proved to be the "workhorse" band for this station again this year, followed by 80, 20, and one lone contact on 15.  I had a few more CW contacts than on SSB but not by a great amount.  My total multipliers were okay but I think were down from last year.
 
Where I did perceive fewer participants were in U.S. stations outside of Illinois and in Illinois mobiles.  Nonetheless, I was seldom a minute or three away from the next contact.  This year was a last minute thing to get in the QSO party as I expected to be out of town.  I had about 5 hours or so of operating time and it was fun no matter what.  Nice to see many familiar calls on from QSO Parties past both instate and out.
 
Best wishes and 73,
 
John - WB8RFB
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