[NLRS] preliminary results - rover report KF0Q/R (long)

[kf0q@arrl.net]

First of all sorry I couldn't go to EN32,42 yesterday.. it wasn't 
really in the cards this weekend.  In spite of the fact I only 
operated from 4 grids and the bands were kind of dry at times the 
contest had some interesting moments - particularly with the rover 
situation this year many thanks to N0DQS/R, N0LNO/R, KA0YSQ/R, 
NA0IA/R, and W9GM/R .. first time in a contest I worked so many 
rovers myself!  I know all of these folks drove many more miles than 
I did and I know what kind of work is required for such an 
undertaking especially in January!  Sorry I didn't work W0AMT/R but 
am really interested to hear about Jon's adventure too -
As I said I had conflicts before, during and after the contest this 
year but decided that I would try it any way.  I finally arrived to 
EN43 late sat afternoon with only 7 bands working but met quite a few 
folks on the band right away  - discovered conditions were a bit poor 
but kept busy with the locals (within 125 miles).  Had to scuttle one 
band (2304) saturday as I gave away one too many parts to KB0THN/R 
the nite before!  I only activated 3 grids saturday nite which was 
one less than expected.  Was nice to work Bill, K0AWU and Jim, KB0CIM 
in EN37 sat nite (Bill - you better double check your log .. I have 
you in mine 4 times-). The new gear seemed just fine .. only some 
minor troubles with my one keyer.  
On sunday I decided my back wasn't up to the trip to West Union, IA 
so decided to fix a couple of things and spend as much time as 
possible in my last grid EN44.  I traded the 3456 setup for my 2304 
gear and replaced a feedline.  I ended up spending about 4 hours in 
EN44da busy the entire time!  Any way here are the results (prior to 
dupe-checking):

Band    QSOs   Grids
     50      48         10
   144      79         13
   222      29          7
   432      47         12
   902      11          4
    1.2      13         3
    2.3      1           1
    3.4      0           

TOTAL  228       (50+4)      SCORE: 20,682 (rover scoring)

More highlights:
Meeting W9GM/R in EN44 for a short eyeball qso (Ken's first rove I 
believe).  Working K2DRH (EN41) for a 6 band sweep sun afternoon.  
Working John, W9JN (big signal from EN54!) for a sweep.  Hearing and 
working Gene, N0DQS/R for at least one of the tough grids (EN24) on 2 
bands.  Working W0OHU on 1296 SSB within 10 mins from 2 grids!  
Getting to work the Cedar Rapids bunch at least a couple of times..

not so highlights:
Poor conditions sun  - could barely work KM0T on the lower bands .. 
missed the microwaves completely .. (sorry Mike)...W7XU was really 
tough to copy as well.  No qso's on 3456 this time out.  Repeatedly 
hearing Lenny 'SHF on 902 SSB, FM  S9+ from 3 grids only to have him 
not be able hear me!  Missing KB0THN/R .. all bands and grids.

Thanks for the bandwidth here, and all the qso's.

73,
Matt
KF0Q/R