[NLRS] June contest results for N0AKC

[Charlie Betz]

      BAND     QSO           GRIDS

       50            53                30
      144           39                20
      222           22                15
      432           22                13
      903            6                   5
      1.2           15                   7

Total: 157 x 90 =  21,870 points

This started out pretty dismal as I was never able to get my 222 amp up and running and a few hours before the start of the contest my 432 amp went up in smoke so I operated both bands at 25 watts out for the contest.  I also discovered a short cable in the 432 feedline was bad casuing a hhigh SWR.  The good news is once I located the problem I was finally able to hear well on 432.  I had to attend a wedding and graduation party on Saturday, so I only managed a few minutes of operating time late Saturday night, so I started the day on Sunday with only 7 QSOs in the log.  All hings considered, I thought the 157 total Qs was pretty decent.

I did mange to hook up with N9TTX/R, KC0P/R and N0HZO/R, though I lost track of both before they got to their last grid.  I also managed to work Bruce, W9FZ in a number of grids Sunday.  Unfortunealy I was never able to find any of the rovers in Minnesota, which hurt my score.  I think had I been able to find them early on Sunday it would have helped my score.

Two highlights of the contest were actually contacts that I didin't complete - the first with K2YAZ on 432.  I copied Bob pretty well, but he couldn't hear my big 1 watt signal (followed by 70 feet of feedline).  It was very encouraging becasue I know I am hearing on the band and once I get my 60 watt amp on line, that should change my ability to be heard.  The second was a near miss with W0LGQ (EN21) on 902.  I was in and out on his end, but I copied him solid.  My 40 watts there was not quite enough, so I need to find some more power for that band.

Overall I though that activity seemed way down and band conditions were average at best.  

Hopefully I will have everything up and running in August for the UHF contest.

Charlie, N0AKC
EN44 - Eau Claire, WI