[NLRS] W9FZ/R UHF Contest notes

[Bruce Richardson]

Finally got my log processed from this early Aug event. 

In general, a FINE contest and a good time.  I'd say
conditions were average and activity levels were average. In
some ways activity was slightly better--but some missing
"regulars".

My volume pot on my 902/1.2/2.3 IF rig was VERY troublesome.
My 10G receive was way down. While I completed 2 10G Q's, I
missed several that were hearing me but me not them.  So my
score suffers from less 10G activity than in past years. I
will say this, we gave 10G a good shot with many minutes of
trying :-) .

As I work through my log, it's obvious how important 902 and
1.2 Q's are. They are potent!  I was pleased with increasing
activity and ease on 902 and 1.2 wasn't as torturous as I
remember. Also, 2.3 played well for only having 6w. I heard
the 20w stations easily and they seemed to hear me enough.

I was glad to get over to EN82 with K8IS and K8MD. When we
were pointed at each other, it wasn't too tough. Getting
pointed at each or finding each others CQ's seems to be the
problem.  With activity levels still lighter than I'd like
to see, MANY single op stations were CRUCIAL for their grid
multiplier.  WA0VPJ (EN35), N0TTW (EN32), K2DRH (EN41), and
K2YAZ (EN74) come to mind.

Again with lower activity levels than I'd wish to see,
Rovers were HUGE in providing activity and needed grids.
WA9O/R supplied EN63 and many great Q's--Jerry worked me in
just about every grid I was in. W9SNR/R gave EN51 and Q's.
WB8BZK/R gave EN62 uniquely.  KC0P/R gave EN43 on many tough
bands.

Stalwarts are much appreciated: K2DRH, K2YAZ, W9GA, W0ZQ,
W0UC, N0AKC, and W9RM   Many Q's with these guys. They made
it easy. Thanks for following me around.

Finally picked up KM0T in the waning minutes of the contest.
I was in EN44 which wasn't rare. Would like to have given
him 45 or 55 instead.  Had nice QSO's with K0AWU in EN37. We
made some scheds and they really helped. 222 and 432 weren't
too tough. We did pick up one 902 Q.

I did my CQ'ing on 222.140/432.140. I'll have some
discussion about that in a separate email. At times I was
busy. At times I CQ'd endlessly to nothing. I think that's
the nature of UHF and the narrow beamwidths.

I'm sending in a paper log for Badger Contesters.

Thanks to all who got on. We need more activity for this 24
hour contest.

QSOs by Activated Grid:
Grid	QSOs	Grid	QSOs	Grid	QSOs
EN45	27	EN54	21	EN55	27
EN42	33	EN52	35	EN43	46
EN44	26	EN53	32	

Score Summary, 
Band	QSOs	Value	QSOPtsMults
222	65	3	195	14
432	75	3	225	16
902	43	6	258	10
1.2	47	6	282	10
2.3	15	12	180	5
10	2	12	24	1

Grids activated: 		8

Totals:	247	1164	64	

Claimed Score: 74496


73,
Bruce Richardson W9FZ/R