[NLRS] 144, 222 sprint

[Ken Boston]

Boy, what a difference a week makes;

I had a nice outing in the 144 sprint just over a week ago, with average to decent conditions and good activity.  I made 50 QSOs in 23 grids, and included a pair of EME contacts to PJ4X (for a nice DX mileage multiplier) and K5QE, plus another 48 back on the terrestrial antenna.

Fast forward to last night's 222 test.  OUCH, we had mixed rain and snow here, causing my little M2 antenna to ice up.  I could now make only 20-40 watts before the brick amp cut out, and found I had hit a new low in just how deaf you get with ice on the antenna. I tried a few locals, and worked only N9LB and W9RM, with difficulty!  Listening on 222.100 netted only hearing weak ssb from time to time.  Calls went unanswered.  I did hear the KD0 station from W0VB's location, but could not get their attention at all!

I gave up in disgust about 0220Z and went back to TV.

I sure hope the 432 event goes better!!

Later

Kenneth Boston W9GA