[NLRS] N0AKC Contest Results

[Charlie Betz]

Contest         : ARRL September VHF QSO Party
Callsign        : N0AKC
Mode            : ALL
Category        : Single Operator (SO)
Band(s)         : All bands (AB)
Class           : High Power (HP)
Locator         : EN44GU


  BAND   QSO  LOC  POINTS
--------------------------------------------
    50        15      8       15
   144       30    12       30
   222       22    11       44
   432       24    10       48
   902         2      1         6
  1296        3      3         9
  2304        0      0         0
  3456        0      0         0

--------------------------------------------
TOTAL    96   0  45     152
===========================
             TOTAL SCORE : 6 840


Probably one of the better September scores I've had for awhile. Still 
have not managed to exorcise the "gremlins" from my station.  After 
working fine during the Perseids meteor shower the tower mounted 2M 
preamp/switching acted up again, so had to run the contest with the 
FT-736 and no preamp, which does not hear anywhere near as well as the 
DEMI transverter with preamp.  And though I thought I had determined the 
cause of my loss of 902 RX, it failed again shortly after the start of 
the contest.  Tried two QSOs on 2304 and both times I was heard, but I 
was not able to hear the other station.  Had a similar experience with 
K0AWU on 1296.  Also tried two QSOs on 3456 with neither end hearing 
anything.   So I'm not sure what's going on, but it sure is 
frustrating.  On 2M & 902 I suspect I have some intermittent relays on 
top of the tower.  Having just undergone rotator cuff surgery on my left 
shoulder two weeks ago those two issues are going to have to wait until 
spring to get resolved.

On the positive side I did finally get both K2DRH and K0AWU back in the 
log after missing both in quite a few recent contests and I managed to 
work W9FZ/R & KA9VVQ/R in all the grids they put out, though not on as 
many bands as I would have liked.  I also managed to snag W3SO FN00 on 
2M cw near the end of the contest. Heard a couple other stations out 
east, but by the time I located my straight key they disappeared - 
another reason for not wanting to use the FT-736.  But overall it was a 
fun contest.


Charlie, N0AKC
Eau Claire, WI - EN44gu