[PaQSO] NK8Q Plans 2006

[vze3v8dt at verizon.net]

While I had planned to go to Potter County to operate again this year it seem it is getting a bit crowded up there with K3CC having just moved there and planning to operate there this year, along with N3PC, the Potter County club station.  Actually, the QTH I operated from last year fell through and I didn't get a chance to go up there to scout around for where to operate this year.  I also wanted to operate QRP but the laptop compuker for logging would not have lasted throughout the whole contest time with my available batteries.  I had alternatively planned to set up in a tent, but since I didn't get a chance to scout things out I think it would be better for me to plan more thoroughly next year and stay at home this year instead.  

So, with all of that being said, I'll be operating from home in Lehigh County (LEH).  Last year I planned to operate QRP from Potter but after about 1-1/2 hours of zero contacts (remember how screwy the bands were at the beginning of the contest last year?) I switched over to the 100W rig I took along at the last minute (just in case).  My intentions are not to switch over to 100W this time but stick with QRP and press on regardless.  I'll also plan to operate a higher percentage of CW than Phone than I did last year, maybe about 50/50 this year, maybe a bit more CW.  I should be on 160m to 10m with a high percentage on 80 and 40.  I may have 6m, 2m & 440 MHz FM going a bit as well, probably toward the end of the contest period on Sunday. Digital modes (RTTY & PSK31) will not be run from my station.

Good luck to all and I hope everyone who is going out mobile/rover/portable has a safe and fun event.  Oh, well, I shouldn't exclude those of us that stay home from those same well wishes, sorry!  I will not be on the net on Friday night but look forward to a great contest period on Saturday and Sunday. 

73,

Mark, NK8Q
Allentown, PA
Lehigh County (LEH)