[PaQSO] Post Contest Reflections 2012

[Bud Trench]

I had a blast again this year and would like to thank N3LI and NARC for all
their efforts to facilitate the 2012 Pa QSO Party.

It was exciting to the very end.  I thought the mobiles and rovers were
fantastic and I really appreciate all the portable stations that activated
the rare counties.  A bunch of us put out "counties needed" emails at the
break on Saturday night and it was wonderful that K8MR adjusted his route to
try and fill as many needs as possible.

The W3SC team was very active and did an excellent job handing out bonus
points!

Conditions were challenging.  The last hour on Saturday night was perhaps
the slowest rate I've ever had in the Pa QSO Party.  However, I think things
were much better on Sunday.  I've seen a number of comments regarding lack
of propagation on 15M and 10M on Sunday.  I believe the bands were open as I
worked several Europeans on both bands Sunday morning and the signals from
the West Coast were very loud here around 2 PM local on both bands.  

I sometimes wonder why the activity on 15M and 10M in the Pa QSO Party is so
slow and I speculate that it is because we aren't active enough on these
bands.  Perhaps we should recommend times to emphasize the high bands (15M
and 10M), particularly on Sunday afternoon when things slow down on 40M.  

Several of us got on 6M at the start on Sunday morning.  Perhaps we should
make this a tradition.

I'd be interested in hearing from others on the idea of suggesting a pseudo
operating plan aimed at emphasizing operations on 15M, 10M and 6M.

I've mailed my summary sheet and I included a donation to NARC.  I'm hopeful
that all will consider helping NARC cover the costs of administering this
fun event.

73 and CU next year!

Bud AA3B