[PVRCNC] WPX CW K4CZ SO(A)AB LP

[Barry Baker, K4CZ]

                    CQWW WPX Contest, CW

Call: K4CZ
Operator(s): K4CZ
Station: K4CZ

Class: SO(A)AB LP
QTH: Durham, NC
Operating Time (hrs): 

Summary:
 Band  QSOs
------------
  160:    0
   80:    0
   40:  108
   20:  132
   15:   20
   10:   26
------------
Total:  286  Prefixes = 204  Total Score = 138,516

Club: Potomac Valley Radio Club

Comments:

My primary rig is out for repairs so I dusted off my TS-830 for some casual
operating between family events.  The TS-830 is one of the last of the
"hybrid" rigs (6146B finals).  The rig doesn't have a port for computer
control and its grid block keying (-60V at the key terminal) isn't
compatible with my Microkeyer so it was a "back to basics" contest for me.
I connected my N0XAS PicoKeyer and hand-sent all code with my paddle...not
too difficult but it made me realize how "lazy" I had become...I've actually
worked entire CW contests by pushing N1MM macro buttons and almost never
touching my CW paddle.  The TS-830 definitely doesn't have QSK either...the
T/R relay is loud enough to rattle the shack windows...even my dog couldn't
sleep in his usual spot under the shack table!  Quick band
changes?...fuggedaboutit...even if I write down the load, plate and drive
settings, I like to touch up the tuning while transmitting into a dummy
load...way too much work for casual operating.  Like to operate
assisted?...well you can't just click on a spot and go there...you have to
spin the dial...and make sure you subtract 800 Hz from the spot since the
rig display is offset in CW mode when receiving.  Crowded band
conditions?...well there aren't any roofing filters or non-stock filters in
my TS-830...just IF shift, VBT and a manual notch...provides a completely
different perspective on the fiercely debated comparisons between the
performance of the Orion II and the FT-1000MP.

Am I complaining?...sure am.   Did I have fun?...absolutely.  By the end of
the contest, I even improved my CW sending skills quite a bit.  I enjoy the
competitive aspect of contesting and am constantly striving for personal
bests and higher finishes in the rankings.  Like most of you, one of the
joys of contesting for me is constantly refining my station to maximize the
Qs obtainable within the constraints of my equipment budget, operating
skills and available time.  What I learned this weekend, however, is that in
the process of "optimizing" my station, I've computerized and automated so
much of the contesting process that the joy of radio is sometimes lost.  I'm
not going to give up my Microham Microkeyer with its 150 features and
capabilities or any of the other conveniences of my station.  However, I am
going to make sure that I pick at least one contest each season when I go
"back to basics"...use the tube rig, send CW manually, turn off the packet
spots and maybe even log by hand...well, maybe not log by hand.   But don't
worry...I won't take my nostalgia trip during Sweepstakes...based on my
slide rule calculations, my QTH is 140.701 miles from the center of the PVRC
universe so my modest scores will still contribute to the greater
good...assuming the universe remains circular and its radius doesn't shrink
significantly ;-)

Thanks for all the Qs from PVRC members and apologies to those who were
subjected to my occasionally sloppy CW sending.

73, Barry K4CZ