[PVRCNC] ARRL DX SSB KI4GUO M/S HP

[Barry Baker, K4CZ]

                    ARRL DX Contest, SSB

Call: KI4GUO
Operator(s): KI4GUO KI4ZWQ K4CZ
Station: KI4GUO

Class: M/S HP
QTH: Durham, NC
Operating Time (hrs): 15

Summary:
 Band  QSOs  Mults
-------------------
  160:    0     0
   80:    6     6
   40:   63    34
   20:  290    59
   15:   56    27
   10:    1     1
-------------------
Total:  416   127  Total Score = 154,305

Club: Potomac Valley Radio Club

This was our second contest as "multi-op single-family."  Jordan KI4GUO, my
13 year old daughter, continues to improve her operating skills.  We usually
work stations as two-person teams with one of us talking and the other
logging.  A highlight for me was on Sunday afternoon.  My wife (Jeanne
KI4ZWQ) and I decided to enjoy the beautiful weather (65-70 F in NC) by
eating lunch outside.  We heard some noise overhead, looked up and were
surprised to see the yagi rotating...Jordan was in the shack working
stations and moving the beam between Europe and S. America.  It seems like a
very small accomplishment but to me it marked a big jump in her comfort and
confidence operating by herself.

We improved on our previous contest score despite the challenging
propagation.  We had three short runs so about 30% of our Qs were in
run-mode.  One hurdle we always face is that we are limited to the General
portions of the bands since we operate under Jordan's callsign...she's only
13 but she's a good negotiator ;-)  We had to stay above 3800, 7175 and
14225, which impacted our score by at least 100 Qs.  It's a really big
limitation on 80m since a high percentage of the DX stations seemed to be
operating simplex between 3700 and 3800 and it's difficult for us to run
(especially split) with our station.

Regardless, we're having lots of fun and I couldn't be more excited about
Jordan and Jeanne's involvement with the hobby.  I just wish more sunspots
would start appearing.  By the time they show up in large numbers, Jordan
will be 15, 16, or 17 and probably have one or two more interests competing
with ham radio...  

73, Barry K4CZ