[PVRC] The CQ WW 160 M CW contest is this weekend

[Bill Axelrod]

👍👍

73...   Bill K3WA

On Thu, Jan 25, 2024 at 5:05 PM Paul Stoetzer <prstoetzer at gmail.com> wrote:

> The only CQ 160 contest I've done with my home equipment was done from
> back in Michigan in 2001 where I had a 20 foot tall MFJ-1798 on the roof of
> my parents' house. I used an MFJ-949 manual tuner and 100 watts and managed
> about 20 QSOs or so in the 2001 CQ WW 160 SSB contest in about an hour the
> first evening. The tuner did arc over a couple of times, but was undamaged.
> I worked stations in the midwest, the east coast, and even down to
> Louisiana. CW would obviously be even more effective!
>
> Whatever you have, it's worth it to give it a shot!
>
> 73,
>
> Paul, N8HM
>
> On Thu, Jan 25, 2024 at 4:56 PM Bill Axelrod <bill at axelrods.org> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>>      Yes, this weekend is the weekend for the CQ WW 160M CW contest.  It
>> is one of our 5M contests and one we'd really like to see more
>> participation.  It is also a fun, but challenging contest.
>>
>>      Many of us do not have a "real" 160M antenna.  Don't let that
>> dissuade you.  There are lots of ways you can get on 160M and make some
>> QSOs.  You can set a challenge for yourself to see many QSOs you can make
>> and how far you can reach with a totally inappropriate antenna.
>>
>>       For example, I live in a totally antenna restricted HOA.  I do have
>> a 24 ft flagpole,  I use that, with an antenna tuner on all bands,
>> including 160M.  Is it a good antenna?  No.  Is it really effective?  No.
>> Given the extremely high voltages at the end of such a small antenna and
>> the resultant VSWR the effective radiated power (ERP) was down below my
>> shoe laces.
>>
>>      There is a caution.  Really short end fed antennas develop really
>> high voltage at the feed point.  Trying to run even moderate power can
>> damage your equipment.  I would not try this with an antenna tuner built
>> into a transceiver.  I use an external tuner.  And I make sure I keep my
>> radio output below the point where there's any arcing in the tuner.
>>
>>      Can I work anyone?  Yes.  I reliably can work into New England and
>> down to Florida.  I usually can make QSOs out to the Mississippi.  And
>> sometimes QSO guys down down in the Caribbean.
>>
>>       Load something up and give it a shot!
>>
>> 73...   Bill K3WA
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>