[SJDXA] W2GD report

Wed Feb 3 14:42:14 EST 2016

Well done guys!  We own the USA Top Claimed score and are sixteenth overall
in the world. 

Operators:  <http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=K2SG> K2SG
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=K2TW> K2TW
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=KI4KWR> KI4KWR
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=KU2C> KU2C
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=N2HM> N2HM
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=N2OO> N2OO
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W1GD> W1GD
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W20B> W2OB
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W2CG> W2CG
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W2GD> W2GD

 <http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W2NO> W2NO
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W2RQ> W2RQ
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=W5ZN> W5ZN
<http://3830scores.com/findcall.php?call=WS2C> WS2C 

Here is the story:

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=BJaOzbgaiiggk>
http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=BJaOzbgaiiggk

Here is the scoreboard:
http://3830scores.com/currecscores.php?arg=okcmgKzWgfagX

Multi-Op HP

Call

QSOs

State/Prov

Countries

Op Time

Score

Club

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=4oajzrgaiigyD> HG8DX(@HA8DZ)

1678

42

87

36:40

1,330,377

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=Pea0zWgaiiaae> S51V

1733

45

81

37,5

1,317,834

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=UTaBz2gaicgvp> UA2F

1731

32

83

36

1,201,750

UA2 CONTEST CLUB

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=l4a6zwgaiccvp> E7DX

1569

36

80

31,5

1,060,124

BHCC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=3EaDzkgaigcgD> DR1A

1505

40

82

35

1,027,362

BCC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=xUa0z5gaigiqo> 9A1P

1488

41

80

35

996,677

Croatian CC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=w0a3z5gaimask> UA7K

1406

29

88

	925,002

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=6NaNzWgaicmsd> EIØR

1359

39

72

34

895,992

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=PlawzRgaifyie> OK5W(@OK1KSO)

1298

36

78

	835,278

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=e3a9zbgaicsqP> G5W

1339

39

69

35

834,408

CDXC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=O4aUzRgaigice> 9A3XV(@9A4M)

1312

34

78

35:00

831,040

Croatian CC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=xka0zPgaicmyh> OM2Y

1331

27

76

	778,371

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=hha6z9gaimmfB> OT6M

1222

35

68

31

715,541

BCC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=H6aoztgaiicvT> RT6A

1365

19

77

	712,992

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=pda6zEgaigggT> OL3Z

1187

30

72

28h30

673,404

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=BJaOzbgaiiggk> W2GD

1326

59

65

31.5

662,284

FRC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=7paeztgaicfi9> LZ5R(@LZ4TL)

1197

17

76

33

637,329

LZCT

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=JKakz9gaifgm1> HG7T

1143

27

71

27

634,942

HADXC

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=oha7zlgaimqih> RY9C

998

1

65

30

609,510

Ural CG

 <http://3830scores.com/showrumor.php?arg=9radzNgaiimyd> UA4M(@RA4LW)

1119

19

82

29

608,929

Despite sub-par conditions last weekend, we were reasonably competitive with
stations comparably equipped (K1LZ, K3ZM - both SO entries) as measured by
the total number of ten point contacts and total multiplier. NR4M and K0DI
(N2CEI) were our closest USA multi-op competition but neither enjoyed the
depth of EU we did.  Being able to consistently pull out the 2nd and 3rd
level of EU stations calling continues to be our primary limitation. 

THE BIG NEWS last weekend was finally accomplishing virtual isolation
between the Run and Mult stations.  The incessant keying crude that we've
all suffered through for literally decades was finally eliminated. With just
4 or 5 kc of separation it was possible to operate as if the other station
didn't even exist.....this is a remarkable accomplishment which has been 20
years in the making.   Although we can't pinpoint exactly what finally got
us here, using all K3 radios, tightening up station coax cabling on the rx
and tx sides, in particular eliminating all RCA phono connectors, plus
adding band pass filters this season, were certainly contributing factors.
Again congratulations to everyone who contributed to achieving this
important milestone.

Between the TBDC and CQ160 CW weekends there were no fewer than three work
parties to get the station ready.  The devotion of team members to do the
work required to make our 160 meter operations successful this season seemed
to reach an all time high.....well done TEAM!  

TO DO Items (before CQ160 PH)

I'm purposely placing near the top of this debrief those work items that
have time value, particularly for the SJDXA team who will operate the CQ160
PH next month.

1.  Resolve changing SWR condition on NE sloper.  During the 2nd night of
CQ160 CW, the SWR on the NE sloper varied slightly all
evening.....indicative of a likely coax problem.  The most probable source
of the problem are the hard line connectors.  In prior testing we'd observed
a high resistance condition between center conductor and outer shield on one
or both of the 500' hard line runs to the tower.  Despite our best efforts
cleaning up the N-female hard line connectors and installing new N to SO239
adapters at the tower we could not resolve this hi resistance anomaly.  The
connectors in the crawl space cannot be ignored since they were underwater
for days following Sandy.

2.  Reinforce NE halyard anchor.  At a minimum install a safety rope tied
around the two down ropes and over to the tower so in the event the current
anchors fail, the halyard will not become loose in the wind and become
entangled in a guy wire, potentially unreachable.  

Best solution would be installing a screw in anchor adjacent to the existing
stakes (Rohn models GAS604 or EZ48
http://www.3starinc.com/rohn_tower_guy_and_anchor.html

or Granger 48" anchors
http://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Earth-Anchors-WP5534315/_/
N-lkk/Ntt-Screw+Anchor?adgrpID=19672345394
<http://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Earth-Anchors-WP5534315/_
/N-lkk/Ntt-Screw+Anchor?adgrpID=19672345394&kwdID=%2Bscrew+%2Banchor&s_kwcid
=AL%212966%213%2192178402794%21b%21%21g%21%21%2Bscrew+%2Banchor&sst=subset&t
s_optout=true&s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger
/4LVK3_AS01?$smthumb$>
&kwdID=%2Bscrew+%2Banchor&s_kwcid=AL%212966%213%2192178402794%21b%21%21g%21%
21%2Bscrew+%2Banchor&sst=subset&ts_optout=true&s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.gr
ainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4LVK3_AS01?$smthumb$

Our prior attempts to install the black anchors now on-site were not
successful.

3.  Continue to monitor Route 9 noise sources just north of Murphy Drive and
contact AC Electric technician in the event any new power line noise is
heard at 1710 Khz.

RECAP of SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST DEBRIEF COMMENTS

Weekend Positives:

1.  We finally achieved full isolation between Run and Mult stations....the
incessant crude heard when either station transmitted was completely
eliminated....each operator could hear through the other...as if the other
guy wasn't even there....truly AMAZING.  Recabling and connectorizing
everything in shack  and introduction of band pass filters were likely
contributing factors in this success story.

2.  We had adequate staffing to cover all three operating positions all
weekend.  The worth of having a 'slave' position was reinforced.

3.  New shelving built by W2NO took the clutter off the operating
table...tnx Danno!

4.  Repairs to the Delta loop the day before the contest were totally
successful.....leaving more time on Friday for beverage inspections and
other activities.

5.  The feedline for the NE beverage was re-routed away from the power lines
potentially lowering the noise pickup.

6.  Steve (KWR) supplied the team with tasty contest food...TNX.

7.  During the contest team members investigated and resolved problems with
the HI-Z four and the South Beverage (in the dark).

8.  On Saturday the bent mast supporting the Inverted L was replaced and the
antenna restored to service.

9.  Having eliminated most if not all stray RF in the shack, the network
devices worked perfectly - no network crashes.

10.  The performance of the HI-Z was again impressive and contributed to our
putting 318 ten pointers in the log.  All three radios were diversity
equipped for the first time.

11.  The weather was never a factor in our contest activities.  In general
there was no meaningful QRN all weekend.

12.  The line noise on Route 9 was quiet all weekend.  Thanks to N2HM, K2SG
and Randy for continuing the search for noise sources two weeks ago!

13.  Guest op W5ZN pulled his weight....working on the TX and RX antennas
and in working the contest.  Joel and I also identified a better location
for the future Low-Z eight circle RX array near the SW beverage.  Thanks for
coming north for the weekend Joel!

14.  Cable labeling made swapping radios between operating positions nearly
foolproof.

15.  Replacement PCs on the run and mult positions worked perfectly.

Items To Improve Upon Next Season:

1.  During repair of the delta loop, it was observed the wire has been
damaged, the jacket is compromised in multiple places, introducing possible
corrosion, etc.  We need to replace the delta element next season.  Once
installed, we also need to make time to confirm it's resonance at 1830 Khz.

2.  Need to digitally document what antennas are connected to what outputs
on the panel under the table.  The list is in the shack on paper.

3.  Replace the often spliced corner pull away ropes used on the delta loop.

4.  Implement the new Hi-Z weatherproofing configuration as developed by
W2NO.  Also cover the element amplifiers with plastic bags to shed water.

5.  Move the low dipole antenna to a new location.... at least 75 to 100
feet away from the power lines.

6.  Between contests, clean all beverage wire connections to 9:1 transformer
boxes.

7.  Install new spade lugs on all beverage elements.

8.  Set up all three K3s so they are identical.  In particular set up the
balance control function to facilitate easier adjustment of volume when
using diversity reception techniques.

9.  Install a W3LPL bandpass filter in the Hi-Z Four and future 8 circle
systems.

10.  Build a switching system to enable the ability of all three operating
positions to select between the HiZ Four and 8 Circle antennas on the sub
rx.

11. In APRIL, lay out 8 circle array and install base support structures. 

12.  We need to follow up and doument and follow a more rigorous pre-contest
routine when assembling the station, including a set of specific test
procedures to accurately determine TX antenna status, RX antenna(s) status,
rig/logging software connectivity, etc.  all done well before the bell so
there is adequate time to take corrective action ....reduce avoidable
'surprises' on contest day. 

13.  Procure a supply of assorted ferrite types to deal with future rf
issues.

14.  Consider installing choke equipped center insulators on the two
slopers.

15.  Install screw in earth anchors for both NE and West tower halyards.

16.  Revisit consideration of  installing a separate halyard at 240 feet for
the NE sloper.

17.  Investigate the technical requirements to have two or more active run
positions.  This year, S51V had four active run positions which achieved a
274 qso total during the first hour of contest.

18.  Continue the search for noise sources on and off site.

If you have additional observations and suggestions not included in this
debrief report please share them with everyone on the list.

A Personal Note to the Team.....

It was one year ago this week I first faced the fact I had cancer.  At the
time it wasn't clear what type of cancer I had, and with this hanging over
me I continued on with the K1N adventure.  Since then, I've been
exceptionally blessed...... my doctors accurately diagnosed my medical
condition and have provided medical care that resulted in total remission
just five months ago....an absolute miracle.   The fact remains there is no
cure for metastatic melanoma....so my future remains unsure.

This 160 season I've admittedly been more driven than normal....pushing
everyone on the team to make whatever improvements were needed to make the
station work better than ever.  That last 5% on the road to perfection is
always the most difficult.....and I have pushed pretty hard to get close.  I
am in your debt, for putting up with me....and being there for me at the
same time.  Under the surface my emotions were running pretty high this
weekend....and I feel so very fortunate to have good friends like you.
Thanks.

73,

John W2GD

  _____  

F

See ya’ in the Pileups!

73!

Bob Schenck, N2OO

President South Jersey DX Assn

GO SJDXA!!!  <http://www.sjdxa.org/> www.sjdxa.org

President Chairman Old Barney ARC

GO OBARC!!!  <http://www.obarc.org/> www.obarc.org

DX Editor CQ Magazine  <http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/>
www.cq-amateur-radio.com

Director INDEXA  <http://www.indexa.org/> www.indexa.org

Trustee 835 Amateur Radio Group  <http://www.146835.org> www.146835.org

QSL Managers Society  <http://www.qslmanagers.net> www.qslmanagers.net

ASM-SNJ ARRL  <http://www.arrl.org> www.arrl.org

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