[SJDXA] W2GD report
Karl F. Bowman DVM
tuvets at bellsouth.net
Wed Feb 3 14:45:52 EST 2016
Congratulations! 73, Karl W4CHX, the new guy from NC
From: Bob Schenck N2OO <n2oo at comcast.net>
To: 'SJDXA-LIST' <sjdxa at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 3, 2016 2:42 PM
Subject: [SJDXA] W2GD report
<!--#yiv3319456548 _filtered #yiv3319456548 {font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv3319456548 {font-family:Verdana;panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}#yiv3319456548 #yiv3319456548 p.yiv3319456548MsoNormal, #yiv3319456548 li.yiv3319456548MsoNormal, #yiv3319456548 div.yiv3319456548MsoNormal {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri", "sans-serif";}#yiv3319456548 a:link, #yiv3319456548 span.yiv3319456548MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv3319456548 a:visited, #yiv3319456548 span.yiv3319456548MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv3319456548 span.yiv3319456548EmailStyle17 {font-family:"Calibri", "sans-serif";color:windowtext;}#yiv3319456548 .yiv3319456548MsoChpDefault {font-family:"Calibri", "sans-serif";} _filtered #yiv3319456548 {margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}#yiv3319456548 div.yiv3319456548WordSection1 {}-->Well done guys! We own the USA Top Claimed score and are sixteenth overall in the world. Operators: K2SG K2TW KI4KWR KU2C N2HM N2OO W1GD W2OB W2CG W2GDW2NO W2RQ W5ZN WS2C Here is the story: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 |
| HG8DX(@HA8DZ) | 1678 | 42 | 87 | 36:40 | 1,330,377 | |
| S51V | 1733 | 45 | 81 | 37,5 | 1,317,834 | |
| UA2F | 1731 | 32 | 83 | 36 | 1,201,750 | UA2 CONTEST CLUB |
| E7DX | 1569 | 36 | 80 | 31,5 | 1,060,124 | BHCC |
| DR1A | 1505 | 40 | 82 | 35 | 1,027,362 | BCC |
| 9A1P | 1488 | 41 | 80 | 35 | 996,677 | Croatian CC |
| UA7K | 1406 | 29 | 88 | | 925,002 | |
| EIØR | 1359 | 39 | 72 | 34 | 895,992 | |
| OK5W(@OK1KSO) | 1298 | 36 | 78 | | 835,278 | |
| G5W | 1339 | 39 | 69 | 35 | 834,408 | CDXC |
| | | | | | | |
| 9A3XV(@9A4M) | 1312 | 34 | 78 | 35:00 | 831,040 | Croatian CC |
| OM2Y | 1331 | 27 | 76 | | 778,371 | |
| OT6M | 1222 | 35 | 68 | 31 | 715,541 | BCC |
| RT6A | 1365 | 19 | 77 | | 712,992 | |
| OL3Z | 1187 | 30 | 72 | 28h30 | 673,404 | |
| W2GD | 1326 | 59 | 65 | 31.5 | 662,284 | FRC |
| LZ5R(@LZ4TL) | 1197 | 17 | 76 | 33 | 637,329 | LZCT |
| HG7T | 1143 | 27 | 71 | 27 | 634,942 | HADXC |
| RY9C | 998 | 1 | 65 | 30 | 609,510 | Ural CG |
| 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&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.grainger.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, N2OOPresident South Jersey DX AssnGO SJDXA!!! www.sjdxa.orgPresident Chairman Old Barney ARCGO OBARC!!! www.obarc.orgDX Editor CQ Magazine www.cq-amateur-radio.comDirector INDEXA www.indexa.orgTrustee 835 Amateur Radio Group www.146835.orgQSL Managers Society www.qslmanagers.netASM-SNJ ARRL www.arrl.org
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