[SJRA-Members] ARRL DX CONTEST IN PROGRESS

[MARK WALTERS]

All,


As John W2FDJ previously noted, the ARRL DX contest is ongoing this weekend.  Most of the activity I have found on 40M and also to a lesser degree on 80M and 20M.  


Even if your rig/antenna/power output is limited with regard to securing a contact, it is still a great time to see just how many stations/countries you can hear this weekend as most of the DX countries are throwing 1KW this way and are easily heard and they have great rigs that can pick up lower power stations like myself out of the noise.

    

My station is also limited with a low G5RV in the woods and my Yaesu FT-857D is limited to a max of 100W and is further limited to about 35-65W actual radiated power, but none the less, I have made 16 confirmed contacts in the Caymans, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Dom Rep, Venezuela, US Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Brazil, Belize, St Martin and CUBA!  I think I am at a claimed score of only 208 right now, lol.  This is not great by any standards but was a leisurely attempt at various sittings for short bursts at various times during the day and night to explore different band conditions and propagation under various conditions and I learned a great deal.


I have heard many, many more stations in Europe but am just not able to reach them at any time of day with my rig and antenna configuration.  Nothing like calling and not being able to reach that contact in Italy to make you want a better rig, bigger yagi, more power...lol. :)


So, If you always wondered just how far you can make contacts or even how far you can hear other stations, today is a great time to turn your set on and give a listen for the numerous international stations calling CQ and perhaps even try to make a contact or two.   


Here is a link to the ARRL contest rules if you want to give it a whirl...   http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx



Have FUN!

Mark KD2JPW