Thursday, January 26, 2017

Catch up time

 I've participated in contesting for many years and always enjoy the certificates earned. The CQ contests have many "certificates of merit" literally for any contest participated in. I printed a few of the better ones.Several I was in the top five in My category.Not bad. Usually only time receiving recognition is being number one! I do enjoy the "wallpaper" !
 I also took some time to catch up with QRZ logbook. not many new entries but have had several inquires about QSO's. Now I'm caught up--at least till the next contest!
  The 80m band tonight was superb.I listened to several nets in the surrounding states and everyone was booming in at "10 over 9" or more.Even checked into to local section net!
  73 for now--Tim

Sunday, January 8, 2017

ARRL RTTY RU contest 2017

I really like RTTY contests. I've managed to participate in this one for several years in a row.Nice to be in the warm shack when its frigid outside. RTTY contests are unique in being almost like a video game--point and click, point and click.Relaxing,can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and still rack up contacts.
  This year the bands were definitely not as productive for DX.  The stateside stations made up for the lack of Dx activity- enough so I was only 2 QSO down from last year although because of the lack of DX my multplier totals suffered.Oh well -still fun. I managed contacts on all the bands from 80-10 although 80 and 10 were thin pickings. My money band this year was 20m and when I quit early on Sunday, it was loaded with stations. Ended with 254 contacts which is not bad for Me. I'm very happy.
  73---Tim