Observations of the June ARRL VHF contest

 

I decided to try out My new SCU-17 digital interface CAT control for this contest.I only operated for a short time but used the contest to setup the interface and N1MM logger for the CAT function. Eventually I need to spend time with the interface to get it working on transmit--receive works very well along with CAT. Fact is the CAT function thru this interface works fast and flawless keeping track of bands and frequency as I turn the dial. The actual Control function seems to work also but I've not spent lots of time to understand the required keystrokes.

 I haven't operated this contest for many years and always had it running in the background while doing other chores in the shack. When bands are open its a hoot but during slow times- well like watching paint dry. The only fun part of the slow times was chatting on air with other local operators.

 Well times have changed! I didn't hear only one local and looking at DXmaps on the internet for activity I noticed when filtering out the digital activity showed--well very little SSB and CW during the time I was on. This contest at least during the slow propagation times has become a digital contest. I'm not criticizing this--actually a litttle jealous not having the digital working. It would have increased my operating time alot! 

 I did have a few 6m contacts when propagation was up but I only have a 10m mono bander with a tuner for 6m horizontal contacts so not the best situation. I also missed several active openings which even with My setup would have made a difference--it is the magic band!

 My last thought is even though My CAT set up works well, the rig only covers HF+6M so any contacts for 2m or 432 is on a radio not connected to My interface. It seems N1MM needs to have the USB disconnected before it will let me manually switch bands being used by the non-CAT connected radio. Just another reason for a all mode all band single radio I guess!

 73---Tim