NAQCC August 2007 Challenge

Call       Worked    Info
K3WWP      NV1B      Starting a QRP streak like mine
4 pts      WY3H      Off work tomorrow
           WB4TXD    Going on trip to CO
           KF4WBJ    Uses a SK almost exclusively

WY7N       W7GVE     Collects older ham rigs
2 pts      KC6PLV    Has a sailboat

VE3HUR     K0TC      got started in ham radio in highschool
6 pts      WA1NTA    he's been in this area
           W9SJW     flooding in his area
           VA3CWT    mechanic
           K3WWP     just caught a rock bass
           W0KQC     ham 55 yrs, worked as chemist

Soapbox:
K3WWP - I just never really had the time to explore this challenge as fully as I would have liked. It seemed there was always something else to do and I had to get my daily streak QSO as quickly as possible, then never did get back to the bands that day. I did have some other interesting QSO's that would have qualified had I used my SK, but I was using the keyer instead.

WY7N - Unlike John (K3WWP) I got frustrated with my keyer and switched over to a SK when rag chewing with W7GVE. That QSO lasted over an hour. I didn't even bother with the keyer with KC6PLV. What fun!

VE3HUR - I thought this was going to be an easy one - just use a straight key and 5 watts for a few rag chews. Well, it wasn't so easy. Ops calling CQ didn't hear me (or didn't want to answer a weak signal) and no one would answer any of my CQs. I've gained a lot more respect for hams who are able to operate QRP on a regular basis. I've also added that challenge to my "to do" list.

PREMISE:
Use a straight key and find out something extra about the ham you work.

TIME FRAME:
Aug 1, 2007 0000Z through Aug 31, 2007 2400Z

RULES:
Use a straight key and when you work someone, find out more about him/her than just the standard RST/QTH/NAME/RIG/WX exchange of many QSO's. For example, they like to fish or gardening is a hobby, etc. This is designed obviously to make your QSO's more interesting, and to increase the time you use CW on the air - both important aims. Each QSO that qualifies counts one point.

Of course all QSO's must be 2X CW and you must be using QRP power.

AWARDS:
A certificate goes to the three hams making the highest point totals during the month. Also to anyone for whom this is the first challenge they have ever entered and reported their results.

PRIZE:
This month we begin a series of monthly prizes in conjunction with our challenges. For at least the next 13 months, the prize is a set of beautiful bug or paddle handles. These pieces are beautifully hand crafted and donated by Gregg, WB8LZG. I have them here and they are beautiful. To see what I mean although the pictures don't do complete justice to their beauty, check them out here.

Everyone who earns a participation point as outlined in the next section is eligible to win the prize. A list of those eligible will be sent to Gregg, WB8LZG who will select a winner at random. An individual can only win one set of paddles after which they become ineligible for future drawings. At Gregg's request, NAQCC officers are also eligible for all his bug/paddle handle prizes.

PARTICIPATION AWARD AND WEB LISTING:
Just participate, make at least 2 points, and report your results for a web listing and Participation Point.

LOGS:
For your report, send a list of all qualifying QSO's listing the call and a BRIEF note of the extra info you found out from that person. For example:
K3WWP - likes to fish
WY3H - a newspaper reporter
You may also include comments about the challenge. Please preface any comments you want posted with "SOAPBOX:" so we will know what you want posted and what is private.

Send your results to:

E-mail:

You must type that address into your email program.

Subject must read: (your call) NAQCC (month) Challenge

For example: K3WWP NAQCC July Challenge

Postal mail:
Tom Mitchell, WY3H
RD6 Box 122A
Kittanning, PA 16201

All entries must be RECEIVED before September 10, 2007 at 2400Z.