NAQCC Jan 2008 Sprint

SWA Category
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna
*W9ILF  31   29   60   18 1080  x2  2160  gnd mtd vert
AJ1M    32   28   60   15  900  x2  1800  Carolina Windom @40'
KA8MPT  26   24   50   13  650  x2  1300  G5RV @25'
K3WWP   23   22   45   12  540  x2  1080  attic rnd wire
W0JFR   19   17   36   15  540  x2  1080  32' high vert
*K8BTD  22   20   42   12  504  x2  1008  160M windom @30'
W2SH    23   22   45   11  495  x2   990  80m sloping dpl @65-10'
KA2KGP  18   17   35   13  455  x2   910  5b vert
AF4LQ   16   15   31   13  403  x2   806  40m EFHW @30'
W4ONC   19   18   38   10  380  x2   760  264' inv vee @55'
AA4W    17   15   32   11  352  x2   704  80/40 dpls @??'-80/40 Vert 
WB8LZG  17   16   33    9  297  x2   594  5BTV vert on back deck-dpl@30'
K5GQ    22   18   40   14  560       560  dipole @22'
K8AZT   20   19   39   14  546       546  hustler 6btv
N4PJ    22   19   41   13  533       533  rotary dipole @60'
KB4QQJ  15   14   29    9  261  x2   522  TAK-tenna 40 @20'
NO2D    12   11   23   10  230  x2   460  158' dpl @34'
K5BGB   13   12   25    9  225  x2   450  half-G5RV @30' 
*WA8QFE 12   12   24    9  216  x2   432  130' end feed wire @40'
*WB8ENE 12   12   24    8  192  x2   384  40M double zepp @15'
KC2EGL   9    9   18    7  126  x2   252  10-160M fld dpl @35'
N4FI     9    9   18    7  126  x2   252  random wire, attic G5RV
KB3AAG  13   12   25   10  250       250  80M loop @35'
W2LJ     9    8   17    7  119  x2   238  G5RV @25'
WB7AVF   8    8   16    7  112  x2   224  80M ocf dipole @88-75'
*@K6BFA  8    8   16    6   96  x2   192  G5RV @50'      
W2JEK    9    8   17    5   85  x2   170  40m dpl @25', 80m ef hz @25'
NJ1W     8    8   16    5   80  x2   160  G5RV @35'
K6XT    10    9   19    8  152       152  gp vert
*N8WS    6    6   12    6   72  x2   144  5btv vert-40m delta loop @45'     
W5RCP    6    6   12    5   60  x2   120  inv vee @35'
*WA8HSB  6    6   12    5   60  x2   120  14AVQ
NA4O     5    5   10    5   50  x2   100  Carolina Windom @45'
WY7N     6    6   12    4   48  x2    96  100' random wire @23'
WA8SAN   7    7   14    6   84        84  G5RV @25'
N0VA     5    5   10    4   40  x2    80  g5rv @15'-gnd mtd vert
AA9L     5    5   10    4   40  x2    80  trap dpl @50'
NF8M     4    4    8    4   32  x2    64  Dipole @35'
*KD9B    5    5   10    5   50        50  G5RV @30'
K9DXA    5    5   10    5   50        50  40M dipole @16'
VE3EDX   4    4    8    3   24  x2    48  6BTV Vert gnd mntd
K4UK     4    4    8    3   24  x2    48  160M inv vee @??'
NU7T     4    4    8    3   24  x2    48  40m 6' tall helical
W6GY     6    5   11    4   44        44  Horiz Loop 260" w/tuner
AA9WP    3    3    6    3   18  x2    36  indoor 20/15/10M dipole
NF9D     4    4    8    4   32        32  G5RV @25'
K4PBY    3    3    6    3   18 x1.5   27  80 mtr inv vee @35' 
K0MDS    3    3    6    2   12  x2    24  windom @30'
N9QU     3    3    6    2   12  x2    24  115' rnd wre @20'-20m dpl @20'
KA2Q     3    3    6    3   18        18  dipole @24'
KD2MX    2    2    4    2    8  x2    16  600' loop @25'
K6CSL    1    1    2    1    2  x2     4  loops & dipole
VE3HUR   1    1    2    1    2  x2     4  ef @15'
KD5ZKU   1    1    2    1    2  x2     4  inverted vee @50'

GAIN ANTENNA Category
Call   QSOs Mbrs Pts  Mul  Sco Bon Final  80-40-20 Antenna

@ - QRO 100 watts
* - Special Award (personal best score) qualifiers

AWARD WINNERS:
1st SWA: W9ILF
2nd SWA: AJ1M
1st Gain: n/a
Top score from a previous non-winner: W0JFR 
Special Award (personal best score): W9ILF
Classic book in Morse on CD: W9ILF

The following appeared 5 or more times in submitted logs, but
did not submit a log themselves for whatever reason:
WA3ZBJ - 12
K9JWI - 8
WB4YZA - 8
W9FNB - 7
K0EVZ - 6
AB9CA - 5
N1VWD - 5
W8YMO - 5

We hope these folks will continue to participate AND
submit their logs in the future.

If anyone wishes a list of errors found in cross-checking their
log, email K3WWP. If any errors cause a scoring change, you
will be notified automatically.

SOAPBOX:
K3WWP - There were 2 distinct black holes this month. The first was a propagation black hole that lasted perhaps the first 45 minutes or so with both 40 and 80 just about devoid of signals here. I only made 4 QSO's in that time and was projecting my worst or second worst sprint ever. But 80 picked up around 0215Z especially to MI, OH, and IN. I made 6 rather quick easy QSO's with those states. The second black hole was a mental black hole in my brain. I stupidly neglected to check to see if 40M also opened up at that time. When I finally did check 40 at 0250Z, it was alive with signals. If only I had left 80 and gone there sooner, I would have made a much better score. At least I picked up several letters and numbers for our January challenge, if not much else. You can bet I'll be jumping bands more in February. I hope I've learned my lesson.

N4PJ - Conditions not the best! Need to remember to do more of these Sprints.

AJ1M - Had fun... lot's of qsb here tonight. Loudest signal I heard was definitely K4QQJ. Thanks to all for the Q's.

NF8M - Forgot about the contest until about 20 minutes before the end but managed a few QSOs.

K6XT - Good fun as usual. Wanted to run the straight key but that would have required a trip to the shed. Too cold out there. 73 Art

KD9B - I could hear more than could hear me from KY. I tried TX, NJ, Fl, and a non-member in MI but couldn't get through. Can the black hole mentioned in the newsletter be uni-directional? I also heard the VA3? station from ON, another one I could not get to hear my signal. I brought my straight key from work with intention of getting that x2 bonus but the tendinitis in my right elbow kept me from using it. I'll be back in March, working Tue nites means I miss the Feb sprint. First sprint in a long time due to work schedule and studies. I had a ball. Dennis

W5RCP - Had much better luck tonite than usual. Was using the FT-817 powered by a 12ah battery and an old MFJ tuner. All my radio gear has been moved to the new house up near Abilene so I had a bare-bones station tonite. Was a lot of fun. Thanks to all who joined in... Ron

K8BTD - What a great way to start out the new year. Didn't hear much on 40. Went to 80 early. Very noisey. S8. Hard to copy. Thanks to all who stayed with me on the repeats. Enjoyed this one very much. Hope to see everyone plus more next month. 73 K8BTD, Gil K8BTD (Gil) Semi-retired in S.E. Ohio on a mini farm, pursuing my excellence raising antennas.

K5GQ - WOW. The 40M was in GREAT shape. Had some stations calling; doubling with another station, very weak and could not pull them out of the noise. Called CQ on 20M for 15 min but no answers. Have class on Tuesday night so til next WED night two months away. I will try 20 M again. (Here's another member who benefits from our alternate Tue/Wed sprint schedule - K3WWP)

K6CSL - This being my humble effort. This probably the last Sprint for my IC-707. I'm getting a new Yaesu FT-450AT tomorrow. See you all for next Sprint. Bert

AF4LQ - Ran an OHR-500 at 5w's and a Speed-X straight key, 40mtrs only. Been down with the flu here and only meant to work a couple of stations or so but stayed for the last hour anyway, once I started. Lot's of fun as always and conditions seemed improved over the last few months. It was good to hear some new calls as well as some ol' regulars too. Thanks to all for the Q's and fun an' we'll c'yall next month. 73!

AA9WP - Well that was alot of work for 3 contacts but a great improvement over the past two or three contests. Complete shut out in the past few months. The A index, again, was at a high level; tonight it was at 12 making for very difficut conditions. See you next month.

KA2Q - MY FIRST SPRINT. IT WAS A BLAST. I'LL BE BACK. TU, BOB

WB7AVF - Haven't done this for a spell. Started on 20m thinking locals *NY NJ* would be on, nada. 40 was a bit noisy at first. Should've gone to 80.

W9ILF - 40 meters held together very well all through the sprint. I had such a great time working everyone I could hear. I can't wait for another fun sprint next month! Ivin

WA8HSB - My first NAQCC Sprint and I enjoyed using the J-38 again! I got a late start so only had about 50 minutes to operate and with the band conditions being what they were, I'm pleased with my first attempt. I dug my old 14AVQ out of storage a week or so back and have it temporarily attached to a fence post in the side yard with a few short radials. I only have it up at night due to CCRs but it is really nice to be able to work 80m again. After the Sprint, I tuned down the band and heard V31YN working a station. When he finished, I slipped my call in and he came right back with a 579 for me. Isn't QRP great! I'll be back! 73/72, John

KB4QQJ - WOW! again, Band was alive! I only got to work 40 minutes of the sprint but it was wide open. I know a lot of people beat there personal best in this one. Always atreat to work K3WWP and he was my second contact. Then it must have been a fresh call cause it was "Katie Bar teh Door" Not a high score but still my best and only 40 minutes to do it.Loudest was W2JEK, boom!. Thanks to all that tried and all that made it. Once again I had a blast. Randy KB4QQJ NAQCC# 2086

N0VA - My first Srint entry and I used a straight key. Pretty quiet here on 40M in Western Colorado with shorty G5RV at 15 feet. One Q in-state on 80M on a ground mounted vertical. I worked every NAQCC member I could hear who could also hear me. With only 5 contacts the 2 bonus points for the straight key helped.

NF9D - Got a very late start. 40 had horrible noise at my QTH tonight, but 80 was fairly quiet.

VE3HUR - On HW-8 at 1W. Thanks to K6BFA for his patience.

K6BFA - I think the bands are getting a little better. Another enjoyable evening.

N9QU - 1st NAQCC sprint. 3 two ways in thirty min. after that nil. Heard KY, CO & OH but couldn't work them. Nothing on 20m, some large pileups on 80.

W4ONC - Here it is the morning after the Sprint and my heart is still racing!

K4PBY - Bands were extremely QRN due to local thunderstorms here in Central Florida. I only operated for 30 min. and struggled to work 3 stations that managed to cut through the noise. Later, after tucking into bed I fell asleep dreaming of becomming rich after developing a "perfect" noise limiter circuit! 73 and looking forward to the next sprint--Chuck (Sign me up for your first unit, please - K3WWP)

WB8ENE - Not much happening on 40 at my QTH, but 80 was pretty good. Enjoyed the sprint as usual.

KD2MX - Any prize for matching my low score? Was out for the evening and just had enough energy left to spend 10 minutes or so at the key. Aside from signals from 8-land on 80M, the bands didn't sound too hot. Hope to see everybody in the NAQCC 160.

WB8LZG - K2 @5 watts, Good sprint agn tonite. A bit of a slow strt on 40m with lots of qsb es weak calls. Vy tough start.Only 5 Qso;s the 1st 1/2 hour. Went to 80 es things a bit better there for a while. lots of QSB here. Heard many calling i couldn't pick out of the noise. Worked K3WWP on 80, then Later went back to 40 es heard him agn but the 2nd qso was not to be. 40m seemed to pick up alot in the last 1/2 hour of the contest. Very strange propagation this evening. I usually have a "pipeline" into Ga, Al, Fla, from here in Michigan, but only managed 1 Florida QSO. I did here Texas rolling in "loud es clear" as usuall , but no New Englanders, but W2SH. Another oddity, I hardly ever work the "close in" stations, Mich , Ohio, Ind. ect. but on 80 i worked 3 Ohio es 3 Pa back to back. when i went back to 40m later i found W9ILF in Indiana es 2 KY stns, es 2 N.C. stns. Virtually nothing but W0JFR from "out West" Great fun tonite and some interesting propagtion to ponder. Nice to see more numbers above 2000. Also a big welcome to WD4YZA at 5w. See u next sprint, 73 Gregg

K5BGB - Going single band is made even more of a challenge when that band goes down hill. 40 started out great, but it didn't last long. I even stuck one of my ears down inside of my K2 and that didn't help! The NAQCC sprints are always great fun and challenging. I'll be back next month!

AA4W - Worked mostly members this month. Only 2 non-members and they were both wondering what kind of contest we were operating. I followed up with am Email to tham detaining NAQCC. Rain was causing a LOT of QRN here in North East FLorida. My wrist is sore this morning from using the straight key! It's been a while since I used it.

KA2KGP - Finally some nice band conditions on 40 & 80m. Good signals, long propagation. Another nice sprint. TenTec Argosy II at 5w. into a 5 band gnd. mtd. vert. w/ straight key.

K0MDS - No black hole here tonight, just plenty of white fluffy snow. I was only able to work the last 30 minutes of the sprint.

W6GY - Finally had a chance to participate. Additional Stations heard but not worked, #827, #1905, #1400, #833. No Signals on 20M. Had fun!

WA8QFE - Better condx than December's. Prior to the start of the Sprint I worked a station in WA. running 1 watt, and after I worked one in WI. running 1/2 watt. Has anyone ever thought of a power output bonus??? Good Sprint! (Yes, but that would add another level of complexity to our sprints which definitely is not needed - K3WWP)

N8WS - My first sprint and it was a blast using my hand key for a contest. I will try to be there next month. Thanks to all for putting up with my poor fist, its been a while. Bill

KD5ZKU - Heavy qrn at my location. Heard only 4 ops calling CQ NA. n4pj was the only one I could copy well enough to respond to. I'm tickled that he was able to hear me.

W2JEK - got on late and lost time on local 2m club net as well. think conditions may be a little better and hope they improve.

KA8MPT - I WORKED 80 M ALL NIGHT . AT FIRST I THOUGHT I WAS ON THE WRONG DAY FOR THE SPRINT, THE FIRST 2O MIN NO SIGNALS AT ALL BUT AROUND 0150 Z THE BAND GOT REALY GOOD FOR MOST OF THE NIGHT . DID NOT TRY 40M AT ALL. SHORT SKIP 200 TO 400 MILES . LOTS OF VA,AL,NJ STATION JOHN

W2LJ - I was all pumped up, ready to participate in the monthly NAQCC Sprint for the first time in months. Now that I seem to be back in a radio groove, I was really looking forward to it.
The 40 Meter RFI monster did me in, however. From 8:30 until about 9:30 EST, 40 Meters had about S20 noise throughout the band. The neighborhood RFI source got switched off at about 9:30 with a half hour of the Sprint to go; but by that time it was too late. The band went long and I only made about 5 or 6 contacts.
80 Meters wasn't too kind to me tonight, either. The contacts there were just a paltry few, too. Rather than blame the band, though, it was probably my fault. My best results used to occur when I would pick a frequency, sit on it by calling CQ and then just answer the responding stations. I guess I got too antsy tonight and did too much "search and pouncing" rather than run one frequency.
Better luck next month! 73 de Larry

NO2D - Incapable of determining correct local starting time by subtracting 7 hours from UTC 0130, so got a late start. As per usual of late, the band faded as the contest progressed. Stuck to 80 meters because that is least likely to fade as the evening progresses. Hunt and pounce seemed ineffective, so I set up shop at 3.55780 and called CQ NA. Never had more than one or two stations calling at any one time. Should have stayed further away from the common FISTS frequencies, but heard precious few of them, either. Pete

W2SH - At the open 20m was silent, and there was no sprint activity on 40m. Therefore I settled on 80m and only switched for the final half hour back to 40m where conditions and activity were good. Earlier, when KA8MPT with his usual booming signal failed to answer two calls, I switched from the big bisquare to the sloping dipole and a prompt QSO resulted.

See General Sprint Rules for rules common to every NAQCC sprint.

RULES specific to this month's sprint:

Date and time:
Thursday Jan 17, 0130-0330 UTC
(Remember that's Wednesday evening here in the USA)

Special Award:
It's a bit complicated, so put on your thinking caps and read carefully. To be eligible for the award you must make your personal best score among all the NAQCC sprints you've entered. Just as an example, if the best you ever did previously in one of our sprints was 1,850 points, and you score 2,150 points in this January sprint, you are eligible. The winner of the award will then be the highest January score among all those who are eligible. Whew! If you don't remember your personal best score, email

and we'll tell you. Now go out there and do your best. This is something I personally do in all contests. I try to beat my previous best score. That way I'm only competing against myself and not against someone with vastly superior equipment.

Autologger SA info:
Eligible for the Special Award.......' box - Select Yes if you are competing for the award
Special Award info.......' box - You can leave this blank

Prize:
A classic book in Morse on CD donated by Chuck Adams K7QO. The high scorer overall in the sprint gets to choose one CD from those currently listed on Chuck's web site at http://www.k7qo.net/.

Entry Deadline:
All entries must be RECEIVED before 2400Z on Jan 23, 2008. So submit as soon as possible, especially regular mail entries.

Preferred method of submitting your log and report is now our new on-line autologger. For other methods see the General Sprint Rules.