N8YXR

 Call: N8YXR Operators: KC0RBV N8YXR Station: N8YXR Class: Muti-Single Low Power QTH: Michigan Operating Time (hrs): 15 Summary:  Band     QSOs      7      61     14     284     21      20  Total     365 Mult: 87 Score: 67,251 Nice to do some contesting mid-summer. My major goal was to get better at finding and running. Had a good two hour run towards the beginning of the contest with a rate peaking at one point of 180/hr. Jennie (KC0RBV) did a good job keeping that run going. We were spotted during that and another run so that was good. First time to be spotted multiple times. Didn't work many WRTC stations. It looks like they were mostly doing CW. I need to start operating that mode.

Modern transceivers frequently allow you to set your receive and transmit equalizer settings. Setting the receive is fairly easy since you just have to listen to your own speakers. On the transmit levels, I'm sure other hams have had the same problem I have. How do you pick? Initially, I set them according to the settings recommended by Heil Sound , the makers of my microphones.Now, that seemed better than my K3S's default of no modification. All seemed well, but I still had problems. Frequently, I had to repeat the Yankee portion of my call. My wife, KC0RBV, also had problems with the same portion of the call. Watching the SWR meeting while my daughter talked on Kid's Day really gave me a shock. Her voice was able to keep the meter pegged at 80 watts almost the entire time. Her voice appears to be made for SSB. Then, I wanted to improve my setup and maybe use the equalizer (EQ) settings to improve my transmitted power and ineligibility. So I read up on cardoid micro...

This past Sunday, I worked the 13 Colonies special event stations. Normally, I just work a few stations and call it good. This year, I decided that I wanted to work a clean sweep. I was able to do it in a single day. What a rush! Moreover, I spent time listening to the pileups and how the guys were working them. I have to say those guys are good! Each one was pretty cool and just concentrated on trying to make as many contacts as possible. Even the weaker special events stations attempted to stay focused. These stations are all on the air this week. Try to work them. It's fun for both. And if the pileup is a little slow, don't forget to thank them! If you are one of the guys or gals putting these on the air, THANK YOU!!!!!