A Diary of Technology Persuits
I went mobile again for the 2016 Virginia QSO Party, using the callsign KT4KA. I use that callsign so as not to confuse everyone when calling CQ (with my normal "3"call). The goal this year was to beat last year, and hopefully win the Mobile all-Band category. No matter what happens, this is always enjoyable.... Continue Reading →
As I try to continually improve my Station, I keep coming back to the antennas. I have a couple very nice Radios, but I am still not very competitive in Contests, especially DX contests. I have always used mainly wire antennas and generally if I can hear them, I can work them. Now I know... Continue Reading →
I recently completed testing of the first prototype of the USB interface for DX Doubler using N1MM+ software. This was a rough prototype, so it isn't pretty but it does seem to work fine. It currently handles RX and TX Focus, and STEREO for listening to both radios at once. There is an FTDI chip-based... Continue Reading →
I have the opportunity this year, for the first time, to sponsor an award plaque for the 2015 VA QSO Party. The plaque I will be sponsoring is for the Single Operator Station that works the most VA Counties and Cities. This award is available to any station. I am especially happy to sponsor this... Continue Reading →
I enjoyed working the ARRL Sweepstakes again this year. I operated in both CW and Phone this year. My major effort was in CW, where I managed a personal high score, finally breaking the 100K point barrier. For several years I have been wishing I was involved with a Club that could use my scores... Continue Reading →
Here we go again. Time for ARRL Sweepstakes CW (SSCW) 2014. Same plan as always - main objective is to get a personal high score. Secondary objective is to get that elusive "clean sweep" - all US and Canada Sections in one weekend. I have been within 1 or 2 sections the last several years,... Continue Reading →
I have been operating in the ARRL CW November Sweepstakes for several years. It is the ultimate contest - long exchange, many stations active, and a fast pace. If you like contesting, there are many enjoyable contests, but this one is special in my book. One thing that continues to elude me in ARRL CWSS... Continue Reading →
Well I kept up the time-honored tradition of missing 1 or 2 Sections in the CW SS contest this year. Had about 575 QSOs (a personal best) and all but 2 Sections - MB and NNY. I never had trouble with a New York section before. I guess the monster storm Sandy may have been... Continue Reading →
Well, hurricane Sandy did no damage to my Chesapeake Bayside QTH. I am thankful for that and I wish a quick recovery to those that were ravaged by this nasty storm. The winds did leave one of my antennas needing attention. The winds pulled my anchor for the center of my ZS6BKW antenna out of ... Continue Reading →
I like to try a new antenna every year for one of my favorite contests. A year or two ago I had great hopes for a 20 meter Colinear wire antenna in the ARRL CW Sweepstakes. I ran out of time and threw one together quickly. It did not do much for me, but I... Continue Reading →
