Call: ZL6QH
Operator(s): ZL2BSJ
Class: Single Op HP
Operating Time (hrs): 33

Summary:
Band QSOs QTCs Mults
-------------------------
80: 50 48 60
40: 368 309 117
20: 264 247 74
15: 21 7 10
10: 0 0 0
-------------------------
Total: 703 611 271 Total Score = 354,739

When 40 m is the best band for Eu...then you're in a solar minimum! Poor condx on 20 m and above in the first part of the contest: no 20m Eu long path, and weak, fluttery signals on the short path, even from Southern Eu.

To compensate, there was a great 1.5 hour 80 m short path with strong signals from Eastern Eu and a lucky, shared grey-line to DL/F/EA. Unfortunately, the 80 m antenna of choice was out of action, which hurt my signals in Eu.

The second half of the contest saw slightly better signals on 20, and even a weak 15 m Eu short path fading in and out, but 10 m remained firmly closed. 10 m to EA/CT/I may have been possible in the ZL Monday morning over the USA as condx picked up, but the 10 m yagi was on strike! In any case, I had to go QRT on Sunday night (loc) for work on Monday.

Highlights of the contest were working fellow ZL6QH op Franz, DA0I/DK1II, and to have Chris ZL1CT turn up with enough food to feed an army. The QTC concept helps to keep the contest interesting at the end, when the bands have been worked dry. Congrats to Eu CW ops who copied QTCs at 34 WPM with few repeats....good skills.

Wilbert, ZL2BSJ

Posted by ZL1AZE on September 01, 2005