73
Patrick
Sunday, December 25, 2016
The raw scores from CQWWCW 2016 are out.
I'm quite chuffed. Small station, lower power old operator.
73
Patrick
73
Patrick
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
ARRL 10 m CW contest 2016
Well it was little bit letdown. It is hard to get used to declining DX conditions. I definitely did not do as well as I hoped, or as I could. Bother.
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5995.0
Band QSOs Pts S-P Cty Pt/Q
28 131 524 7 10 4.0
Total 131 524 7 10 4.0
Score : 8,908
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5995.0
Band QSOs Pts S-P Cty Pt/Q
28 131 524 7 10 4.0
Total 131 524 7 10 4.0
Score : 8,908
Yesterday - that is on Sunday the band closed incredibly fast. I remember the sunspot minimums where band opens and closes quite fast. However it took about three minutes from "plenty" of signals to nothing. Weird thing to get used to from now on.
I think it is time to concentrate on developing/building 160 m, 80 m and 40 m antennas.
73 and thanks all for your calls and QSOs.
P
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Meeting Rob GM3YTS
After Laurie reported his visit to my shack, Rob GM3YTS who was currently visiting his son in Manly contacted me on email and we decided that I'll take him to the club (MWRS). Unfortunately Rob's time was limited and had to return to Scotland to -5 deg temperatures.
Here is Rob operating the club's FT-1000MP and TH6 antenna.
We have a plan to spend some radio time together on Rob's next visit.
Here is Rob operating the club's FT-1000MP and TH6 antenna.
We have a plan to spend some radio time together on Rob's next visit.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
CQ WW CW contest 2016
And what a great surprise. The conditions were much better than expected. I've entered the "classic" category, but did not have all 24 hours to my disposal due "circumstances".
Band QSOs Pts ZN Cty Pt/Q
3.5 4 10 4 4 2.5
7 62 165 15 24 2.7
14 336 961 24 61 2.9
21 368 1004 19 24 2.7
28 141 386 10 12 2.7 (look at the 141 on 10 m wow)
Total 911 2526 72 125 2.8
Score : 497,622
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + SPE 1k-FE
Antennas : Hexbean + G5RV
Total Time On 18:47 (1127 mins)
The max rates are quite good:
2016-11-26 0517Z - 4.0 per minute (1 minute(s)), 240 per hour by VK2PN
2016-11-26 2022Z - 2.4 per minute (10 minute(s)), 144 per hour by VK2PN
2016-11-27 0455Z - 1.7 per minute (60 minute(s)), 101 per hour by VK2PN
I wish that the 144 per hour could be maintained for the duration of the contest.
Statistics by graph:
Over all I was happy with the result. It was better than last year.
The body and the brain is one year older and one more operation experienced (ear). The brain is getting more and more foggy with age.
Thanks all who called. I did appreciated even friendly VKs saying "hello" despite the fact that there were no points to be gained.
TU es 73
Patrick
Band QSOs Pts ZN Cty Pt/Q
3.5 4 10 4 4 2.5
7 62 165 15 24 2.7
14 336 961 24 61 2.9
21 368 1004 19 24 2.7
28 141 386 10 12 2.7 (look at the 141 on 10 m wow)
Total 911 2526 72 125 2.8
Score : 497,622
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + SPE 1k-FE
Antennas : Hexbean + G5RV
Total Time On 18:47 (1127 mins)
The max rates are quite good:
2016-11-26 0517Z - 4.0 per minute (1 minute(s)), 240 per hour by VK2PN
2016-11-26 2022Z - 2.4 per minute (10 minute(s)), 144 per hour by VK2PN
2016-11-27 0455Z - 1.7 per minute (60 minute(s)), 101 per hour by VK2PN
I wish that the 144 per hour could be maintained for the duration of the contest.
Statistics by graph:
Over all I was happy with the result. It was better than last year.
The body and the brain is one year older and one more operation experienced (ear). The brain is getting more and more foggy with age.
Thanks all who called. I did appreciated even friendly VKs saying "hello" despite the fact that there were no points to be gained.
TU es 73
Patrick
Monday, November 21, 2016
Laurie G3UML visited Manly as VK2UML
It was second Laurie's visit to my QTH. This time he arrived with his new call VK2UML and badly needed to give it some "airing".
Early in the evening the condx were not that good, but after dinner the 20 m band (starting LP and soon switched to SP) turned to be excellent.
Laurie was able to QSO all over EU and mainly was able to catch up with his friends in G land.
Video
I was fascinated with his skills of handling the pileup on SSB. I'm most of the time CW operator.
Early in the evening the condx were not that good, but after dinner the 20 m band (starting LP and soon switched to SP) turned to be excellent.
Laurie was able to QSO all over EU and mainly was able to catch up with his friends in G land.
Video
I was fascinated with his skills of handling the pileup on SSB. I'm most of the time CW operator.
Laurie G3UML visited Manly as VK2UML
It was second Laurie's visit to my QTH. This time he arrived with his new call VK2UML and badly needed to give it some "airing".
Early in the evening the condx were not that good, but after dinner the 20 m band (starting LP and soon switched to SP) turned to be excellent.
Laurie was able to QSO all over EU and mainly was able to catch up with his friends in G land.
Video
I was fascinated with his skills of handling the pileup on SSB. I'm most of the time CW operator.
Early in the evening the condx were not that good, but after dinner the 20 m band (starting LP and soon switched to SP) turned to be excellent.
Laurie was able to QSO all over EU and mainly was able to catch up with his friends in G land.
Video
I was fascinated with his skills of handling the pileup on SSB. I'm most of the time CW operator.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
CQ WW SSB 2016
I'm not a great fan of SSB. However I try to participate if nothing else to give out some numbers to the keen competitors. This most famous contest weekend I had only few hours available between social engagements I could not miss. Saturday we had to go to a party for colleagues I used to work for 28 years (you don't miss opportunity like that) and Sunday my goddaughter had her birthday (and you can't miss opportunity like that).
So I had circa four hours at the radio.
Band QSOs Pts ZN Cty Pt/Q
7 1 3 1 1 3.0
14 10 19 8 8 1.9
21 141 389 13 12 2.8
Total 152 411 22 21 2.7
Score : 17,673
The conditions were less than optimal, after all we are on declining curve of the sunspot cycle. Some stations were very strong at times in my QTH. But most were S3 to S7. Good enough for communication.
So I had circa four hours at the radio.
Band QSOs Pts ZN Cty Pt/Q
7 1 3 1 1 3.0
14 10 19 8 8 1.9
21 141 389 13 12 2.8
Total 152 411 22 21 2.7
Score : 17,673
The conditions were less than optimal, after all we are on declining curve of the sunspot cycle. Some stations were very strong at times in my QTH. But most were S3 to S7. Good enough for communication.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Oceania CW contest 2016
First thank you all for giving me a call. I enjoyed every each of them.
Yes it was fun and yes the Murphy interfered. Woke up on Saturday morning with feeling that I've got a cold coming. Later in the afternoon it was in full swing.
Imagine to operate CW contest and keep sneezing. One might sneeze and the headphones left my head and finished in the corner of the shack. Typing the call sign into the logger and needed to interrupt it to stop your nose running. I wondered what was the other station thinking?
The conditions were pretty pleasant surprise. Not too bad. Even 10 meters opened at my QTH for a short while. Most of the time I was running and say every two hours I've checked the band with S&P. My usual complain was working the EU ZOO and my usual appreciation was working the US and JA stations. Thank you gentlemen and ladies.
This year I did not match the score of last year.
QSO number: 533 and score: 613,816
Oceania CW 2016:
Band QSOs Pts Pfx Pt/Q
3.5 17 170 13 10.0
7 100 500 72 5.0
14 173 173 139 1.0
21 118 236 85 2.0
28 8 24 8 3.0
Total 416 1103 317 2.7
Score : 349,651
Not enough multipliers and not as many stations active.
Yes it was fun and yes the Murphy interfered. Woke up on Saturday morning with feeling that I've got a cold coming. Later in the afternoon it was in full swing.
Imagine to operate CW contest and keep sneezing. One might sneeze and the headphones left my head and finished in the corner of the shack. Typing the call sign into the logger and needed to interrupt it to stop your nose running. I wondered what was the other station thinking?
The conditions were pretty pleasant surprise. Not too bad. Even 10 meters opened at my QTH for a short while. Most of the time I was running and say every two hours I've checked the band with S&P. My usual complain was working the EU ZOO and my usual appreciation was working the US and JA stations. Thank you gentlemen and ladies.
This year I did not match the score of last year.
QSO number: 533 and score: 613,816
Oceania CW 2016:
Band QSOs Pts Pfx Pt/Q
3.5 17 170 13 10.0
7 100 500 72 5.0
14 173 173 139 1.0
21 118 236 85 2.0
28 8 24 8 3.0
Total 416 1103 317 2.7
Score : 349,651
Not enough multipliers and not as many stations active.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Oceania SSB DX contest 2016
2016 Oceania DX Contest, SSB
Callsign: VK2PN
Category-Operator: SINGLE-OP
Category-Transmitter: ONE
Category-Band: 40M
Category-Power: HIGH
Name: Patrick
Postal Address: Novak
11/39-41 Addison Road
Manly, NSW 2095
AUSTRALIA
Reported QSOs: 105
Confirmation #: 1626252.oceania-dx-ssb
Thank you for entering the contest and submitting your log in Cabrillo
format. Please review the information listed above and, if necessary,
resubmit the log to make any corrections.
73,
The first hour on 40 m, I've worked 90 QSOs.... WOOOHOOO said I. Love this
contesting stuff, bring it on, having a great time, can get used to this,etc.
Then the rest 20 hours I worked only little over 20 QSOs.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
What about this? My new Hexbeam SP7IDX is finaly up and works great.
It took long time to get the kit. Waldi in order to save me money had shipped the kit by surface mail. Needless to say it had taken more than half a year since order to have it on my doorstep.
Every thing was also complicated that we travel a lot so we were not at home most of the time.
When I found the time to assemble the antenna, I had to leave it on the roof, because we were leaving Sydney for another trip.
We are now home for more than a week before I had a day to do it. It has to be calm day, no rain otherwise I'd get blown off the roof wet as well. Today was the day.
It is up and working. The photos are not bright. It is very overcast.
Thank you Waldi SP7IDX the quality is very good.
73
Patrick
BTW... let's chase some DX now.
Every thing was also complicated that we travel a lot so we were not at home most of the time.
When I found the time to assemble the antenna, I had to leave it on the roof, because we were leaving Sydney for another trip.
We are now home for more than a week before I had a day to do it. It has to be calm day, no rain otherwise I'd get blown off the roof wet as well. Today was the day.
It is up and working. The photos are not bright. It is very overcast.
Thank you Waldi SP7IDX the quality is very good.
73
Patrick
BTW... let's chase some DX now.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Very brief visit to Barry VK2BJ shack.
Quick phone call from Barry that he is being visited by Allan VK2GR and Dave VK2WQ to have a quick meet after the NSW Wombat stint in RD contest.
Barry's antenna.
Barry, Allan and Dave
The antenna again, but no apologies, it works so well for him.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Remembrance Day Contest 2016
It was a mixture of fun and frustration. I intended to join another group as a CW op only. However Heidi needed me so there was no excuse to be absent for more than 24 hours. I decided to operate part time. Then I got an email from Allan VK2GR that he is setting up a group of three CW operators. Himself then Barry VK2BJ and me VK2PN as NSW Wombats. Well then I had to commit for "more than little" effort.
Trent VK4TS indicated that SD logger by Paul O'Kane EI5DI has the proper scoring and timing for the contest, so I've downloaded it and set it up. I had used it many years ago and liked it's simplicity. To set it up was not difficult, but I've made quite few silly errors while doing so (grrrrrr). However it was ready ready to go few hours before the start of the test.
I think I've made 14 QSOs and then the disaster struck. I've must have pressed a wrong sequence of keys or two/or several at the same time and the program went crazy. Could not get it going properly again.
OK back to the old trusted N1MM logger.
Alan VK4SN had written UDC for the RD test, so I've downloaded it set it all up (in meantime the test outside was going well and my time was being wasted with "fiddling".
Fired it all up and the entry window did not work properly. The boys at VK4TS were using it and it worked well for them. I can only point finger at myself... boooooo.
Finally I decided to do the right thing (should have it done at the beginning) and downloaded the latest version of VKCL, then programmed the messages into my Winkeyer and all worked well then.
The VKCL is simple and above all it works for this contest.
The hart of my little station is the Elecraft KX3. A little box with huge muscle inside.
Supported by the matching PX3 the panadaptor.
As you can see, the band is visible and when you S&P you can with the little knob (right and bottom) bring the cursor on the signal and press. You are on the signal and start calling. No more twirling on the tune knob. Magic.
The muscle was supplied by (again matching) 100 watts amplifier.
Amazing setup and as good or better than radios three times larger/heavier.
This and two fingers did the job.
Antenna was my old and trusty G5RV... worked a treat. It even loaded on 160 m. Allan VK2GR told me that I have almost decent signal on 160. He had a top signal here with his full length 160 m dipole.
I can't give you the claimed score, the log I've sent is painstakingly concocted cabrillo file using text editor from three fragments.
After all it was fun.
73
till next year RD
Trent VK4TS indicated that SD logger by Paul O'Kane EI5DI has the proper scoring and timing for the contest, so I've downloaded it and set it up. I had used it many years ago and liked it's simplicity. To set it up was not difficult, but I've made quite few silly errors while doing so (grrrrrr). However it was ready ready to go few hours before the start of the test.
I think I've made 14 QSOs and then the disaster struck. I've must have pressed a wrong sequence of keys or two/or several at the same time and the program went crazy. Could not get it going properly again.
OK back to the old trusted N1MM logger.
Alan VK4SN had written UDC for the RD test, so I've downloaded it set it all up (in meantime the test outside was going well and my time was being wasted with "fiddling".
Fired it all up and the entry window did not work properly. The boys at VK4TS were using it and it worked well for them. I can only point finger at myself... boooooo.
Finally I decided to do the right thing (should have it done at the beginning) and downloaded the latest version of VKCL, then programmed the messages into my Winkeyer and all worked well then.
The VKCL is simple and above all it works for this contest.
The hart of my little station is the Elecraft KX3. A little box with huge muscle inside.
Supported by the matching PX3 the panadaptor.
As you can see, the band is visible and when you S&P you can with the little knob (right and bottom) bring the cursor on the signal and press. You are on the signal and start calling. No more twirling on the tune knob. Magic.
The muscle was supplied by (again matching) 100 watts amplifier.
Amazing setup and as good or better than radios three times larger/heavier.
This and two fingers did the job.
Antenna was my old and trusty G5RV... worked a treat. It even loaded on 160 m. Allan VK2GR told me that I have almost decent signal on 160. He had a top signal here with his full length 160 m dipole.
I can't give you the claimed score, the log I've sent is painstakingly concocted cabrillo file using text editor from three fragments.
After all it was fun.
73
till next year RD
Monday, July 11, 2016
IARU contest 2016.
Steve VK2JA and I teamed up for the contest this time in my shack.
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5774.0
Band Mode QSOs Pts ITU HQ
3.5 CW 2 2 1 0
7 CW 106 454 20 9
7 LSB 4 16 0 0
14 CW 134 598 19 14
14 USB 7 27 1 1
21 CW 11 55 4 0
21 USB 1 5 1 0
Total Both 265 1157 46 24
Score : 80,990
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + Spe 1k
Antennas : Hex + G5RV
Soapbox : Conditions were not too bad. Plenty of stations to work. Murphy appeared in mid morning on Sunday and destroyed the Hex.
No wind, no sulfur crest cockatoos - I'm absolutely flabbergasted how it may have happen. During the contest later in the morning Barry VK2BJ sent me SMS: What is wrong with your radio? Your signal looks wide and noisy on my (Barry's) panadaptor.
I looked out of the window and the poor antenna was a wreck
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5774.0
Band Mode QSOs Pts ITU HQ
3.5 CW 2 2 1 0
7 CW 106 454 20 9
7 LSB 4 16 0 0
14 CW 134 598 19 14
14 USB 7 27 1 1
21 CW 11 55 4 0
21 USB 1 5 1 0
Total Both 265 1157 46 24
Score : 80,990
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + Spe 1k
Antennas : Hex + G5RV
Soapbox : Conditions were not too bad. Plenty of stations to work. Murphy appeared in mid morning on Sunday and destroyed the Hex.
No wind, no sulfur crest cockatoos - I'm absolutely flabbergasted how it may have happen. During the contest later in the morning Barry VK2BJ sent me SMS: What is wrong with your radio? Your signal looks wide and noisy on my (Barry's) panadaptor.
I looked out of the window and the poor antenna was a wreck
IARU contest 2016.
Steve VK2JA and I teamed up for the contest this time in my shack.
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5774.0
Band Mode QSOs Pts ITU HQ
3.5 CW 2 2 1 0
7 CW 106 454 20 9
7 LSB 4 16 0 0
14 CW 134 598 19 14
14 USB 7 27 1 1
21 CW 11 55 4 0
21 USB 1 5 1 0
Total Both 265 1157 46 24
Score : 80,990
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + Spe 1k
Antennas : Hex + G5RV
Soapbox : Conditions were not too bad. Plenty of stations to work. Murphy appeared in mid morning on Sunday and destroyed the Hex.
No wind, no sulfur crest cockatoos - I'm absolutely flabbergasted how it may have happen. During the contest later in the morning Barry VKK2BJ sent me SMS: What is wrong with your radio? Your signal looks wide and noisy on my (Barry's) panadaptor.
I looked out of the window and the poor antenna was a wreck
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5774.0
Band Mode QSOs Pts ITU HQ
3.5 CW 2 2 1 0
7 CW 106 454 20 9
7 LSB 4 16 0 0
14 CW 134 598 19 14
14 USB 7 27 1 1
21 CW 11 55 4 0
21 USB 1 5 1 0
Total Both 265 1157 46 24
Score : 80,990
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + Spe 1k
Antennas : Hex + G5RV
Soapbox : Conditions were not too bad. Plenty of stations to work. Murphy appeared in mid morning on Sunday and destroyed the Hex.
No wind, no sulfur crest cockatoos - I'm absolutely flabbergasted how it may have happen. During the contest later in the morning Barry VKK2BJ sent me SMS: What is wrong with your radio? Your signal looks wide and noisy on my (Barry's) panadaptor.
I looked out of the window and the poor antenna was a wreck
IARU contest 2016.
Steve VK2JA and I teamed up for the contest this time in my shack.
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5774.0
Band Mode QSOs Pts ITU HQ
3.5 CW 2 2 1 0
7 CW 106 454 20 9
7 LSB 4 16 0 0
14 CW 134 598 19 14
14 USB 7 27 1 1
21 CW 11 55 4 0
21 USB 1 5 1 0
Total Both 265 1157 46 24
Score : 80,990
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + Spe 1k
Antennas : Hex + G5RV
Soapbox : Conditions were not too bad. Plenty of stations to work. Murphy appeared in mid morning on Sunday and destroyed the Hex.
No wind, no sulfur crest cockatoos - I'm absolutely flabbergasted how it may have happen. During the contest later in the morning Barry VKK2BJ sent me SMS: What is wrong with your radio? Your signal looks wide and noisy on my (Barry's) panadaptor.
I looked out of the window and the poor antenna was a wreck
ARRL Section : DX
Club/Team : VK Contest Club
Software : N1MM Logger+ 1.0.5774.0
Band Mode QSOs Pts ITU HQ
3.5 CW 2 2 1 0
7 CW 106 454 20 9
7 LSB 4 16 0 0
14 CW 134 598 19 14
14 USB 7 27 1 1
21 CW 11 55 4 0
21 USB 1 5 1 0
Total Both 265 1157 46 24
Score : 80,990
Rig : Elecraft K3 + P3 + Spe 1k
Antennas : Hex + G5RV
Soapbox : Conditions were not too bad. Plenty of stations to work. Murphy appeared in mid morning on Sunday and destroyed the Hex.
No wind, no sulfur crest cockatoos - I'm absolutely flabbergasted how it may have happen. During the contest later in the morning Barry VKK2BJ sent me SMS: What is wrong with your radio? Your signal looks wide and noisy on my (Barry's) panadaptor.
I looked out of the window and the poor antenna was a wreck
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Oh gosh, I've forgotten to mention John Moyle memorial field day.
Portable QRP at North Avoca:
Logging all manual (paper and pen), sending without a computer help.
Logging all manual (paper and pen), sending without a computer help.
Yet another visit to Barry's VK2BJ QTH.
While we were away, I got SMS from Barry that we have to have a cup of coffee and chat. We arranged the time and on the way I've picked up the coffees and little cake and turned up to a surprise.
As you can see, very impressive lineup.
We made a few QSOs on SSB and CW. In my very humble opinion the 7851 must be the best radio one can buy.
The audio and the tone of the CW are very clean and a pleasure to listen to.
Enjoy it Barry and thanks for your hospitality.
As you can see, very impressive lineup.
We made a few QSOs on SSB and CW. In my very humble opinion the 7851 must be the best radio one can buy.
The audio and the tone of the CW are very clean and a pleasure to listen to.
Enjoy it Barry and thanks for your hospitality.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Finaly managed to work EP2A
After many tries I got them on RTTY today on 20 m.
Must be their last day/hour.
73
Patrick
Must be their last day/hour.
73
Patrick
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The Commonwealth contest (BERU) are out.
Team 1 Australia second, team 2 Australia got fourth. Congratulations to all contesters.
Can't stop thinking: Who is going to travel to Canada to break few fingers for the next year test?
Can't stop thinking: Who is going to travel to Canada to break few fingers for the next year test?
Saturday, April 2, 2016
I have earned my glass of red wine now.
It is Saturday evening and I think I've earned my customary glass of nice red. Worked hard for it.
The signals here in Sydney are the strongest I've heard so far. He is doing 589 most of the time. Great op, great ears.
73
P
The signals here in Sydney are the strongest I've heard so far. He is doing 589 most of the time. Great op, great ears.
73
P
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The results of the Commonwealth contest were published.
As I member of the team Australia 2, I was quite pleased with the result.
-
Hexbeam by SP7IDX The box as packed by Waldi. The first "skin" is off. First look. Well packed. ... -
I had some spare time to finish assembly of my new toy (mind you - the last two weeks I had at least two new toys). Christian DL1ELU sold ... -
As I member of the team Australia 2, I was quite pleased with the result.