This weekend saw a casual entry into the CQ WW SSB contest, taking part with George M1GEO, Dave M0YOL, Dave G7UVW and Chris G8OCV.
I used my TS990, 4e homebrew beam on 21 MHz and HAL 1200 solid state amplifier delivering 400w. 28 MHz was a vertical @ 12m and 1.9, 3.5 and 7 MHz was a doublet antenna at 25m. We set up on Friday afternoon, meaning we was ready to play radio for the 1AM start on Saturday morning. The evening provided good conditions on 7 and 3.5 MHz, and through the day 21 and 28 MHz remained open. Power was provided by 2x 2KW EU20 a silent run generators.
Room with a view
3.5MHz looking busy
Thankfully Dave M0YOL allowed us to use his caravan awning, this provided welcome relief from the rain on Saturday. We complete some operating on Saturday and Sunday, closing the station just after 3PM. This allowed us to pack down and head home before it got dark.
Over the weekend I managed to work 551 QSO in 79 countries.
QSO per Band – (DXCC) 
- 1.9 MHz – 5 (4)
- 3.5 MHz – 46 (17)
- 7 MHz – 134 (39)
- 21 MHz – 279 (57)
- 28 MHz – 87 (28)
The 4e beam on 21 MHz worked really well, i’ve used this for a few contests now and always been very pleased with its performance. A blog on its construction can be found here.
All together a very enjoyable weekend, with good band conditions.
QSO maps showing EU, Asia and JA
Thanks to everyone we worked 73 Dave M0TAZ
