Sunday, September 13, 2020

2020 ARRL September VHF Contest

 I didn't really have time to do much operating this weekend, Saturday was Soccer game and kid stuff. Later in the afternoon I got for a bit and tried to get 222 and 432 running. I somehow ended up blowing my 222 Amp. I had it outputting 300W and the next thing I know, it was down to zero watts. I probably blew the FET, new ones appear to be around $100, if i'm lucky. After further troubleshooting, the SWR on my 222 antenna is up over 5:1, which the FET didn't like. 

Sunday afternoon I managed to cobble 432 back on the air and worked a couple of mostly local stations, with the exception of WB1GQR in FN33, Vermont, but they usually are on a mountaintop. My 432 is only a 6 foot book and it's basically pointing right into trees. Anyhow, 50w and a few contacts. 

I have better 432 and 222 antennas on the ground waiting to go up, I'm waiting for the weather to get a little cooler. With luck, everything will be working for January. 

Band conditions didn't seem very good. I tried with VE1SKY in FN74, he was hearing me, but I didn't hear him at all. Better luck in January.  

Final Score: 2,312

6m:  21q 13g

2m: 27q 13g

222: 1q 1g

432: 9q 7g


Best DX: 

To the North: 2m VE2PN in Quebec, FN46

To the South: 6m K1HTV in VA, FM18


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