SOAPBOX: October 2018 ARS Spartan Sprint

ND4K
I was using a Yaesu FT1000MP at 5 watts to OCF at 70 ft. Nothing heard on 20; 40 started out pretty good, but went away fairly quickly and only worked another GA station on 80. This was my first hunt--though hopefully not my last. I had a good time and will see y'all next month. 72, Dave

K3RLL
Soapbox: Another enjoyable evening with some nice contacts, both new and very familiar calls to start out the new month of October.  Big signal was N0MII here into rural PA. Don’t know where everybody went at about 01:30z or so when it then sounded like just K4BAI and me calling in the darkness. (Smile)

K4BAI
20M sounded dead just before 0100Z. I got no answers to CQs. Finally I did hear NK6A callling CQ SP, but Don couldn't hear me calling. 40M was quite good to most of the US up to NH and out to TX. Closest in station worked was in VA.  80M was much better than in the summer months with QSOs out to MD and TX,  Thanks for all QSOs. QSOs by band:  40: 12.  80: 6.  See you all next month.  73, John, K4BAI

WB9HFK
ICOM 7300 @ 5W, Antenna: Hustler 6BTV Gnd Mtd with 60 Radials, Key: J-38

WA4AAK
Bands were very noisy in North Alabama.  In 1.25 hrs. made 2 contacts on 40m (K3RLL, K4BAI), 2 contacts on 80m (W5ACM, WB9HFK). These guys are all top-notch operators, and very gracious in tough conditions! Tnx & 72 to all! Station: KX3 with internal batteries, balun, low 130' long CF Zepp, 5W.

KD3FG
It was a beautiful evening in MD so I set up the K2 with a wire vertical on the back patio. Operating outside proved to be the best part because the QSO count was very low (3!). Two of them was with K4BAI and the other was with WB9HFK. Hopefully next month will be better.

KB1M
Tough sledding tonight, only heard the 3 stations I worked. I hope others had better luck. 73 Walt

WB5BKL
K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp. Not many stations heard - and only 5 states.  Best signals:  20M - NK6A, 40M - WØITT, 80M - K4BAI (two friendly QRO stations in SC and FL removed from score). Most difficult was Don, K3RLL, just at the local noise level. Tired after the Texas QSO Party, but had fun anyway.

W5ACM
The ATS-3a was remarkably cooperative this month. My CW was pretty good thanks to the keyer contacts. The batteries appear to be running well. I use a pair of 170 mAh LiPo cells. It makes 3W out, so it is good to go! I am hoping for good 20M CNDX next month! VY FB to work K4BAI on 40M AND 80M! 72 de Andy W5ACM, Houston, Texas.