SOAPBOX: February 2021 ARS Spartan Sprint

 K3RLL

Well, things were really looking up on 40 meters this evening with the best RBN spots I've had from my antenna-challenged HOA QTH in a while. Not real sure where all the Sprinters were, however.  Someday got to build something for 80 meters. I'm sure my HOA won't mind a nice 80m dipole stretched across four of my neighbor's homes. Anyhow, I'll bet 80m was where the party was tonight.  Many thanks for the five skilled ops with good ears this evening. 72/73 ... Don FL

K4BAI

Conditions on 40 and 80 seemed OK for higher power stations, but only heard NØTA on 40 and he was not as strong as usual. Went to 80M early and had 15 QSOs there. Think I was called by two stations that I couldn't identify.  Sorry about that.  All activity seemed to die out about 0330Z.  Operating time:  1:20.  73/72, John, K4BAI.

W5QLF

I only heard two stations on 40 meters: K3RLL, Michael in FL AND N3FCS, Ron in PA.  Most of the clan had already moved to 80 meters where I met old friends:  K4BAI, John; NØTA, John; WB9HFK, Mark; N4SO Charles; and

my local friend here in San Antonio W5MUG, Cray. Funny how the cross-town contacts are sometimes the hardest to make. Til March, Joe, W5QLF

NØTA

1Hr. 2 on 40, 10 on 80. 5 in TX. TwoFer with John, K4BAI. Thanks for the Qs.

WA4AAK

Could hardly hear any stations in North Alabama! One contact on 40m, 2 on 80m. Thank you NØTA, K4BAI,and N4SO. 72, Evan - WA4AAK

N4SO

Elecraft K2 and dipole inverted V, 4.4 Watts. Thanks to all 80m contacts. This is the most number of contacts in a long time. K4PQC stands out with 2 watts. Ken N4SO

K5MUG

Fairly rough evening - only heard and worked K3RLL/Don on 40m, spent the rest of the time on 80m.  Lot of repeats both ways, most stations at or just above my noise level.  Best station heard: K5BAI/John worked at 559, moments before he rose to 589/599 for quite a bit before Qsb set in again.  40m contact at 7.042, all 80m contacts around 3.560 +/-.  three stations worked were S&P, and three CQ SP.  Expected better response running but apparently not getting out well enough.  Checked on 40m occasionally, all was quiet on the 40m front.  Challenging but fun.  Stayed to the limit again, it's my job. Take care and stay safe,  72, Cray / K5MUG / San Antonio, TX

K4PQC

Very windy and chilly here in Bishop, GA 35 F but feels like 25. Lots of noise on 40 meters maybe from the wind across the antenna. I heard NØTA calling on 40 but couldn't make contact so I plugged in the 80 meter filter where that band was much better and a little quieter. 72' Phil - K4PQC

W5ESE

Conditions weren't great, but 80m seemed best. Used the Omni VI and a 300' Horizontal Loop.

K3JZD

Didn't hear anyone on 40m. Went to 80m and dealt with the heavy QSB and the QRN from the weather in the North-East until I ran out of battery. KX3 w/500 mAH LiPo Battery Pack running at 5w with KØMBT 3D Printed Mini-Mini Key and Earbuds to a bent 107' EFRW up 20'. 73 - Jody - K3JZD

AB9CA/7

Slow night. Nothing on 20. Only one, Mike in El Paso, on 40. No antenna for 80 so can't go there. Noise level was high, as always at this RV park. Maybe next month? Dave, AB9CA/7

KB1M

Worked only station, heard K3RLL very loud QRN here. I expect that everyone must have been preparing for the next day - Groundhog Day Celebrations! 72/72 Walt

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp.  1 contact on 40 and 5 on 80M. Best signals: 40M - K3RLL, 80M - K4BAI. 5 states this month. Pooped out after an hour. Had fun.