SCOREBOARD: January 2023 ARS Spartan Sprint

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M1iv-8Z7w_QythI7W1a-6mEgL8xMV9MA/edit#gid=1071371917

 

To view the SCOREBOARD, please click on the link above.

SOAPBOX: January 2023 Spartan Sprint

 K3RLL

Was very lucky to work two of the three stations I could hear through the QRN here this evening on 40 meters. Thanks for the ‘good ears’ out there in RadioLand. Maybe condx will be better next month.  72, Don K3RLL

NC4RT

I missed the December Sprint, and hence the time change. And once I got on the air, there was no traffic to be heard on 20m. I made 2 QSOs on 40m but 1 of them didn't send his end of the exchange. Still fun though! Happy New Year. - 72, de NC4RT

WD9ATP

2 contacts from Indiana and 1 from New York. Looking forward to next month. 73, Jeff

NQ2W

Started on 20 with no replies to my CQs. 7 QSOs on 40 and only 1 on 80. Thanks to Andy, W4NLT for the two-bander QSOs. I hope 2023 is being good to you! 72, Will, NQ2W 

WA9CWE

Had another challenging Sprint with poor band conditions in Central Indiana. All contacts made were local sprinters. Look forward to next month. Rig-X5105 @5W, Straight Key, G5RV@20’. 73,  Steve, WA9CWE

WA9TGT

January 2023 was one of the worst Spartan Sprint nights I’ve had in a good while. Just didn’t hear that many Spartan Sprinters, plus yesterday kicked off the (SKCC K3Y) that runs all week. Not to mention a CW net that appeared on 7.039 KHz. I think it was for about the first 30 minutes of the Sprint. Then on top of it all just a lot of noise in the back ground due to a rain storm moving in. I finally gave up after about 90 minutes with only 6 contacts and called it a night. All my contacts were on 40 meters. I did call CQ SP on 14.060 MHz but heard no activity on 20 meters. Donnie / WA9TGT / Muncie, IN.

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a dipole. Loads of QRN from t-storms to the east. I know I missed some callers - apologies. Best signal: WB9HFK. Gave up after about an hour. Hoping for better conditions in February. Happy New Year to all. Had fun (sort of) . . .

  ARS Spartan Sprint Contest Period for 2023

NEW SP CONTEST TIME PERIOD BY TIME ZONE

EASTERN
8:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

CENTRAL
7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MOUNTAIN
6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.

PACIFIC
5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.

UTC STANDARD TIME
0100Z to 0300Z

UTC DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
0000Z to 0200Z

REMINDER: ARS Spartan Sprints are held on the first Monday of each month. Start times are your local time. Use these numbers to determine the start and finish times in your time zone for December 2022.

- Richard Fisher, KI6SN

Co-founder, The Adventure Radio Society
SpartanSprint@yahoo.com

SCOREBOARD: December 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 

SOAPBOX: December 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 K4BAI

I like the new time and lack of a conflict with the generally higher powered MST stations. Got a late start tonight due to a tennis match. Lost it too. No signals on 20. 12 QSOs on 40 including NK6A in CA. 3 QSOs on 80 including NQ2W in NY. Thanks for all QSOs and season's greetings to all.  72, John, K4BAI.

WA9CWE

Another enjoyable evening. Glad to have it moved an hour earlier, although I’m not certain everyone got the word this month. Will be better next month I bet. Rig here is the X5105@5watts and a straight key, G5RV at 20’. All contacts made on 40 as I didn’t hear anything on 20. 73, Steve WA9CWE

WA9TGT

Personally, I liked the 1 hour earlier start time, no conflicts or QRM from the MST CW contesters. Tonight I used a little heavier equipment setup. I used my Penntek TR-35, with a 12v 2600ma Lithium-ion battery. This setup actually doubled my past few Sprints total station equipment in weight but I wanted a change of pace. All my contacts were made on 40 meters. The band was going long within 30 to 45 minutes into the contest but the overall noise level was low here tonight. My contact count was down a little but I still enjoyed the Spartan Sprint as always. Season Greetings to all! Donnie / WA9TGT 

N4HAY

Very tough going. I heard and worked 2 stns on 40m: WA9TGT and WA2TDL. I heard AE4GX on 80m but he did not copy me. Spent 80 percent of the 2 hours calling CQ to no avail. Working conditions as follows:

QTH:  Home shack. Central NC
ANTENNA: Trap inverted Vee for 40m & 80m up 34ft in my small suburban backyard.
RIG: A modified ATS3. (NR4E filter mods) in an altoids tin.
POWER: 2 watts output
BATTERY: 720mAh 7.4V LiPo. Initial oc voltage = 8.22V. End oc voltage = 7.76V.
KEY: Miniature paddles
Earbuds: Koss
DUTY CYCLE: About 80 percent calling cq.

Many thanks to all stations and KI6SN - 72 Dick N4HAY

WB9HFK

Rig: Icom 7300 @ 5W, Antenna: 40M EFHW - 80M 150 Ft. Random Wire Weight: 30 lbs.

K3RLL

Well, despite more than sufficient reminders for anyone else, guess who forgot we started an hour earlier this evening. Duh!  (Tough getting old.) Usually, I’ve had enough of the noise long before the first hour has elapsed so tonight was a novel time travel adventure into the second hour of the SP. And it turned out pretty well starting with K3JZD, my former neighbor from PA. Either there were a couple others out there who also forgot about the schedule change or that second hour has the better signals. I logged FOUR 599 signals tonight and they were all 5w stations! Amazing - and fun. Did they all give me 599? That would be fantasy but they heard me. Another fun factor was that I think I may have earned the WAI (Worked All Indiana) this evening. Five of my eight skilled ops were Hoosiers. Go Indiana !! Thanks for the contacts. Yes, another fun evening in the ARS SP. Thank you. - Don, K3RLL

NQ2W

Started on 20 with no replies to my CQs. All QSOs on 40 and 80. Two-banders with K4PQC, K4BAI, and W9VC. Thanks for the contacts and for the opportunity to participate. Happy Holidays! 72, Will NQ2W

K4PQC

Unfortunately I missed the note concerning the time change. And, I am sure that others did the same. Having a late dinner didn't help either. I was able to turn on my rig at about 0240z and was surprised to hear WB9HFK calling "CQ SP. "Did Mark know something that I didn't? Well, I checked the web site and saw that I should have checked earlier. So, once again, I got a late start. At least my battery lasted for the duration this time. I spent half the time S & P and the rest trying to run. When there wasn't any activity for over 10 minutes while calling CQ I changed to 80 meters at the expense of adding an additional 4.5 grams of weight. It proved fruitful because I made 3 additional contacts, including Will, NQ2W for both 40 and 80 meter contacts. I monitor my output power and as the battery voltage changes I report what I see. So, some of the reports are different and fluctuated between 2 and 3 watts. Thanks to Mark, Jerry, Joe, Will, John and Larry for the contacts and also to a broken call that I just couldn't get because of QRM for ICWC MST players warming up. I am thankful that the time has changed for the Spartan Sprint, hopefully for the duration of daylight savings. Or, we can just play in GMT....  I am sure this will help. 72' de Phil - K4PQC

AE4GX

Three (3) 40 meter QSOs. Weight: 30 lbs., Rig: ICOM 756, Antenna: W3EP 84 ft wire with manual tuner. Started off with The "original AT Sprint " (3 watts) with [8 AA batteries, HB paddle, ear buds total =  0.65 lbs] but didn't hear any replies to by CQ SP thinking my power was too low. Switched to ICOM 756 at 5W and managed to get 3 QSOs on 40 meters during the first hour. I tried 80 and 20 meters but heard zero. On 40 meters there were very few signals heard around the QRP frequency (7.030) so I don't know what the propagation issue was last night. Sam AE4GX, NOGAQRP

K3JZD

All of my QSOs were on 40m, which was pretty long from WPA. Used up my battery calling CQ this time. Purpose built 40m QCX Mini, small 500mAH LiPo battery pack, small 3D printed key, and ear buds. 40m Dipole at 25'. 73 - Jody - K3JZD

W9VC

My rig is a Kenwood TS-590SG set back to 5 watts, Tubbi clasification, estimates 30 lbs.

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a dipole. 9 states this time. Best signals: 40M - N5GW, 80M - KD5KC. One double - with John. Apologies to  Jody for working him twice. My best seasons greetings and a happy new year to all. Had fun. Hang your stockings on the mantle with care, in hopes a Begali soon will be there . . . 

WA4AAK

Jumped in just 10 minutes before the end, and made 2 contacts on 80m running 3W. 72 to all! Evan, WA4AAK

RESULTS: November 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 Please click on the Scoreboard for an enlarged view.

SOAPBOX: November 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 K3RLL

No luck being heard on 20m and not a lot on 40m but still worth every penny I pay for the right to play on the monthly Spartan Sprint. HIHI Big signal into Florida tonight was from 2 watts out of North Carolina. NC4RT must not be using my wet string antenna! 72,  Don

WB9HFK

Icom 7300 @ 5W, 40M - Hustler 6BTV Gnd Mtd with 60 Radials; 80M - End Fed Wire - 150 Ft.; Weight: 30lbs

AE4GX

Started on 40 meters and made my 5 contacts all on 40 meters during the first hour. Another contest took over the QRP 7.030 mHz frequency. All signals were 559 or weaker. I tried 80,20 and 15 but heard no one during the first hour. Used my ICOM 756  this time with EFHW on 20 , W3EDP  84 feet sloping north-south for 80/40 and attic fan dipole for 15 meters. Will try some lighter weight gear next time.

NA4O

I heard stations on 40M only, a noisy band with QSB. I pulled out 3 stations. My station running 2W from a KX2 with internal tuner powered by a 4.5Ah LiFePO4 using a CW Morse Micro Code Key weighed in at 2.375 lbs.

NC4RT

All contacts on 40m. I called a bit on 20m and 15m, but no joy (and my K1 doesn't have 80m). The Medium Speed Test folks were pretty numerous, so I hung it up after 90 minutes. 72 de NC4RT

K4BAI

Only QRV the first hour and took out a few minutes for a net in the middle. No signals and no callers on 20M; 40 and 80 were good, but only QSO on 80 before I went QRT at 0300Z was WB9HFK. So, 11 QSOs on 40 and one on 80. Must have called WA9AGG who was calling CQ SS on 7032 20 or more times. Someone else called him too.  Something wrong with his receiver probably. Too bad, as I was scraping around for any possible QSOs. 73/72, John, K4BAI.

W4NLT

That was tough. 20M was dead and 80m was very noisy so most action on 40M. Got two bands from WB9HFK and K9DRP.  New competition for band space is the MST event. See you QRPers down the line. 72, Andy

K9DRP

Tough night here tonight; very high noise levels on all bands. There were a few stations I just couldn't pull out. A VA3 station did his best to get in my log on both 20 and 40, but to no avail; my apologies. And the MST contest sure crowded the bands during the last hour. I had intended to work only S&P this month, as I was using a teensy little paddle (to keep the weight down) that somebody threw in the box with a radio I purchased. But I heard few stations calling CQ SP, so I went at it. And after using the itty bitty  paddle for the evening, I kind of like it. TNX fer the contacts! Have a great Thanksgiving. 72, Don, K9DRP

WA9TGT

Band conditions seemed really good last night. I first checked 20 meters but heard no stations so I immediately switched to my old favorite 40 meters. To my delight there seemed to be more stations participating in the sprint this month. My Spartan Sprint equipment was my 80~10 Mtr EFHW wire Ant, my Venus SW-3B, 12V 2000ma Lithium Ion battery, Whiterook paddle. My first hour was by far the most productive, however the second hour became a real nightmare! As soon as the new MST CW contest began at 10PM the second hour of the Spartan Sprint was for the most part eliminated! Is it possible going forward we could can change the start time to one hour earlier to avoid this major conflict? Donnie Garrett / WA9TGT

NØEVH

Wow, in mid-west it was quite on the bands.  I started on 20 and RBN heard me all over conus but there was no one on 20.  Mark me confused. After an hour I figured I had the wrong Monday or something! Guess it was mother nature just telling me she always wins! Thanks for the event and hope others had more success. - John NØEVH

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a dipole. 6 states this time. - most of them Illinois. Best signals: 40M - KD5ZCQ, 80M - WB9HFK. Only one double - with Mark. Conditions were not good here in the Texas hill country, but - as always - had fun.

N4HAY

This was my first Spartan Sprint for many years and I really enjoyed it, bringing back old pleasant memories. My result was not too impressive (1 on 40m, 2 on 80m). I did not hear many SP  stations on either 40m or 80m so perhaps I need to think about antenna improvements and improve my weak signal listening skills hi. Both bands were quiet and there were some very big signals, especially on 40m. 40m seemed long and no local stations were copied. Working conditions as follows:  

QTH:  Home shack. Central NC.
ANTENNA: Trap inverted V for 40m and 80m up 34ft in my small suburban backyard.
RIG: A modified ATS3. (NR4E filter mods)
POWER: 2 watts output
BATTERY: 720mAh 7.4V LiPo. Initial oc voltage = 8.22V. End oc voltage = 7.76V.
KEY: Miniature paddles
EARBUDS: Koss
DUTY CYCLE: About 20 percent calling CQ.

Many thanks to all stations and KI6SN for a most enjoyable evening. 

72 Dick N4HAY

K4PQC

Everything was ready for the Spartan Sprint with a smaller battery this time.  And, after working in the yard most of the day decided to take a short nap and fell asleep . . . having a late start didn't help with making Qs.  Insead of starting at 0200z it was 0250z.  I was lucky to find K9DRP almost right away calling CQ SP.  After that I started calling CQ a few kHz above and N4NLT answered then N4NTO and then I started to get pounced on by the ICWC MST crowd. I changed frequencies and was lucky that Donnie WA9TGT was able to get through. One other station called but with all the higher powered MST stations that 2 station was lost in the QRM. So I closed up shop with my SP rig after making only 4 contacts and joined up with the MST. Next month I will certainly get an earlier start. 72 to all and thanks for the QSOs.

VA3SIE

I was running 2W from an Elecraft KX1 into an Alexloop. I could hear stations on 20m but very weak and lots of QSB. My 3 contacts were on 40m, and were hard work, multiple repeats. Temperature got down to 1-degree C. I enjoyed a pumpkin ale. 

AA9RK

I worked 2 stations in the Spartan Sprint on 40 meters: K4BAI and KF9K. Station weight: 1.1 pounds (QCX mini, CW morse travel paddles, Talentcell battery, etc.)