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.)

RESULTS: October '22 ARS Spartan Sprint

 For an enlarged view, please click on the Scoreboard.

SOAPBOX: October '22 ARS Spartan Sprint

 K3RLL

QRZ Propagation looked pretty dire for this evening and 20m was weak but skip was VERY long. Had trouble being heard stateside but strong into Europe and Africa. Where's the DX when you're looking for some? 40m was a lot hotter with good, strong signals despite the propagation forecast.  Like taking the Harley out on a cloudy; sometimes it pays to ignore the signs. Thanks to NØTA for 2fer and K4PQC's 2 watts was booming into PA tonight. What fun! 72/73, Don K3RLL

AA9RK

Station Weight: 30 pounds (IC-7300, Samlex power supply, MFJ 993B tuner, Ten Tec electronic keyer and iambic paddles, and a partridge in a pear tree, feeding the 40 meter doublet in my yard) I thought about going out with the QRP gear tonight, but now it's dark before 7 P.M. here, and after I got the kids to bed, I would have had to go out to a park, put a wire antenna in a tree in the dark, and operate by lantern light, and I opted for my shack instead. These were the best 40 meter conditions for a Spartan Sprint I can ever recall. Stations were loud and clear, and there was a lot of activity. I made contacts as slow as 12 WPM and as fast as 20 WPM. 80 meters and 20 meters weren't exciting. Thanks for the QSOs, all. 73, Michael AA9RK

NQ2W

Same score as last month. This month, however, I worked a couple QRO stations that aren't counted in the 13. Only QSOs on 20 and 40. One 2-bander with NØEHV. Nothing heard on 80. I put up a new tribander last week - a Mosley TA-33-JR-N at a whopping 32 feet! Seems to do better than the mini-beam, like it should. Thanks for the contacts and for the opportunity to participate. 72, Will, NQ2W

NØEVH

Twenty worked OK and 40 the best. My antenna poor on 80 so never heard anyone.  It was fun to play in the skinny division again. Been away for few years. Thanks for the event. Will improve station here and give it another go. - John NØEVH

WB9HFK

Rig: Icom 7300 @ 5W, Antenna: Hustler 6BTV Gnd Mtd with 60 Radials, Weight: 30 Lbs. Another fun QRP evening! 73, Mark WB9HFK

K4BAI

20, 40, and 80 in good shape. 4 QSOs on 20, 15 on 40, and 2 on 80. Lot more would have been possible on 80 if others had been QRV. Thanks for all QSOs. 73/72, John, K4BAI  (Time on air:  1:25).

NC4RT

All contacts on 40m. I don't have 80m on the K-1, and no luck on 20m. 72 de NC4RT

NØTA

Started with K4BAI and ended with K4BAI! Nice activity on 20m. Thanks for the Qs!

W4NLT

Most action on 40M. Things petered out on 20M and 80M was empty. Was a busy week with SKCC Sprint, SKCC QSO Party and the Peanut Power Sprint which I operated QRP in all events. Still surprised what 5 W will do, There were several under 5W operators in the SP that seemed to do OK. Hope to get a few days quiet to give the one good ear a rest, but I hear some oinking in the background. 72 and thanks for the QSOs.

N7RCS

Operated on 40m only as there was no 20m activity heard from my SFL QTH. 40M was quite noisy but had activity. I had brief Qs with K4BAI and K4PQC. Also made contact with Nelson, CM6SQ in Cuba, although QSB was quite severe. Rig was QCX-mini to an 80-10m EFHW up about 35 feet in a sloping horizontal L configuration. Key was a CW Morse. Battery was Bioenno 12V 3Ah. Went QRT after ab0ut 90 minutes.

K3JZD

All of my QSOs were on 40m. It seemed like 40m was doing pretty good considering that the event took place during the peak of a G2 Magnetic Storm.   Purpose built 40m QCX Mini, small 500mAH LiPo battery pack, small 3D printed key, and ear buds. 40m Dipole at 25'. 73 - Jody - K3JZD

K4PQC

Certainly more activity this month I'm sure as a result of more advertising.  A continuation of last month's quest for lighter weight and a little more power.  On the day of the sprint I received a package from Amazon that I had ordered a few days before.  In the September's SP I used a 9v ANVOW battery that is actually a 3.7 V Li-ion battery with a battery boost module. I was able to operate almost 1 1/2 hours at one watt and was looking to see if I could modify the module to put out a little more voltage at the expense of time.  Then I found a USB charging module on Amazon that is exactly what I was looking for....  a boost that is adjustable from 5 to 12 V.  The only problem is that the only single cell battery that I have is quite large and I didn't want to dismantle the ANVOW battery supply.  That supply didn't last 2 hours and if I used that battery at a higher drain it might not last one hour.   I needed a battery that would supply a little more voltage as well as last for up to 2 hours. This  module is said to provide up to 2 amps which is far more than I need to power the Steve Weber - KD1JV  AT Sprint III.  So, for this month, my station weighs in at a ridiculously high weight of 78 1/2 grams with a power supply weighing almost 34 g.  Does the battery boost make noise?  Well, I didn't hear any.  It is amazing that an increase in power makes this much difference.  Just 1 1/2 volt increase almost doubles the power output to slightly more than 2 watts which makes a big difference in the number of Qs.  Next month the station weight should be a little lighter at the same power level.  For October I used three band filter modules (20, 40 & 80 although I didn't make any contacts on 20 I included its weight)  plus a much heavier power supply. 72/73 & thanks for the Qs & I will look for you next month. Phil K4PQC

WA9CWE

Another good time at the Sprint. Didn’t hear folks that I had worked in the past, but did make a few new friends, all on 40 meters and a total of 7 States  Looking forward to next month with the hope of making some contacts on 20.  Station is a Xiegu X5105 with straight key and G5RV at 20 feet.  73, Steve, WA9CWE

KK4ITX

Kinda quiet here this time around and only had a short time to operate too. John, KK4ITX

REPORTS: 2022 ARS Flight of the Bumblebees

2022 FOBB Scoreboard https://tinyurl.com/47ky5432

2022 FOBB Soapbox https://tinyurl.com/5n7jyvre

2022 FOBB Pictures https://tinyurl.com/3mexdhac

2022 FOBB Roster http://tinyurl.com/2p9xy9em

SCOREBOARD: September 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 

Please click on the Scoreboard for an enlarged view.

SOAPBOX: September 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

K3RLL

Considering the dismal propagation forecast on QRZ, just stuck with 40m this evening. Signals were good but just not many heard (and fewer heard me).  Something on TV tonight?  Big signal heard tonight was from K4PQC.

Thanks for the fun and nice SP contacts.  72/73 … Don

NC4RT

Nothing heard on 20m.  I CQ'd on 20 several times, but no joy.  40m seemed to be doing OK though.  My K-1 had not been on the air in a few years; it felt good to stretch its legs.

WVØH

The solar indices were SSN:62, SF:130, A:32, K:4 and had some pretty deep QSB due to the solar storms and some great Aurora photos on the internet coming out of the north country. Didn’t help HF propagation though. Outside of SP, I could only muster 1 QSO on 30m this weekend with W9EBE.ARS: Thanks for putting up with us and poor conditions each and every month!

NA5N

We need some rain in NM, but only got a dry thunderstorm for some close QRN during the Sprint. Sigs varied from 229 to 589. Got one station to go from 100W to 5W. Always neat when they do that. Fun as always working old friends and a couple new ones. 72, Paul NA5N

K4BAI

40 and 80M in excellent condition. Good activity, probably aided by simultaneous running of the MiQRP Club Labor Day Sprint. No signals on 20M. Thanks for all QSOs.  73/72, John, K4BAI

NQ2W

Nothing on 20m at the start. QSY'd to 40 where the signals for the most part were way down just above the noise. 80m wasn't too bad and allowed for 3 of the 13 QSOs. Thanks for the contacts and thanks to KI6SN, for bringing us together. 72, Will, NQ2W

WB9HFK

Rig: Icom 7300 @ 5W. Antenna: Hustler 6BTV Gnd Mtd with 60 Radials. Weight: 30 Lbs.

K4PQC

An interesting experiment to find the lightest possible rig. Especially after last month's journey to Asheville, NC.  I was trying to operate from a vacation home in the mountains. In the early evening I ran an End Fed Halfwave antenna out of a second story window and heard a few stations calling CQ SP but I could never make contact nor even when I called CQ SP. In the morning I found my antenna had pulled loose from a tree and was laying on the ground and when I looked around I saw that I was in a deep valley. I made Zero contacts for August. So, this month I was on another adventure. Looking for a lighter source of power.  I think I am on the right track. In the May issue of QST there is an article on Pg. 36, about power measurements. Although the article doesn't describe Lithium chemistry, I am using this technology to make my own tests.  I found a 9 volt rechargeable battery that is sold by Amazon called a ANVOW 9V 1000 mAh (3.7V Lithuim (Sic) Cell. Hmm, I noticed that not only is the spelling wrong but there isn't an 's' in cell. How could this be?  The batteries cost about $5.75 each for these magical batteries. When I ran a test I found that, just like almost all previous measurements, this battery doesn't live up to the manufacturer's specification. It says it is "true" 9 volts and it is. I measured just under 500 mAh which is much better than most. (Most of the batteries that I have measured are much less than half of what is advertised.) The curious thing is that there is no power curve in the discharge! What? I am using Steve Weber's AT Sprint III that he says will work down to 7 volts.  Although this battery started out weighting a little more than the "250" mAh LiPo battery I was using, when I shed the case and connectors off of the ANVOW battery it is lighter by 1.5 grams and has a little more measured capacity than most. In September's Sprint, I ran the contest on one band and divided my time with more 'run' than 'S&P' so that I would use more mAhs. The battery died at 0140z. Although, the power is now down to 1 watt and I made fewer contacts but I am satisfied that I am getting closer to Zero gravity (HI). The temperature is 78 degrees F, light mist after raining all day and there are some nearby storms causing lots of static crashes. The Rig is a modified Steve Weber - KD1JV  AT Sprint III,  lightened earphone, homemade paddles and a ANVOW one cell Li-Ion battery with a power boost and charging module. The antenna is a 160 meter horizontal loop @ 35 feet. 72/73 to all and thanks for the QSOs, see you next month. I hope this gives you some insight as to what I am doing and will encourage more experimentation. - Phil, K4PQC

NK6A

Conditions! 20M was quite dead for me on the left coast. One station is all I heard. Thanks Dave, AB9CA. Decided to try 40 early. Still light here at 6:30 p.m. but gave a listen and found only two other stations. The heat and the poor conditions had me call it quits after an hour. = Don, NK6A

N7RCS

This was my first Spartan Sprint. Really enjoyed it! Stuck with 40m as no activity on 20m and too late for 15 and 10m, too early for 80m here on the east coast. Rig was MTR5B at 4w to an 80-10 EFHW up about 35 ft. Key was a Palm Pico. Battery was a 6-year-old Bioenno 12v/3AH. I operated from the pool deck in my backyard on the Atlantic coast of Florida with no lights, just the dim glow from the tiny MTR5B display and my iPhone mini used for logging (HAMRS logging app worked great). Furthest contact was NA5N in New Mexico who was running 5w. Ran S&P for hour 1, then switched to calling CQ during hour 2. - Jim, N7RCS

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a dipole. 9 states this time. Tried 20M with zip results. Best signals:  40M - N7RSC, 80M - K4BAI. Only one double - with John.  Two QRO QSOs removed from score. Pooped out after a little over an hour, but - as always - had fun. - Nick, WB5BKL

W4NLT

Worked the Michigan QRP event before the Spartan Sprint and worked several of the faithful QRPers in both events. Most QSOs on 40M and one on 80M. Best distance was Paul, NA5N. Thanks for the QSOs. 72/73 Andy

WA9TGT

Once again I stayed on 40 meters the entire night. The band seemed to be in decent shape but was long by contest time. My contacts started off slow and stayed that way all 2 hours. Seemed like there were fewer participating this month. Station setup was the same as my prior Spartan Sprint contests: Light-weight transceiver,  Antenna 80~10 meter EFHW, 12v 2000mAh Li-ion, Apple Earbuds. - Donnie, WA9TGT

K3JZD

All of my QSOs were on 40m. Band was pretty long with QSB, limiting my QSO count. Purpose built 40m QCX Mini, small 500mAH LiPo battery pack, small 3D printed key, and ear buds. 40m Dipole at 25'. 73, Jody - K3JZD

WA9WCE

Had another enjoyable Sprint experience. Band conditions were poor and quite different than in the past with 40 meters long path to the west and nothing heard east/northeast. Worked a couple of new stations, but didn’t hear folks that I have in the past. Look forward to contacting you all next month. 73, Steve, WA9CWE

AA9RK

Contacts: 5. Conditions were pretty good on 40 meters for the Spartan Sprint this month.  I went to the neighborhood park again and put my Spark Plug EFHW about 35 feet up into a tree, running to my QCX mini.  Max, KD9NZB couldn't join me this month - it was a school night - but I went from about 8 until 8:45 local time, and made 5 contacts. - Mike, AA9RK

SCOREBOARD: August 2022 Spartan Sprint

SOAPBOX: August 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

K3RLL
Didn't expect much activity after such a nice FOBB yesterday so started out on 40m and waited until the crowd moved down from 20m. Yes, a smarter op would have started on 20m but ..., well you know.  Anyhow, 40m turned out well and picked up far more quickly than expected. Was running one a minute until the QRM got to me. But it was a great night with RBN and Signal Reports that gladden the heart. Now, if I only had a tower. 72/73 and thanks for the fun. - Don, K3RLL

WAØYDO
Just stopped working on rewiring the antenna grounding system and heard a CQ SP. Looked up the meaning and decided to try 5 watt operation. Made one contact using an R7 vertical and one using a dipole at 35 feet both on 40m. OPs were patient and I was able to make a couple contacts. I may try again next month. - Dave, WA0YDO

WB9HFK
Icom 7300 @ 5W. Hustler 6BTV Gnd Mtd with 60 Radials. Weight: 30 lbs.

K4BAI
Thunderstorm took out our power and was almost an hour late getting started.  No activity on 20 by that time. 40 was quite good with the best QSO distance to Don, NK6A in CA. 80M was pretty noisy, but worked WA8ZBT there for our second band. QSOs by band:  40M: 14, 80M: 1. 73 /72, John, K4BAI.

NØAR
I started out on 20 meters which was open to TX and IL of all places. Best signal came from El Paso KD5KC on 20 meters! 40 meters proved to be the workhorse band tonight. Ran the KX3, vertical on 20 and dipole on 40. Lots of good signals to go along with the TS QRN. 72s, Scott N0AR nr. St.Paul

KD5KC
WOW.  Two contests in two days?  First the FOBB, and now the Spartan Sprint. I said when I retired I’d try to work this more. The little Icom IC-705 with the smallest battery and a µ-key just makes 2.5 pounds. The key is pretty small, and my sometimes erratic sending shows it. Just before the start I checked the FT8 freqs on 10m and 15m.  10m was dead, 15m was weak.  So at 0100 UTC I started on 20m and had 7 in 25 minutes.  I called CQ on 20m for the rest of the hour with no further takers. At 0200 UTC I went to 40m where I got 4 more in 30 minutes.  At 0230 I went to 80m and only got one taker. So at 0250 I went back to 40m hoping the gray-line had moved a little. And I got one more. Static crashes were the most disturbing on 40m and 80m. There were a couple that I just could not pull out. Sorry. 20m = 7.  40m = 5.  80m = 1.  Total = 13.  States = CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, MN, NC, TX,VA, WI. I should plan a 4X4 expedition for the sprint one month. I’ll bet if I can get the JEEP and Trailer about 10 miles from the nearest pavement I can do a lot better. My portable 44-ft vertical works really well when camping. - Mike, KD5KC

N8HWV
Late start but one QSO in ten minutes. Thanks! Mtr4B with 9v battery and headphones. EFHW up 15 ft. - Nathan, N8HWV

K9DRP
Made all my contacts on 40. Didn't find anyone on 20 and the dual band HB-1A doesn't work 80. I also didn't realize it only puts out 3 watts, but it didn't seem to make much difference. I did dig out the SCAF-1 filter as the QRN went from bad to awful. My first time to work W3KC in the Sprint, and WA8ZBT for the first time in a long time. TNX all fer the contacts. -
72, Don, K9DRP

W3KC
Good to participate again. All contacts on 40m except for a couple on 80m. Lots of storm-induced QRN and had to quit when strikes were threatening. -
72, Chas, W3KC

W5ESE
Used my KD1JV AT Sprint 3, Whiterook MK-44 iambic paddles, wall-wart, and walk-man type earphones. Pretty good conditions on 40m. 80m noise was deafening. - 73, Scott, W5ESE

KIØG
Long time, forgot what fun. 1W with KX, EFHW, AA batteries. - 72, Bob, KI0G

W4NLT
40M was the work horse tonight. Couple of early QSOs on 20M and one later on 80M. Thanks for the QSOs.- 72, Andy, W4NLT

WB5BKL
K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a dipole.  Only 6 states
this time.  Best signals:  20M - N0AR, 40M - K4BAI.  Doubles with
WB9HFK, N0AR, NK6A.  Might have heard Don - K3RLL - very, very faintly.
Tried 15M - nil.  80M was hopeless.  Fun to work K9DRP @ 3W and W5ESE @
2W.  Finally got my edZepp repaired! Woo-hoo! Thanks to all.  Had fun. - Nick, WB5BKL

AB9CA
Activity seemed to be a bit higher. Found only two stations on 20, but 20 stations on 40. Other obligations limited me to an hour, but it was a fairly busy hour. Only 2-bander was W5ESE. Thanks to everyone for the Qs! See you next month. - 73, Dave, AB9CA

WA9CWE
Had another good evening. At my location in central Indiana the band
conditions were poor with an S9 noise level on 40.  In any case I was able
to make 7 contacts in 7 States.  80 and 20 were dead, so I stuck it out on
40 and I appreciate some of you slowing down to exchange info with me.  The other observation was that I worked a number of stations that I had not worked in my 3 prior events. As always, I look forward to next month. BTW, the rig is a Xiegu X5105, straight key and G5RV at 20 feet. It actually has a really good receiver and gives a full 5 watts out. The internal battery lasts the 2 hours of my operation, loosing only about 10 percent of capacity. - 73, Steve, WA9CWE

K4GUJ
My third Spartan Sprint. Moved from all tube rig at 28 lbs. to solid state MFJ Cub transceiver plus peripherals at 7.7 lb. Think I can reduce weight with a battery, no matching network and lighter earphone next month. The MFJ Cub VFO feature was useful even though 2.5 watts versus the 5 watt crystal tube transmitter used last month yielded fewer contacts. I heard a number of stations calling CQ SP on 40M - encouraging to hear - but most couldn't hear me. Fun 2 hours. See you next month. - Dick Barnett, K4GUJ, Spotsylvania, Va.

AA9RK
This was the first time we were able to do backcountry operation for the Spartan Sprint - or at least, operate from a picnic table at our neighborhood park. Unfortunately, it gets dark early in the contest, so we operated for about 35 minutes until we couldn't see anymore. We used the QCX mini (40 meters) and a Spark Plug EFHW and had really positive results. I was surprised at the strong signals and easy copy. - Mike, AA9RK

KD9NZB
For the first Spartan Sprint this summer, we got to operate portable, and it was a great experience. Thanks for slowing down for me, as I am only 11 and still working on my CW. Also, thanks to my dad, AA9RK, for helping me copy. - Max, KD9NZB

Eleven-year-old Max Falk, KD9NZB, operated the August Spartan Sprint in a local park.

SCOREBOARD: July 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 

For an enlarged view, please click on the Scoreboard.

SOAPBOX: July 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 K3RLL

signals seemed good on both 20m and 40m this evening but something really good must have come on TV about 01:30z as the party moved somewhere and I didn't get my invitation.  ;-)   Big signals tonight into rural PA were AK3X and K3JZD but NK6A was stronger than I've ever heard him. While it seems like things dried up a little early tonight, it was fun!  Happy to be operating from PA again with a modest but actual, real, outdoor antenna up in the clear!  No HOA here!  72 .. Don

W07T

There were spartan pickings in my very first Spartan Sprint. Was giving it my all with SW40+ rig running 2W from LifePO4 battery amplified audio through my Oontz powered speaker. Antenna was dipole up about 45'. I searched but did not find a logging program dedicated to the SP. Is there one?  Like a logging program was even needed for 3 contacts. 72 all!

K9DRP

I was surprised to hear so many sigs on the band during the fireworks!  I worked several "new" calls; glad to see folks joining us. All my contacts were on 40 using my Argo V. There was one station, who really tried, I just couldn't pull out. If K2C had been spotted, on one of his rather infrequent appearances, I would have gone off chasing him. But no worries there. Hope everyone had a great 4th. 72, Don, K9DRP 

WB9HFK

Icom 7300 to a Hustler 6BTV ground mounted with 60 radials. Thanks for administering ARS events. 72, Mark, WB9HFK

KD5KC

I was in Germany and missed June, so I was determined to run the sprint for July. In a word, it was terrible Monday night. I took my IC-705 up on the overlook in Franklin Mountain State Park. I started calling on 15m.  There were no RBN hits on 15m, but a local guy worked me. On 20m I got several stations, TX-PR-ID-NY-MO-GA. RBN hits showed coast to coast and Hawaii, but the noise was S-7+ and static crashes! There were others calling that I could just not pull out. SORRY. Only contact on 40m and 80m was the local guy. RBN said 40m was getting out. Something was up on 80m cause the 75-ft long-wire would not stay tuned. There were storms in the area. All was well as I set up. But the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico got an outflow from the south and set that wind going vertical on the southern slopes. That up-draft quickly turned into a near-by T-storm. I was watching it closely, but as it hit the southern tip of the Franklins in downtown El Paso the mountains deflected it to the east side. I was safe about 10 miles north on the western slope. I never felt a drop. The winds did pick up and cool me off some, that was nice. A lightning strike hit putting a portion of the city in the dark, but I'm retired so not my problem anymore. IC-705 with little battery and µ-key = 2.5 pounds. 10 contacts.  Score = 4 QSOs per pound. Vy 73, Mike, KD5KC

W1MT

Hunted for a bit and got 3 on 40m. Then called CQ SP for 20 minutes on 7.0315 with no takers. Went to bed. Call me tubby with the KX3 this time. Maybe I'll break out the ATS-3 next time. Mike, W1MT

WA9TGT

I stayed on 40 meters the entire night. The band seemed to be in decent shape. My contacts started off slow but activity seemed to increase about 30 minutes into the contest. Station setup was the same as my prior Spartan Sprint contests except for a lighter weight transceiver this month. Antenna 80~10 meter EFHW, 12v 2.6mAh Li-ion, Apple Earbuds. Donnie / WA9TGT / Muncie, IN

K4GUJ

Total No. Contacts: 7 (IN, NJ, VA, MA, IN, IL, NH, FL) My second Spartan Sprint. 14,060 was really quiet here in VA. Was on 7030 QRP calling frequency for two whole hours. Did great for an hour - CQ SP and almost all responses were Spartan Sprint QRP folks.The second hour was a surprise - no responses at all. The band was open and active, but no 7030 SP calls heard. I'll have to give some thought to my operating technique. Being rock bound, I thought calling CQ was the way to go and it worked for the first hour, but then nothing. Perhaps more tuning around, less calling.  Hopefully my 3560 xtal will arrive in time for next month's Sprint and I will be able to band hop some as well. See you next month. Dick, K4GUJ, Spotsylvania, VA

K3JZD

Low activity due to the holiday I guess.  I had to soothe a dog that did not like the fireworks with one hand while keying with the other hand.  All of my QSOs were on 40m.  Purpose built 40m QCX Mini, small 500mAH LiPo battery pack, small 3D printed key, and ear buds.  40m Dipole at 25'.    73 - Jody - K3JZD

Max, KD9NZB and Michael, AA9RK

AA9RK

Our QCX mini arrived a couple weeks ago and we were eager to try it out portable.  Unfortunately, thunderstorms changed our plan to operating portable in our backyard, and eventually drove us into the shack entirely, but with our portable setup. Along with the 40-meter QCX mini, we used a Talentcell battery, a CWmorse.us travel double paddle, and the earbuds from my old iRiver mp3 player. Conditions were decent and the operators were all top-notch. Michael, AA9RK

KD9NZB

I had fun on this Sprint and thanks for slowing down for me. I am only 10 years old and still working on my sending, so thanks to my dad AA9RK for helping me copy. "TU" and 72! Max, KD9NZB

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a dipole.  Only 5 states this month.  Best signals:  20M - NK6A, 40M - WB9HFK.  One QRO QSO not counted. Only one double (NK6A).  Fun to work K9DRP @ 3W.  Never tried 80M.  Having some antenna issues with the 40M edZ.  Hope to have them repaired by next month.  Had fun.

K4BAI

Limited time this month due to the 13 Colonies Special Event station (K2G). Nice to catch 3 of the sprinters at the end of the period. All QSOs on 40M. 73/72, John, K4BAI

K4PQC

Nearby fireworks distracted me from starting almost 3/4 of an hour late.  I decided to stick with only 40 meters to shave weight from adding additional band filters.  A little slow at first and then contacts picked up and I started calling CW. I didn't hear too many nearby stations and those I heard didn't return my calls. The weather is warm and there are some nearby storms causing static crashes. The Rig is a modified Steve Weber - KD1JV  AT Sprint III, lightened earphone, paddles and a 250 ma 3 cell LiPo battery. 72/73 to all and thanks for the QSOs, see you next month.

W9TCR operated crystal controlled with his Bayou Jumper.

W9TCR

Stuck with the Bayou Jumper this month for the 4th of July. Xtal control is more of a challenge. Did not hear any SP calling this month. Be back in August. See you them.

WA9CWE

Had another great time in the Sprint this month although band conditions weren’t too favorable. Made all of my contacts on 40 Meters. I appreciate the old-timers who slow down to exchange reports with me, as I’m still working on improving my skills. My 8 contacts were in 7 States, so I was pleased. I look forward to next month’s event. 73, Steve, WA9CWE

SCOREBOARD: June 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 For an enlarged view, please click on the Scoreboard.

SOAPBOX: June 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 K4GUJ

6 states: (GA, NJ, NH, GA, NY, IL). All Tube HB Tx: 15.8 lb; R-75 Rx: 6.8 lb; Peripherals (matcher, key, antenna switch):5.4 lb) = 28 lbs. My first Spartan Sprint. Was on 7030 QRP calling frequency for two hours. Did great for an hour - CQ SP and all responses were Spartan Sprint QRP folks. Frustrated by a 45 minute reg chew by two powerhouses on nearby frequency who saturated my receiver during the second hour. Ordered a 3560 Khz FT 243 crystal last night so next month I can band hop 80 to 40 to 20.  My all tube home brew is a 6AG7 xtal oscillator driving a 6L6 final. The xtal oscillator output is resistor loaded and the final grid bias is adjusted so that a 3 db pad on the tx output makes me fully QRP at just under 5 watts. Lots of fun for this old-timer. See you next month. Dick Barnett, K4GUJ, Spotsylvania, VA

K3RLL

So nice to have 20m open this evening and some nice signals rolling in. First call came from NK6A Don in CA! Even RBN gave occasional good reports. The party seemed to wrap up about 01:30z so tried to follow the crowd down to 40m but few showed up. Got only one double as 40m was a muddy field, at least from here. How bad was it?  Well on 40m, RBN never heard my whopping 4 watts. Hats off to VE3NRT with good signal from ONT with ONE WATT! That's impressive. This was one of the more enjoyable SPs with conditions that made contacts a lot easier to make tonight.  ARS must have made a $ contribution to the ionosphere.  Thank you.  ... 72/73 ... Don

NQ2W

Another fine Spartan Sprint. 1 QSO on 15, 10 on 20, and 9 on 40. Tried 80m but received no replies to my CQs. WB5BKL on 3 bands...the 40m QSO was almost ESP but I believe we made the exchange! K3RLL and K9DRP on 2 bands. Signals were pretty good on 20m, not so much on 40m. Thanks to everyone for the contacts...thanks to KI6SN for putting this all together for us. Hope to see you next month! 72, Will, NQ2W

K4BAI

20, 40, and 80 pretty good here. Some QRN on 80. Worked per bands: 20M:  4. 40M: 16. 80M: 1.Thanks for the QSOs. Time of operation 1.5 hours. 73/72, John, K4BAI.

N8HWV

Lots of static on my efhw in WI. Went with the MTR4B again with the 8 AA’s and an Adventure Paddle. Nice light weight combo. K4BAI- I didn’t count our 40m dupe. Was really getting hard to hear by that time. Always Fun. 73, Nate

WB9HFK

Rig: Icom 7300 @ 5W Antenna: Gnd Mtd Hustler 6BTV with 60 Radials Weight: 30 Lbs

AC2YD

Not sure if I've done an SP before; if so, it's been quite a while since ... stumbled on a CQ SP while looking for Lewis and Clark Trail stations! Looked it up on WA7BNM Contest Calendar, and caught the last 45 minutes or so ... Recognized a few callsigns including WB9HFK and K4BAI, although I was a little too late to work John (K4BAI) ... Got distracted in final minutes checking 20m for SP activity ... worked ES3AX (Estonia) on 20m (first call using 5w; he heard me better than most stateside SP stations did!), and got back to 40m right at 11pm to just miss John's final CQ.  Bummer. But fun!  I'll try to do this more often!  Rig:  Hermes Lite 2 (rig-in-a-box at base of antenna controlled via WiFi), Quisk s/w transceiver, 1/4-wave fan vertical with 32 radials. Thanks! - Ben, AC2YD

K9DRP

I engaged my SW-3B for the sprint, so no 80 meters for me (after last month I wasn't too concerned). 4 QSOs on 20 and 8 on 40. I worked WB5BKL on both bands; Nick has the ears and patience to dig out the sigs from the noise.  I think I worked AC2YD and N8HWV for the first time tonight; thanks guys!  And thanks to all for the QSOs. 73, Don, K9DRP

W9TCR

Another month with zero contacts but I was there pounding the Key .  Yesterday was the 87 Anniversary of D-Day so I fired up the 4SQRP Group "Bayou Jumper" I built. It is their recreation of the WW2 "Paraset" that helped win the war.    This was the first time with it on the air so maybe next time there will be fewer operator problems but had fun regardless...  Will see you next month, 73 Tim W9TCR

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 2-element 15M delta loop or a 40M extended double Zepp. Only 5 states this month.  Best signals:  15M - NQ2W, 20M - K9DRP, 40M - WA8ZBT. One QRO QSO not counted. A triple with NQ2W and doubles with NK6A and K9DRP. Never tried 80M.  Took numerous breaks to check on UT in the WCWS. They had fun and so did I...

W4NLT

Started with a bang on 20M then drifted down to 40M. Worked the crowd around 7040-7044 then tried for a three-fer with John K4BAI but no joy. Only one QSO on 80M. 72/73, Andy

K4PQC

I started a few minutes late and didn't hear anything on 40 meters and then changed the band filter to 80 meters and looked up and down the band...  then looked at the calendar to make sure that the date was correct. Then went to 20 meters and found the water hole. The weather is warm here at 80-degrees F, clear and found fairly quiet band conditions... too quiet. The Rig is a modified Steve Weber - KD1JV  AT Sprint III,  lightened earphone, paddles and a 200 ma 3 cell LiPo battery. 72/73 to all and thanks for the QSOs, see you next month.

SCOREBOARD: May 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 

For an enlarged view, please click on the Scoreboard.

SOAPBOX: May 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

KD5KC's "wrist key," from American Morse Equipment. (Courtesy of KD5KC)

 

NØTA

Tough to copy with the lightning crashes - Thanks for the Q's. QCX, Doublet, GenLog.

K3RLL

Nice to see 20m open this evening but the grey line seemed to shift west pretty quickly.  So, it was back to the workhorse 40m where only two stations could hear the booming signal from my wet string antenna. But it was still fun and look forward to next month. My thanks to the entire staff of A.R.S.   72/73 ... Don

K4BAI

Operated about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Had several long QSOs with non Sprinters. 20M was OK to NY and fair to CA. 40M was pretty good over the east part of the country but QRN was quite heavy from nearby thunderstorms. Did work NK6A in CA on 20 and 40 and NA5N in NM on 40. Only worked AL and FL on 80M, but QRN was not any worse than it had been on 80M. Thanks for all QSOs.  73/72, John, K4BAI.

NQ2W

Very interesting evening on the radio...Started out on 15m and worked Nick, WB5BKL...he was loud. Nothing else was heard there. Moved to 20 and made 14 QSOs. Only one station called that I couldn't pull out...I heard an N and an O...right down in the noise. I'm sorry I couldn't make it out. Moved to 40 and made 13 contacts...quite a bit of QRN on 40. Moved to 80 for 1 QSO...back to 40 for none...then back to 20m for 1 final QSO at.0258UTC. That adds up to 30, not 26...4 QSOs were with QRO stations so I'm not counting them in the SP. (Not sure how that works, so I'm playing it safe.) Two-banders with WB5BKL (15, 20), K4BAI (20, 40), and WA4AAK (20, 40). It was a pleasure hearing everyone and I appreciate the opportunity to participate. Thanks, Richard, KI6SN, for putting this together for us. Looking forward to the next one...72, Will, NQ2W

KD5KC

Weight of radio with battery and key = 2.85 pounds.  Number of contacts made = 13.  Score = 4.56s QSOs/Pound.  5-watts.

I promised myself when I retired I would try to do the sprint more often.  This time I wanted to try out the new Icom IC-705.  So I started planning on it Sunday afternoon.  I wanted to really use it “portable”.  I was out in the garden, radio on the stock battery, my usual Wrist-Key.  Antenna was a 75-ft Random wire with 2 X 33-ft counterpoise wires laid on the roof, and the wire was stretched over to the mast that supports my dipole. This is not a normal antenna here.  Tuner was the Icom AH-705 remote tuner laid up on the roof at the antenna base, and coax to the table in the garden. I started on 15m calling CQ.  I got one contact.  Believe it or not, Texas.  After 10 minutes calling and only one contact, I ran the VFO up and down a bit, and there was nothing else out there.  So about 15 min into the sprint I went to 20m.  20m was the money-band.  I caught NK6A with a crushing signal out of CA.  And that was the majority of contacts, 6 CA and 4 TX.  I tried 40m, then I did something different, I went back to 20m, then 80m, then back to 40m and I ended the last 5 minutes back on 20m.  With just seconds left I catch a weak CQ-SP out of NY for lucky 13.

15m – 1 x TX.

20m – 5 x CA, 1 x OR, 1 x NY, 1 x TX.

40m – 1 x NM, 1 x CA, 1 x TX.

80m – 1 x TX.

I heard a couple calling that I was not able to copy.  Sorry.  Not sure if it was conditions or my choice of antenna/equipment. Not bad on a new radio. Nice to catch some remembered calls.  Thanks for a fun two hours. Next month I’ll be DL/KD5KC, watch for me on SOTA or POTA.

W4NLT

QSOs: 14, Weight: 3.71 lbs. Most action on 40M but got one on 15M and three on 20M before they shut down. TNX for the QSOs. 72 Andy

K4PQC

Started a little slow on 20 meters and made 2 contacts with DX with NK6A in CA.  This is the first time in a long time that I put the rig on 20 meters.  Not too many signals on 20 meters so I went to 40 and worked 9 more.  After 0200z the band started to dry up and I called CQ and worked my last contact with WA9CWE in IN.  The lowest station by far was John - K4BAI in Columbus, GA. The weather is warm here at 75*F with storms close enough to cause static crashes. The Rig is a modified Steve Weber - KD1JV  AT Sprint III,  lightened earphone, paddles and a 200 ma 3 cell LiPo battery. 72/73 to all and thanks for the QSOs, see you next month.

NØAR

Had a half hour to play in the sprint tonight so I fired up the K2. I forget how nice an analog rig can sound. Spent some time on 20 meters and then it went away, moved up to 40 and worked another handful of stations. Best signal report goes to N5GW, the pipeline was sure open to MN! Sure is nice to have propagation again. 72 Scott NØAR

AA9RK

Great conditions on 40.  Stations were booming in S8 and S9. I only had an hour but it was a great time.

WA9TGT

Rechecked my stations weight once again, and it’s total weight is accurate at 23.8 oz, including KX2, battery, key, key cable and earbuds. Again I used KX2, and my 80~10 meter EFHW wire antenna. Band conditions tonight were very noisy with storms looming about 100+ miles west of my location. I stayed on for the full 2 hours tonight despite the higher QRN background noise. Stayed on 40 meters biggest part of first hour, then switched to 80 meters, found virtually no activity on 80 meters, that seemed strange! Changed to 20 meters, made one contact on 20 meters and then returned back to 40 meters. 40 meters seemed like where most of the activity was for this months sprint. Donnie Garrett / WA9TGT

K9DRP

Nice to log some 20 meter contacts this month, but 80 meters was unworkable.  I witnessed an Indiana station working the SP take over the frequency from 3 different OPS after answering their CQ. After getting over my aggravation at his rude behavior, I realized that many sprints operate in such a manner whereas the answering station is awarded the frequency.  Perhaps he wasn't rude but just unaware of the modus operandi for SP. 73, Don, K9DRP

K3JZD

40m Only.  Extremely active evening.  It ate my small battery in an hour and shut me down - must have used too many milliamp hours sending pleasantries - will skip them next time in order to conserve my small battery - so don't be offended !!  Used my new purpose built 40m QCX Mini, small 500mAH LiPo battery pack, small 3D printed straight key, and ear buds.   73 - Jody - K3JZD

WA4AAK

No shortage of QRN here in the sunny south! Thanks for pulling me out of the noise! 72, Evan WA4AAK Alabama

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 2-element 15M delta loop or a 40M extended double Zepp. 8 states this month. Best signals:  20M - NQ2W, 40M - XE2AAW. Two QRO QSOs removed from score.  One double with NQ2W. Several 1 and 2W QSOS - as my VK friends would say, 'Gudanya!' Quit after about 60 minutes - had a long day.  Had fun.

WØITT

Local storms brought really loud QRN here, especially at the beginning of the Sprint.  I had to try 3 different radios to get one that let me make QSO’s.  I settled on a QCX to an inverted vee at 32 feet. Thanks to everyone who worked me: great fun and great ops! 72 de Gary WØITT

NA5N

Worked 3 on 20M and 6 on 40M in the last hour.  Good to work fellow NM Bruce AA5B, about 75 mi. north of me.  Usually a dead zone. Worked NM, GA, CA, OR, IN, IL, OH and MO, pretty much coast-to-coast coverage. Used Ten Tec Scout and McElroy bug (heaviest part of the station). Signals fairly decent for the most part.  Always fun as usual. 

72, Paul NA5N

W5TCR

After being shut out with zero contacts last month due to self inflected equipment and operator problems; I had a better plan this month.  I started out with the 4SQRP Cricket  40 at .8 watts and after 30 minutes of no luck I went to the backup plan.  Powered up the QRP Labs QCX - Mini, 5 watts @ .7 lbs and ended up with seven contacts. Still had some self-inflicted problems this month; so next month I'm bringing back the 4SQRP 40.  Going with a higher voltage lipo battery pack to bring power up to 1.5 watts @ .3 lbs. will see how it goes..  The Spartan Sprint is great fun and only takes a few hours; it is a lot of fun, see you next month...... 73  Tim W9TCR

N9OHW

MTR-3B with N6ARA TinyPaddle Jack (highly recommended) and a NiMH 280 mAH 9V battery for about 2 Watts out.  Antenna was a Buddipole without the need for any further antenna tuner.  QTH was Mountain View, CA, in Silicon Valley. Made all 7 QSOs on 20m: NQ2W, KD5KC, W6LD,  N5EM, WB5BLK, NA5N, and VE6WMS.  Heard N7CQR and NA5N on 40m, but they didn't hear me.  My RBN spots on 40m were all local, so 40m hadn't really gone long from California by contest end.  Strongest signal was W6LD (a local running 1 Watt, up the road a piece) and NQ2W running 5W in New York.  Good to see the bands improving, even if today's event was in a bit of a trough.  Looking forward to making SP QSOs on 15m in the coming months.  73 de N9OHW

N8HWV

MTR4B, 8 AA NiMh, ~5 W into 100 ft RG-8x and 135 ft EFHW up 15 ft. Lots of noise and static on 40. Heard some folks on 20 but after my one qso it went quiet.

WA9CWE

Had a great time again (my second Sprint).  Made more contacts than last month, so that’s a good thing.  80 meters was completely dead here, so I depended upon 40, and a number of you helped me out.  I actually made 9 contacts in 9 States!  I look forward to next month.  73, Steve, WA9CWE

W5TCR "powered up the QRP Labs QCX - Mini, 5 watts @ .7 lbs and ended up with seven contacts. (Courtesy of W5TCR)

RESULTS: April '22 ARS Spartan Sprint

 

For an enlarged view, please click on the Scoreboard.

SOAPBOX: April '22 ARS Spartan Sprint

After years away from CW, WA9CWE pulled out his straight key, and with his minimalist station, tipped the scale at 1140.62 grams in April's Sprint. (Courtesy of WA9CWE)

WA9CWE

This is my first Sprint event and I enjoyed it a great deal. Having not operated CW since my Novice license expired in 1963, the 59 years since has taken a toll on my skills but I’m dedicated to improving. Thanks to the stations who tolerated my slow “need to improve” fist and for not replying “QLF”. Thanks also to WA9TGT who has encouraged me to get back into CW operation. My QRP radio (X5105) for this event reinforces how little power is required to communicate. Antenna is G5RV @ 20’. Hope to contact you next month.  73,  Steve, WA9CWE

NØTA

Thanks for the Qs. 40m QCX, Doublet, GenLog.

K4BAI

5W, 23 QSOs, Tubby (30# +) Better activity in April than in recent months. Had to take about a half hour out for some CW traffic nets when I actually took and passed some messages. QSOs by band: 20M 1 (NK6A very loud).  40M: 17 (best DX NK6A and N9OHW, both in CA). Heard NV1D in ME, but no QSO. 80M: 5 QSOs, furthest away being NQ2W. Thanks for all QSOs.  73/72, John, K4BAI

WB9HFK

RIG: ICOM 7300 @ 5W. ANTENNA: 40M HUSTLER 6BTV GND MTD WITH 60 RADIALS.    80M END FED 150 FT WIRE. WEIGHT: 30 LBS.

W4NLT

Trimmed some weight by taking the cage off the IC-705. One lone QSO on 20M - NK6A. Rest of contacts on 40M and 80M with Mark - WB9HFK - a two bander. Good to work many of the usual suspects. Thanks for the QSOs. 73/72 Andy

N8HWV

Finally lost some weight by using the MTR4B. I also lost 80m though. Thankful for the 3 QSOs on 40. 73, Nathan

K4PQC

Started a little late but earlier in the evening. Listened on the bands and 80 meters was very noisy with lots of lightning crashes. 40 meters seemed to be the best choice. A little slow at first and the band seemed to be going long. I didn't hear any stations from GA or surrounding states. I did hear stations in QSO with K4BAI but I couldn't hear John who is only 125 miles away and he is usually S9 or 40. My first 2 contacts were N0TA, John in CO; and N0AR, Scott in MN - both very good signals. I went up and down the band and nothing was heard so I decided to call CQ SP. Other stations worked were in NY, NJ, TX, and WI,  I'm sorry if you called and I didn't respond. The rig has good ears but I don't. The weather here in N. Georgia is a little cloudy and cool @ 55*F. The Rig is a modified Steve Weber - KD1JV  AT Sprint III,  lightened earphone, paddles and a 200 ma three-cell LiPo battery. 72/73 to all and thanks for the QSOs, see you next month. - Phil, K4PQC

NQ2W

I only participated before (NCAA basketball championship) tipoff and during the halftime break. Both events were entertaining! 15m at the start was a no show. 20m was good for 2 Qs. 40m was good for 5 Qs before the game. During halftime 40m allowed for 3 more Qs and 80m netted me 6 Qs. Two banders with WB9HFK and K4BAI. AA9RK was tough copy but we made the QSO. Thank you for all of the repeats. Thanks for all the contacts and thanks to KI6SN for putting this all together. 72, Will, NQ2W

WA9TGT

Once again I used my KX2, and a EFHW wire antenna. Band conditions seemed noisier than last month contest. Stayed on 40 meters better part of the first hour, then switched to 80 meters. All contacts were on 80 and 40 meters. Donnie Garrett / WA9TGT

NG2J

40m was very noisy. Hope to give this another try next month. Thanks for the Qs and patience with my fumbling operation.

K9DRP

20 was just noisy, 40 was long and noisy, and 80 was very noisy! Used a SCAF filter with my RGO One to contend with all the QRN. 2 QSOs on 40 and 7 on 80. W4NLT had to send me his call about a dozen times, for each time a static crash would take out his "W". It would have been comical if not so aggravating. I think the QRN hurt participation this month. Let's do it again next month! 72, Don, K9DRP

K3JZD

80m Only. Single Band Radios are not really the best to use. Wasn't any activity during the first hour. Purpose built 80m QCX Mini, small 500mAH LiPo battery pack, small 3D printed key, and ear buds. 73 - Jody - K3JZD

WA9CWE

This is my first Sprint event and I enjoyed it a great deal. Having not operated CW since my Novice license expired in 1963, the 59 years since has taken a toll on my skills but I’m dedicated to improving. Thanks to the stations who tolerated my slow “need to improve” fist and for not replying “QLF”. Thanks also to WA9TGT who has encouraged me to get back into CW operation. My QRP radio (X5105) for this event reinforces how little power is required to communicate. Antenna is G5RV @ 20’. Hope to contact you next month.  73,  Steve, WA9CWE

WB5BKL

K3/10 @ 5W to a 40M extended double Zepp or a 40M dipole. 6 states this month.  Best signals:  20M - NK6A, 40M - K4BAI.  One QRO QSO removed from score.  One double with NK6A.  Looked at 80M briefly. Quit after about 60 minutes - was worried about predicted storms (which never 
appeared). Had fun.

NØAR

Spent the night on 40 meters. Lots of QRN from the approaching Thunderstorms. Band conditions were better than they have been in months! Best signal went to KØEMT. Apologies to those I couldn't pull out of the noise. 72 Scott N0AR

N9OHW

Started on 15m and got many RBN spots, but no sprinters were heard.  Moved to 20m and found NA5N in NM.  Moved to 40m for the rest of the time and worked N0TA, NK6A, and K4BAI.  Thanks to K4BAI for sticking with me for many repeats of my information to make the QSO in the last minute of the sprint.  Heard some others on 40m, NA5N and N0AR, but conditions were too rough to make the contacts. Station was an MTR-5B with a 9 volt battery for 2 Watts out. I used the N6ARA Tiny Paddle Plug which has become my favorite portable paddle. Lightweight and accurate. Antenna was a Buddipole. 73 de N9OHW

AA9RK

Better conditions this month than the previous time. I couldn't hear anyone on 80 meters, but 40 meters played nicely. I used my usual home station: IC-7300, keyer, tuner, and power supply, putting 5 watts into my doublet. I am looking forward to trying the Spartan Sprint portable with my slimmed down travel kit this summer. When school is out, Max would like to participate again, too.

SCOREBOARD: March 2022 ARS Spartan Sprint

 For an enlarged view, please click on the Scoreboard.