How it went: EA RTTY contest 07.04.12

It is EA RTTY contest today, starting 16:00 UTC, which means to go up and check all the antennas on the roof. Weather looks friendly, clear sky, about 10 degrees C.

12:00 UTC

Successfully climbed up to the very top of the building, using the sky exit hatch (about 24 meters high). Thanks to maintenance made not too long ago, everything looked just fine. The longest arm of delta loop is about 35m long, with significant slack. After slight tightening, the wire is now about 2.5m above the roof (in the middle).

15:00 UTC

Weather I liked so much in the morning is now gone. It is raining, and I am hoping all will go okay. Time to turn the radio on, and see how FSK acts on all bands. Working like a charm.

15:58 UTC

Mesmerized by the cup of fresh coffee on my desk, I am turning the radio on. (What a concept!) Smiles.

16:00 UTC

Contest has began, and I am starting to work 21 MHz. Yesterday, about the same time of the day, band was behaving.

22:20 UTC

Time for a break! I bet you agree. Enjoying another coffee, and yes, boosting the neuron network with one cig. To be frank, I am a bit disappointed. 21 was almost dead, the other bands… so, so. So far 187 contacts.

00:40 UTC

I am fading, hahaha, and the bands are rather deserted anyway. May be time for a nap. Contest is passing by but sure has no legs, meaning it will not escape all that easily. After all, 236 QSOs by now.

04:30 UTC

Bloody Hell – I overslept. Actually I am not surprised. Making a quick coffee, and ”off we go,” gone from the reality of my shack, back to the signal heaven.

8:55 UTC

Morning was good. I worked KL7, VK, ZL, on 14, Hallelujah. 21 showed mercy as well. And now? All down the hill again. Working 14 right now, not having a much to hit the log with, however, 322 QSOs.

12:00 UTC

Time for obvious tiredness, fatigue and sleepiness. Coffee again, no sugar. Taking a few ”puffs” from the cigarette, avoiding smoking it for real (smiles) during my ”randevu” with lovely-bad habit on the balcony.

16:05 UTC

That was it! Contest is over. The last hour really was not worth a lot. Finally I can upload the log. Grand total 467 QSOs, claimed score: 202184

Final comment: Good contest !