DeathMatch

[KC9ECI]

This is fun. How many of you are out here with me? These guys have a good idea...extra points for anyone who submits their contest log to LoTW.

[n5tjd]

I guess using a digital mode opens them up to using digital QSL methods....

I hear lots of stations, and I got my interface set up for the most part. However, since the psk activity is so close together, I think I should wait till the contest is over to keep from stepping on or interfering with other stations. My band display shows them all lined up right beside each other over most the screen on 20m.

Meanwhile today, I'll just work on my vertical.

[n5tjd]

I couldn't wait, so I answered a station's Death Match CQ in Washington. He came back. I didn't get to ask him about my signal, but at least I know the interface works. I am running about 10 watts. Such a fun mode. I need to try others.

[KC9ECI]

I'm running 5. We can run up to 10 and still be classed as QRP, but I'm just that way about things. I never turn my stereo above half volume, etc. I'm lurking around 40 meters right now. I' seen N3FJP who wrote ACLog working the contest, as well as the Sponsoring club station that's worth 500 points, but they were there and gone before I could lock on. I als spotted WA6LIE who I've worked via the ISS working the contest.

[n5tjd]

I don't know exactly what I am running, so I am paying attention to both the watt meter on the rig and the amp meter on the power supply. It should be... well, it could be anywhere from 5 to 15 watts, but is more likely closer to the middle. I might turn it down to around 5w should 10w be too much for the rig. I am still keeping an eye and a hand on the heatsink. So far it just gets warm, but I haven't "ragchewed" on PSK31 yet either.

I saw N6WK on, I believe he worked the same station I did also. I left the program and radio running when I left out to walk, and when I came back I saw his call.

Anyhow, yet another fun mode to use.

[KC9ECI]

w00t!!

I just got W8DXI on 40...500 points! They said to wait 10 and they will switch over to PSK63 so I can double that.

[KC9ECI]

Just got another 500 for PSK63! Double w00T!!!

[n5tjd]

lol, I take it you get bonus points for working MDXA. I might try a few contacts here and there, but I'd like to wait to really get to know my equipement and procedures when there are less people I can tick off when I make a mistake. Right now I can count no less than 15 stations transmitting at any one time all right next to each other.

I'm thinking once the contest calls it quits, I can find someone to talk to who isn't just interested in Name and State. I wonder if there are any QRP/Low Power SSTV activities. lol. If so, that would be neat.

[WS2L]

Quote[/b] (KD5WZB @ Dec. 18 2004,19:18)]I am still keeping an eye and a hand on the heatsink. So far it just gets warm, but I haven't "ragchewed" on PSK31 yet either.
I know this is a bit off topic but if you pick up a few of those clip-on small desk fans you point them at the heat sinks to help keep things cool. I don't operate digital but I do run a link station on Echolink, since it runs 24/7 when the RF is being used things can get hot during extended QSO's. With the fans pointed directly on the back of the PS and the back of the rig helps a lot, it's inexpensive and doesn't interfere with your operating.

Just my 2 cent's

Good luck in the contest

[KC9ECI]

Hey, if you see me during the contest, give me a holler..I'll stop and ragchew. I don't plan on winning the thing, I'm just doing it to see how many stations I can bag running QRP. I stopped and ragchewed with a Cuban station for a bit earlier. There was a YV station calling CQ, but his signal was so light that I didn't try responding to his call. Had the signal been a little more reliable....ah well. I did shut the PSK off for a little while and worked a CW contact on 20. Speaking of CW, what was going on on 160 last night? The low end was really jumping with CW and amazingly noise free?