Best way to get Alaska on CW?

I'm working on WAS CW, and have drawn up a list of all QSO parties for the states that I need and do not have confirmed.

They're all there...except Alaska. The Alaska QSO Party is listed as "Inactive."

Is there another event or party in which Alaska routinely participates?

Is there a recommended approach to working Alaska on CW on multiple bands during the current solar max, other than begging for a pre-arranged sked?

 

@NQ1B,

Best approach I can think of is contests: ARRL Sweepstakes, ARRL DX, CQWW DX, CQ WPX, NAQP, etc. in which both AK and VT are multipliers.

And don't count out the CWTs - I worked @KL7SB on 40 during a 0300Z CWT back in 2023. (Many thanks!)

73 de Jim, N2EY

 

Here is a link to Alaska HF nets. https://kl7aa.org/nets/ Note the Bush Net on 7.093 is a SSB net but they always welcome CW check-ins from the lower 48.

 

KL7 will probably be available during the CW Sprint this Saturday evening. If you get on, VT is also a rare mult in that contest.

 

Typically the ARRL DX contest is the easiest for stateside because DX is most likely to sit on one frequency and run US stations.
They also need to pay attention the openings to either coast to maximize the multiplier count. Which isn't a factor with the CQ contests.

Feb 15-16 International DX CW Contest

 

Trouble is, a QSO must use the same mode both ways to count for awards.

 

Are there any popular Alaska CW nets?

 

I'll be working the Vermont QSO party for most of the coming weekend, but I will gladly work people in the MN QSO party, or CW Sprint, or European Union DX contest during the Vermont QP.

 

No, not really. The "CW Net" in the link I posted is really just more of the hang out spots for Alaska CW ops. The Bush net is informal, and I am sure if you send that you need AK confirmed on CW the net control will either switch to CW to make it happen or ask if someone will QSY with you to get it done. It meets at 1900 local time.
Edit to add: I am not a CW OP or I would offer a sked.

 

The VFO is the best resource. We have a number of hams regularly operating up here. I've been on 10 meters for the past few weeks. Just tune around and you'll find us.

 

I'd be glad to help. I've been away from the shack for a couple of weeks but going home today.

And hi to Jim N2EY. Wonder if you remember me from NLI in the late 70s.

73
Steve KL7SB

 

Yep...you don't even need to have your radio on to hear -SB. HI. He always has a monster signal.

 

Thanks, Steve. Let me know when you are home and available.

 

Within the last few days I have worked Alaskan stations on 20 through 10 m. I know it's harder from Vermont, but they're on.

Keep after it, you'll get them worked some of them undoubtedly need Vermont also

 

Contests. Look on DX Summit and DX Heat clusters. KL7SB and KL7RA. KL7RA hung in with me to complete a 160m CW QSO. I'm sure KL7RA was doing all the heavy lifting. I was running 100 watts through a 160m inverted vee.