So tomorrow is W9DXCC. This will be my first ever attendance. I have signed up to go to the DX Basics class. From the looks of it, should be interesting. I am always looking for an edge with my contesting and dxing.
I hear a lot of local call signs in the pile ups and they are getting through to the dx stations way before I do. Could be equipment could be luck or (most likely) could be skill. My CW Skimmer usage has certainly helped with the CW pileups and I am usually within 10 calls of talking to the DX when I sit down to work them. I have been spending more time with the propagation charts of late and I know that I have been able to utilize my time better on the air because of it. I have been working NH8S over the past few days. As of right now I have 10 slots worked, mostly on CW. I really have not spent a lot of time trying. I have, however, spent a lot of time sitting in front of the radio listening. I have been told that listening is the key. So I will continue reading, and listening, and learning.
I just downloaded CMSK63. I am planning on playing with it very soon. I will be doing my first write up on it after I am comfortable with it. I know it is still in beta but the first issue I see with it is use of the default sound card only. On the Flex 5K I have VAC's that will need to be defined as the default sound card each time I use the program. More on that at a later date.
I have also been working with SARTRACK. I have been doing some testing of the AWGPE multi port capability with the author. Folks, the maps in this program are awesome. The author has done a fantastic job and is continuing to improve it.
Until next time,
73
Ron
WM9Q
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