I did not have a walloping amount of success with the QRP-ARCI Fall QSO Party over last weekend. Granted, I didn't put in a lot of time. I would have made a bigger time investment had my QSO rate been higher.
I got on the air both mornings, Saturday and Sunday, around 1400 UTC or so. 20 Meters seemed dead on Saturday and on Sunday, I was able to make out a few whispers of signals, but that was about it. 40 Meters was active as all get out on both days ......... with Pennsylvania QSO Party participants. It seemed like wall to wall PA QSO Party'ers, as a matter of fact. And don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, it's just that unfortunately, there didn't seem to be many QRPers on the bands.
In all, between calling "CQ QRP" and tuning around and pouncing (no panadapter here, guess I'm too 'old fashioned'), I made about seven Fall QSO Party contacts in the span of a combined total of about three hours operating time. I'd be more willing to glue my posterior to the shack chair for a larger turn out. If band conditions and a low participation rate seem to be the dominant factor, well then ....... I have more useful ways to spend my time.
My fingers are crossed that The Zombie Shuffle, occurring this Friday night will see more QRPers on the air, and as a result, will yield a lot more fun.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!
I totally forgot about the ARCI Fall QSO Party. Bad weather and a full agenda meant no radio time last weekend. Also, for me at least, the outdoor operating events are much more of a draw. Something about slinging the endfed into a tree has a tremendous appeal.
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