ARRL International DX at N6RO

Another weekend is upon us and another contest is looming on the horizon. For some hams that is not good news as bands will be crowded and some will piss and moan on a particular ham forum. Then again, regardless of the operating mode they will bitch regardless. For me, I am looking very forward to the contest.

With the FT-1000MP up and running and a new Heil Proset 4 to go use I am excited. Unfortunately, most of my contest time will not be sent at my home QTH, but over at N6RO, Radio Oakley. I have convinced my wife to let me “play radio” this weekend with the stipulation I go after I get my son to bed on Saturday night. I took Sunday off, so it looks like I will be doing an overnight shift on 80M and 160M with N6WM (Chris).

Honestly, not working those bands previously I am not sure what to expect. Contesting is still a new aspect of the hobby and I am open to all new experiences. In the end I hope it will make me a better operator in the long run and provide me with knowledge I have not yet gained. Sure, playing from home in a non competitive environment is enjoyable, but operating from a “big gun” where much of the time is spent running, as opposed to search and pouncing. Not sure that statement holds true over night, but I will find out.

I am looking forward to getting over to ‘RO’ and participating. I will be able to put some time in at the home QTH and hopefully make attain my personal goals of QSOs as I continue to work towards my WAS and Triple Play Awards from the ARRL. Regardless of how things go down at N6RO I will be thrilled to be part of the team and learn from the experience that the other operators bring.