August 2010 NAQP CW Goals

Wow, I might actually get to sit down and enjoy 8-10 hours of contesting beginning on Saturday at 11am. It is the summer version of the NCJ sponsored, North American QSO Party using CW (Morse code). I’ve had some good intentions over the last 3-4 months, but due to a lack of time off from work I have not been able to participate in the WPX CW or the NAQP RTTY this year. Both were on my list. That’s the way it goes sometimes. Now I have planned to put in a good effort this weekend.

I have participated in the August NAQP (CW) in 2009 and 2010, for only a combined total of 6 hours. Now with some more Morse code practice under my belt and some improved solar conditions I am looking to put in a very good effort. The January, 2010 contest saw my best effort to date with 186 QSOs and 75 mults for a total score of 13,950.

Unfortunately with some earth directed CMEs and geomagnetic storms we might see some very frustrating conditions. As I prepare for the contest the A=15 and K=5 with a SFI=109 and SSN=81. Regardless of the unsettled activity, I will do the best I can. Just what that is? I am adding about a 25% increase over my 186 score in January, 2010. That would result in about 225 QSOs and 80 mults. If I can hit those totals my final score should be about 18,000 points.