Mike:

I totally agree with your observations on the beauty of 40 meters,
especially 40 meter CW.

Like you, if I had to limit myself to one band for whatever reason, it would
definitely be 40.  I still remember my novice days back in the late 1960's
and early 1970's when I was relegated to three crystals, and an old Heath
kit DX35 transmitter.  Lots of good memories were made back then, and I know
they will always stick with me.

As for the contest, I ultimately was unable to do any of it.  The XYL and I
had to spend quite a bit of time getting ready for a visit from our son and
his family scheduled for next week-end, and I also had some work-related
stuff to take care of.

Am not sure about the phone Sweeps in two weeks, but may play in that if
time allows.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Mike Duke, K5XU
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2014 9:50 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: SS observations

At this writing, there are 15 minutes left in the contest, but I've thrown
in the towel.


In casual playing, not exactly what I would call working the contest, I 
made 130 contacts.

Of those, 80 were made on 40 meters.

This contest reminded me of how good 40 meter CW can be when the band 
is not full of static.

After spending most of my time as a Novice on 40, I have always said 
that if I had to be marooned on one band of my choosing, 40 meters 
would be my choice.

The reason is that 40 is open to somewhere 24/7 unless you happen to 
hit a major sun spot disturbance that causes almost the entire 
shortwave spectrum to shut down.

-- 
Mike Duke, K5XU