WQ6X runs JIDX-Cw and a few other things

K 3 / 0 +  FT - 1 0 0 0mp

In the previous Blog entry I wrote up an overview of JIDX Cw GiGs WQ6X has been a part of in the last 6+ years.  ([CLICK HERE] to read that Blast from the Past.)  JIDX coincides with the NCDXF Foundations' DX convention in Visalia (Southeast from here), leaving a dearth of Cw operators available to reprise another NX6T plaque from the Japanese International DX (JIDX) contest.

By Friday we cobbled together a trio of operators: KI6RRN, WM6Y & WQ6X.  While this was largely
a remote operation, at one point 01:00z-6pm) Phil (WM6Y) actually achieved B-I-C (Butt-in-Chair) status atop the hill in Fallbrook.  It's always nice to have real live operators onsite and in the chair. 

Who nose, one day we may have an android-assisted category: Single-OP Android, Single-OP remote-Android, Mult-OP 2-Androids.

Because this weekend coincides with a number of state QSO parties and "mini" Dx contests, I decided
to bring the Elecraft K3/0 bag to W7AYT giving direct Ethernet access for remoting into NX6T to work JIDX while running the other contest GiGs on the side using the Yaesu FT-1000mp.  Thanks to a considerably higher Solar Flux Index (SFI) of 77 I was hoping for improved band conditions (over previous weeks).

Being a San Francisco Giants (baseball) fan, while waiting for JIDX I decided to watch them beat Denver 3-to-2; but in 18 innings (over at 1am Pdt).  JIDX was well under way @ NX6T w/KI6RRN running things from the STN-1 remote "chair".

Typical of my visits to W7AYT, getting a stable internet connection is an unnecessarily-challenging hassle; this weekend being no exception.  Usually I can get an IP-connection for the K3/0 and difficulty w/VNC Viewer; this weekend was just the reverse. 

W I N T E S T  &  R C F o r b

In order to take the "helm" at 09:00z (2am) I reverted to a backup to the backup plan: VNC Viewer for running WINTEST and the antiquated RCForb (control software) to run the radio.  Other than having RCForb's "buckshot" riddled audio requiring callsign repeats, I managed over 125+ QSOs
on 40 (mainly) and 80 meters.

After 5+ hours sleep I was back at it, but on the WQ6X side of things.  The QSO parties were kinda full of activity, at least for GA & New Mexico.  No "0" stations were heard from North Dakota (ND); wassup with THAT? 

New Mexico stations were plentiful; finding stations in GA required a "field telescope" in order to locate their peachy signals.  Unfortunately, NMQP is only a 12 hour contest - wassup with THAT?   If you want us to work you, then give us multi-band access during the evening hours.  Otherwise, whut's the point?

The K3/0 internet access never materialized; having RCForb ready as a backup to the backup plan (blue Ethernet cabling) is always a good idea - altho having to endure "buckshot audio" (requiring LoTsa repeats) was no fun, at LEAST there was audio.

When running NX6T remotely, I would often dial-up the run frequency on the local FT-1000mp using RX-A as an extended Cw sidetone monitor.  This allowed using RX-B to locate stations for WQ6X's bandmap (N1MM+ ran in the background tracking the 1000mp's receivers).

3 8 3 0  Scores  Results

Considering that we ran JIDX with only 3 operators (2 of them remote) we ran an amazing operation.  As in recent years, we bested our nemesis HG7T.  Unfortunately, the team of K3EST & N6RO (Et. al.) showed up out of nowhere.  Unless their log is riddled with errors, they will take the Top-Mop plaque.  Of course, having an operator who speaks fluent Japanese is a plus for a Japanese Dx contest.  Possibly it is time for me to retread Japanese lessons once attempted many, many years ago.




N X 6 T @ 13:00z  (Sunrise) - after J I D X

Did YOU work the JIDX Cw contest?
How many prefectures did You work?