WQ6X Wings YeT Another Weird WPX (Weird Prefix) ConTesT

 I was originally intending to entitle this Blog post:
"WQ6X Runs an organizedly dis-organized End of MaY Radiosport Weekend".

WPX Contests (esp. Cw GiGs) are by nature quite weird (yet exciting) events. 
When the choice is made to dual-OP an event like this one, the potential for operational weirdness
all but triples.  The original plan was to join up with NX6T on a multi-single run from WA6TQT's QTH in Anza, while finding time in the middle to run QRP remotely from KN6NBT's station in Ramona.

NX6T was originally considering a multi-2 HP run.  Unfortunately, not enough operators came
on board, making that idea logistically impractical.  As it turned out, weird hardware anomalies required STN-1 to takeover for STN-2 on Saturday morning.  The two stations being nearly
identical in configuration, via a shared log made that transition seamless, except for a 4-QSO numbering discrepancy that was resolved when the Cabrillo log file was created.

I ran the first two hours by way of my Alameda office.  The transition to W7AYT's QTH left
an important USB dongle hub languishing back at my office, requiring a round-trip to pick it up
and restart in Concord.  With a team of only 6 operators, expert resource juggling an absolute requirement to maximize the performance needed over a 48-hour period.

When running QRP copy can be a bit tricky, s clear frequency (if there IS such a thing with QRP)
and calling LoTs of CQ put the WQ6X callsign on the spotting networks somewhat offsetting the QRP disadvantages.  For me, Cw contests are more enjoyable than Ssb GiGs.  While Cw QSOs require way more repeats, it could be argued a contributing factor is the fact that we endeavor to work stations that are barely S-1 or S-2 - at those signal levels, repeats are inevitable.

While running remote from my Alameda office is fun and convenient, what is missing at this location
is an installation of hardware (a pair of Autek QF-1A external filters) necessary for implementing Stereo-CW.  Fortunately, the Stereo-CW implementation at W7AYT's QTH has been fully vetted
[and] top notch.  It is AWEsome to behold a near-180-degree azimuth of signals orderly arrayed around the operating experience - a 2-dimensional "flat" jumble of callers become magically transformed into a more effective 3-D style operation.

For NX6T, DXLOG software better supports a multi-operator environment. 
Running Single-OP, I find the 12 function keys to be more easily customizable. 
Being in a somewhat "lazy" frame of mind during the weekend, thanks to a wireless
keyboard and track ball, I was able to lay out on the bed propped by pillows when running
frequencies, either as WQ6X or NX6T.  This works until some idiot moves in on the run frequency, forcing me to sit down at the radio, find a new run frequency and start over.

Success in WPX contests is a combination of Frequency Running and Search and Pounce (S&P),
which is why I prefer running Single-OP Assisted.  Running NX6T under DXLOG found the dual
bandmaps to be fully populated most of the time - the exceptions being 80/160 meters.  Thanks
to stacked yagis on 40 thru 10 meters, virtually 90% of those stations were eventually worked.

When it was all over, it would seem that BOTH WQ6X and NX6T turned in respectable scores,
altho nothing spectacular in either case.  AT the VERY least, what is important is that the NX6T
and WQ6X callsigns got plenty of callsign recognition.  

For WQ6X operations overall, the recently revamped Stereo-CW cabling seems to have held up.

DiD YOU work the 2o26 CQ WPX Cw contest?

Is WQ6X or NX6T in YOUR LoG?