BLAST from the Past: NAQP Ssb Contest

In preparation for dual-OP'ing this weekend's NAQP Ssb contest, I took

a look back at previous Blog entries I've written about this mid-August GiG.

The 5 Blog entries (in reverse order) are as follows:

• [x] - 2019: WQ6X Slips solo thru NAQP Ssb
• [x] - 2018: WQ6X Wings another NAQP SSB Dual-Operation
• [x] - 2017: W6K in NAQP is a STORMY affair
• [x] - 2016: WQ6X Survives the summertime NAQP SSB contest
• [x] - 2014: WQ6X joins the NX6T Multi-2 Operation for NAQP Ssb

 Like the NAQP Cw contest the Ssb events are run twice a year, in January and again in August. 
In August, NAQP Ssb weekend coincides with the International Lighthouse and Lightship weekend (ILLW).  Back in 2012, operating as W6L I combined the 2 events visiting lighthouses from Vallejo to Santa Cruz, using the NAQP as the vehicle to make QSOs.  [Click here] to see the overview webpage made about this operation.

When I run NAQP Single-OP, I am "RON in CA".  Because we have OM's and YL's behind the microphone at NX6T, we are "PAT in CA".  Technically, you can use any name you like.  Over the years I have heard some WILD names, some to honor deceased (SK) hams and some chosen just
to be ridiculous and/or silly.

Multi-OP operations are allowed to run the FULL 12 hours of the contest.  Single-OP operations are allowed only 10 out of the 12 hours; the strategy question being which 2 hours should we "sacrifice"?  When I dual-OP the NAQP GiGs (like I'm doing this year and as I have done in previous years), the time I spend "in the chair" at NX6T easily covers the 2 hour mandatory off time as a single-OP.

N 6 K I elmering new contest OP  K N 6 D L G

One of the things I like about the NAQP Ssb GiG is that it brings together operators off all ages, genders and skill levels.  In recent years, Ssb GiGs from Fallbrook have brought in many new operators, as young as 14 & 17, and as new to ham radio as barely 6 months. 

One of the best ways to "get hooked" with amateur radio is to participate in a Multi-OP contest Ssb event.  Licensed or not, we can/will put you behind the microphone once you are able to navigate the contest logging software.  YL's have a marked advantage in Ssb contests for obvious reasons, so we endeavor to bring them into the operation.

With people sequestering themselves this summer, it would seem that NAQP contests should have an increased number of operators; many of them running NAQP for their 1st time.

What about you?

Do YOU ever work the NAQP Ssb contests?

Is WQ6X or NX6T in YOUR LoGs?