Last night, tired from trying to scratch out a new country in the CQ WW CW contest, I headed upstairs for bed somewhat dejected. On my way up I noticed a large envelope from the ARRL. I guess I thought it was related to the Diamond Club, which I had recently renewed, so I almost didn’t open it. But it tuned out to be something entirely unexpected. Last November I had participated in the 160 meter contest. Turns out I won for Rhode Island in the QRP category. Yea, sort of. While I’m happy to have won, there are a few things to consider.
First, not many hams have antennas capable of working on 160 meters because they are so large. My loop, at 450 feet, is about 100 feet too short, and about 100 feet too low to be very effective on 160 meters. But I can still load it up and it does work. Next few hams are in Rhode Island to begin with. Finally, only a fool runs QRP on the nosiest band of them all.
I figured that all the above might present me with an opportunity. And it did.
First Place, Single Op, QRP, 160 Meter Contest
