WVDXA CQ WW DX CONTEST

[Dave Heil]

Clark,

See below:

Clark L. Stewart wrote:
> Dave,
> 
>      That's a very good number on 6-M in just 5 years, especially from 
> this side of the mountains.  

I worked most of that with the 5 element M2 at 55 feet on the smaller 
tower with K8LEE's old single 4CX250B amp at about 300w.

> I could have used the 5R myself so maybe we 
> need to exchange telephone numbers for the next time the band opens.

That one was worked a couple of years back.  Don K8MFO and I got through 
and then the guy just sank into the noise.

For any who need it, my telephone number is (304) 686-3366.

>      I'm at 101 confirmed on 6-M but have not been able to snag a new 
> one in quite awhile.  

That's great going, Clark.  I haven't worked a new one recently either.

> Missed a new one a few months back (GU) by having 
> my power fail just as I was about to call him.  That's the first time 
> that's happened.

Unfortunately, it happens here all too frequently.  I have a nice backup 
generator and I have a kit to convert it to natural gas.  I really need 
to invest in a commercial changeover switch.

>      You should think about moving down here anyway.  

While I'm from this area originally, I spent most of my teen years in 
Hinton and Oak Hill.  Oak Hill certainly gets the edge in the ham radio 
department.  I'd never get a VHF signal out of Hinton unless I lived on 
top of the mountain on the opposite side of the New River, heh.

> The DX guys are 
> great!  

It certainly seems to be a nice bunch.  For the longest time, the only 
West Virginians I knew were Al, Cal and Bill WA8YTM.  After having 
worked him for decades, I finally met 'OQL at Gaithersburg or Berryville 
back in '93 or so.  Of course he's originally from this neck of the woods.

> Today a lot of us helped Bob, W8QHG, celebrate his 90th birthday 
> and wouldn't you know someone brought him a QSL from BS7BS?  That's the 
> last one he needs to have them all (including Swains and Montenegro!)  
> We had two ARRL Card-checkers on hand that would have checked the card 
> for him if he had filled out the application too.  Great fun!

What a great idea for a surprise!  Thanks for the url in the subsequent 
note.  I'll check it out.

> Clark, W8TN
> *Waiting on a Montenegro QSL

Dave K8MN
trying to get motivated to *send* the Montenegro QSL!