Special SKCC member: Jeff, G4ELZ and his key.

Categories (CAT)                 * = Special SKCC member.                 1 = 1 watt or less.                 2 = Greater than 1 watt, up to 5 watts.                 3 = Greater than 5 watts, up to 100 watts.                 4 = Greater than 100 watts.                 5 = Shortwave Listener.

Date: October 11, 2009
Theme: Craftsman Key Sprint
Club call: G4ELZ
Information: WES Homepage
Number of participants: 76

Results by Final Score

Rank	CAT	Call	Name	SKCC	QTH	QSO's	Mult	Bonus	Score
-	*3	G4ELZ	Jeff	4910C	England	76	31	480	2836
1	3	KØLUW	Russ	1702T	NE	89	34	505	3531
2	3	WA1AR	Alan	4079T	MA	84	33	336	3108
3	3	KC1JB	Pete	4853C	MA	64	30	450	2370
4	3	W5ALT	Walt	103T	TX	67	28	392	2268
5	3	W9DLN	Dan	3635T	WI	40	32	323	1603
6	2	KC2KY	Neil	3245T	NY	45	26	342	1512
7	3	LW3EX	Walt	3804T	Argentina	46	23	370	1428
8	3	KX9DX	Rick	5166	IL	43	25	234	1309
9	3	N8CEI	Jeff	4757	OH	39	24	221	1157
10	3	N2AUR	George	5841	NJ	35	22	232	1002
11	3	K4NVJ	Joe	393	AL	34	21	212	926
12	3	KB3HBD	Sandy	5540	MD	31	22	206	888
13	3	K9ZMD/6	Gary	891T	CA	30	19	251	821
14	3	KØKEX	Rick	5220T	MO	31	16	300	796
15	3	N5LUL	Brad	3779C	TX	32	16	211	723
16	3	WB5JWI	Les	5013	TX	26	16	224	640
17	2	NE5DL	Dave	5081T	TX	24	18	184	616
17	3	W6UT	Dennis	2417T	CA	25	16	216	616
19	3	K5ENA	John	3045T	OK	23	16	230	598
20	3	AC7T	Doug	5368C	WA	33	12	191	587
21	3	AF2Z	Drew	2082T	NJ	26	14	213	577
22	3	WA1VIL	Greg	443T	MA	24	14	213	549
23	5	SWL/K2RFP	Cookie	SWL	NY	22	14	201	509
24	2	N2JNZ	George	2836T	NY	20	16	180	500
25	3	N3MVX	Jim	3273T	PA	21	14	191	485
26	3	KA5TJS	Allen	5172	TX	22	15	151	481
27	4	UU1CC	Andy	3072C	Ukraine	20	12	217	457
28	2	W4CU	Tom	2733T	FL	22	13	154	440
29	4	IØQM	Bob	4954	Italy	19	13	138	385
30	3	W9CC	Larry	469T	IN	18	12	166	382
31	3	W3RT	Red	3237T	PA	14	10	164	304
32	3	KKØI	Jack	2370T	WI	16	10	104	264
33	3	KD8JHJ	Mike	4877	OH	13	8	125	229
33	5	EI1429	Brendan	5661	Ireland	12	12	85	229
35	3	KK7YJ	Jim	2728T	MT	13	8	122	226
36	3	AB1BW	George	2468T	CT	12	10	100	220
37	3	NT9K	Bill	1928T	FL	11	8	128	216
38	3	K2RFP	Dick	2099T	NY	10	9	125	215
39	3	KI6BHB	Dave	4186C	CA	13	9	96	213
40	3	GØRDO	John	2133T	England	11	10	90	200
41	2	K8QI	Barry	2795T	FL	10	9	95	185
42	3	KD6HTN	Kate	5405	CA	8	8	94	158
43	4	K4BAI	John	3280	GA	9	7	86	149
44	3	KA1XC	John	5188C	MA	8	7	88	144
45	3	K6FFY	Nick	1221T	WA	8	6	89	137
46	2	AB8FJ	Ted	62C	OH	7	5	76	111
47	3	KK9U	Mark	3818	IN	8	7	54	110
48	3	KAØCSW	Jim	3741T	MN	8	6	61	109
49	3	N9QU	Leo	3464T	WI	5	5	80	105
50	3	VE3HNE	Walt	4893C	On	7	4	73	101
51	3	W6SQQ	Al	1283C	CA	6	6	63	99
52	2	KB4QQJ	Randy	3508T	NC	9	6	44	98
53	3	S52CC	Vince	5011	Slovenia	7	6	51	93
54	3	KC9KHG	Randy	3687T	IL	4	3	72	84
55	3	KG4WNA	John	4984	KY	4	4	66	82
56	3	VE5DP	Don	5762	Sk	4	3	62	74
57	2	KW4JS	John	4800	TN	6	5	40	70
58	3	K4UFT	Ted	4289C	SC	6	5	39	69
59	3	G4LMW	Rob	4454C	England	5	5	38	63
60	3	K4JPN	Steve	2402	GA	5	4	42	62
61	2	K1UTI	Bob	2747	FL	8	5	18	58
61	3	I/N4KGL	Greg	5123T	Italy	5	5	33	58
63	3	WA2JSG	Curt	3018T	NJ	5	3	35	50
64	3	WL7WH	Bob	2940T	AK	3	2	34	40
65	3	KF7ATL	Garth	5914	UT	3	3	30	39
66	2	N9GGE	John	2886	IL	3	3	29	38
67	3	K6JF	Jim	4261T	CA	3	3	26	35
68	3	WA1LGQ	Larry	5374	CT	1	1	33	34
69	2	WO5X	Paul	1054	AR	1	1	30	31
70	3	KL7GLL	Gene	1098T	VA	2	1	26	28
71	3	K6CSL	Bert	4486	CA	3	3	15	24
72	3	K2PAY	Jerry	4304T	NY	2	2	16	20
73	3	K1NV	Jon	2609-T	NV	1	1	0	1
73	3	PA3CLQ	Jan	2765	Netherlands	1	1	0	1
75	3	WØSZV	Eldon	4999	MO	0	0	0	0

Results by Category and Final Score

Rank	CAT	Call	Name	SKCC	QTH	QSO's	Mult	Bonus	Score
1	*3	G4ELZ	Jeff	4910C	England	76	31	480	2836
1	2	KC2KY	Neil	3245T	NY	45	26	342	1512
2	2	NE5DL	Dave	5081T	TX	24	18	184	616
3	2	N2JNZ	George	2836T	NY	20	16	180	500
4	2	W4CU	Tom	2733T	FL	22	13	154	440
5	2	K8QI	Barry	2795T	FL	10	9	95	185
6	2	AB8FJ	Ted	62C	OH	7	5	76	111
7	2	KB4QQJ	Randy	3508T	NC	9	6	44	98
8	2	KW4JS	John	4800	TN	6	5	40	70
9	2	K1UTI	Bob	2747	FL	8	5	18	58
10	2	N9GGE	John	2886	IL	3	3	29	38
11	2	WO5X	Paul	1054	AR	1	1	30	31
1	3	KØLUW	Russ	1702T	NE	89	34	505	3531
2	3	WA1AR	Alan	4079T	MA	84	33	336	3108
3	3	KC1JB	Pete	4853C	MA	64	30	450	2370
4	3	W5ALT	Walt	103T	TX	67	28	392	2268
5	3	W9DLN	Dan	3635T	WI	40	32	323	1603
6	3	LW3EX	Walt	3804T	Argentina	46	23	370	1428
7	3	KX9DX	Rick	5166	IL	43	25	234	1309
8	3	N8CEI	Jeff	4757	OH	39	24	221	1157
9	3	N2AUR	George	5841	NJ	35	22	232	1002
10	3	K4NVJ	Joe	393	AL	34	21	212	926
11	3	KB3HBD	Sandy	5540	MD	31	22	206	888
12	3	K9ZMD/6	Gary	891T	CA	30	19	251	821
13	3	KØKEX	Rick	5220T	MO	31	16	300	796
14	3	N5LUL	Brad	3779C	TX	32	16	211	723
15	3	WB5JWI	Les	5013	TX	26	16	224	640
16	3	W6UT	Dennis	2417T	CA	25	16	216	616
17	3	K5ENA	John	3045T	OK	23	16	230	598
18	3	AC7T	Doug	5368C	WA	33	12	191	587
19	3	AF2Z	Drew	2082T	NJ	26	14	213	577
20	3	WA1VIL	Greg	443T	MA	24	14	213	549
21	3	N3MVX	Jim	3273T	PA	21	14	191	485
22	3	KA5TJS	Allen	5172	TX	22	15	151	481
23	3	W9CC	Larry	469T	IN	18	12	166	382
24	3	W3RT	Red	3237T	PA	14	10	164	304
25	3	KKØI	Jack	2370T	WI	16	10	104	264
26	3	KD8JHJ	Mike	4877	OH	13	8	125	229
27	3	KK7YJ	Jim	2728T	MT	13	8	122	226
28	3	AB1BW	George	2468T	CT	12	10	100	220
29	3	NT9K	Bill	1928T	FL	11	8	128	216
30	3	K2RFP	Dick	2099T	NY	10	9	125	215
31	3	KI6BHB	Dave	4186C	CA	13	9	96	213
32	3	GØRDO	John	2133T	England	11	10	90	200
33	3	KD6HTN	Kate	5405	CA	8	8	94	158
34	3	KA1XC	John	5188C	MA	8	7	88	144
35	3	K6FFY	Nick	1221T	WA	8	6	89	137
36	3	KK9U	Mark	3818	IN	8	7	54	110
37	3	KAØCSW	Jim	3741T	MN	8	6	61	109
38	3	N9QU	Leo	3464T	WI	5	5	80	105
39	3	VE3HNE	Walt	4893C	On	7	4	73	101
40	3	W6SQQ	Al	1283C	CA	6	6	63	99
41	3	S52CC	Vince	5011	Slovenia	7	6	51	93
42	3	KC9KHG	Randy	3687T	IL	4	3	72	84
43	3	KG4WNA	John	4984	KY	4	4	66	82
44	3	VE5DP	Don	5762	Sk	4	3	62	74
45	3	K4UFT	Ted	4289C	SC	6	5	39	69
46	3	G4LMW	Rob	4454C	England	5	5	38	63
47	3	K4JPN	Steve	2402	GA	5	4	42	62
48	3	I/N4KGL	Greg	5123T	Italy	5	5	33	58
49	3	WA2JSG	Curt	3018T	NJ	5	3	35	50
50	3	WL7WH	Bob	2940T	AK	3	2	34	40
51	3	KF7ATL	Garth	5914	UT	3	3	30	39
52	3	K6JF	Jim	4261T	CA	3	3	26	35
53	3	WA1LGQ	Larry	5374	CT	1	1	33	34
54	3	KL7GLL	Gene	1098T	VA	2	1	26	28
55	3	K6CSL	Bert	4486	CA	3	3	15	24
56	3	K2PAY	Jerry	4304T	NY	2	2	16	20
57	3	K1NV	Jon	2609-T	NV	1	1	0	1
57	3	PA3CLQ	Jan	2765	Netherlands	1	1	0	1
58	3	WØSZV	Eldon	4999	MO	0	0	0	0
1	4	UU1CC	Andy	3072C	Ukraine	20	12	217	457
2	4	IØQM	Bob	4954	Italy	19	13	138	385
3	4	K4BAI	John	3280	GA	9	7	86	149
1	5	SWL/K2RFP	Cookie	SWL	NY	22	14	201	509
2	5	EI1429	Brendan	5661	Ireland	12	12	85	229

Sprint Stats

Number of participants by state..

AK 1	AL 1	AR 1	AZ 0	CA 7	CO 0	CT 2	DE 0	FL 4	GA 2
HI 0	IA 0	ID 0	IL 3	IN 2	KS 0	KY 1	LA 0	MA 4	MD 1
ME 0	MI 0	MN 1	MO 2	MS 0	MT 1	NC 1	ND 0	NE 1	NH 0
NJ 3	NM 0	NV 1	NY 5	OH 3	OK 1	OR 0	PA 2	RI 0	SC 1
SD 0	TX 5	TN 1	UT 1	VA 1	VT 0	WA 2	WI 3	WV 0	WY 0

State with most participants: CA 7
Total USA participants: 64
Total non-USA participants: 12

Number of QSOs by state..

AK 3	AL 34	AR 1	AZ 0	CA 88	CO 0	CT 13	DE 0	FL 51	GA 14
HI 0	IA 0	ID 0	IL 50	IN 26	KS 0	KY 4	LA 0	MA 180	MD 31
ME 0	MI 0	MN 8	MO 31	MS 0	MT 13	NC 9	ND 0	NE 89	NH 0
NJ 66	NM 0	NV 1	NY 99	OH 59	OK 23	OR 0	PA 35	RI 0	SC 6
SD 0	TX 171	TN 6	UT 3	VA 2	VT 0	WA 41	WI 61	WV 0	WY 0

State with most QSOs: MA 180
Total QSOs with one or more USA operators: 1218
Total QSOs with one or more non-USA operators: 213

Countries Represented in This Sprint
Argentina, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia, Ukraine, USA

Soapbox

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W4CU Operated by: Tom

Only had a short time on the air due to other obligations but what time I had was fun. Thanks to all with good ears who heard my QRP signal. vy
73 Tom

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N9QU Operated by: Leo

A branch under the influence of gravity took the far end of my wire out of the tree, so had to spend some time in the woods playing antenna
repairman before I could play radio. But that has to be part of the fun factor. Great time as usual. Thanks to all.

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WO5X Operated by: Paul

Good fun.

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WA2JSG Operated by: Curt

Sorry, had some home problems here and could not get in until late Sunday. Only 5 contacts.
Rig: IC706MKIIG, 30 watts to an elevated vertical. 12v car battery.

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K5ENA Operated by: John

Enjoyed our WES inspite of the QSO Parties, etc. Pleasant surprise to work G4ELZ. New 80M doublet worked well. Good to work friends, new and
old.

73,
K5ENA

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AB1BW Operated by: George

Did not have a lot of time for this sprint but was able to work a few stations anyway. It was nice to hear the variety of keys on the air.
Heard lots of great fists. Best 73, George

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K8QI Operated by: Barry

My first contest with my used FT-817 purchased 2 weeks ago. I made a note to myself that I must get a CW Filter. Fun contest as always.

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K6CSL Operated by: Bert

I sure planned to do more in WES but Saturday morning woke up with the "flu" (I guess?) Didn't do much in other contest either. Bert, K6CSL

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WA1AR Operated by: Alan

Started on 20M and only worked KC1JB who is 10 miles away. 40M was a bit better. I did very little on 80M. Interesting with the PA QSO party.
Some answered my CQ and dissapeared after they heard my exchange, others played along and I started to give out numbers. Worked 19 with no SKCC number. 7
just vanished. Football interfered a bit in the afternoon, did both for the last half hour. Eventually I remenbered to give out my key type.

Alan
WA1AR

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AB8FJ Operated by: Ted

Not a lot of time to operate for this WES but enjoyable all the same. Ten-Tec Argonaut V at 5 Watts to the random wire antenna. Key used was my
Bencher RJ-2.

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K1UTI Operated by: Bob

THIS WAS MY 1ST SPRINT AND FIRST CW CONTACTS WITH THE QRP RIG (MMR-40). I HAD A GREAT TIME AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE.

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KØLUW Operated by: Russ

Used my jukebox bug for the first 3 hours. I put a new battery on it before the start. Went from a AA to AAA to speed it up a little. Built this
a couple of years ago for a sprint. I don't intend on entering it in this event. Bands were funny this weekend. I couldn't hear anything. All the signals
seemed weaker that usual and my local qrn level was up. Still a lot of fun.


My Jukebox Bub

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KW4JS Operated by: John

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PULLED MY QRP SIGNAL THRU THE QRM AND QRN.
JOHN,KW4JS

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W5ALT Operated by: Walt

I was short on time between trips to Malaysia and Ecuador and a stop at the hospital to see new grandson Nathanial, 8 lb 2 oz, 21 inches. I
managed to squeeze a few operating hours in and it was fun, anyway. Thanks to everyone who gave me a QSO!

I had planned to make a nice HB straight key, but with the travels, those plans changed. I managed to put together the pieces of one I had mostly built,
but it isn't as nice as I wanted and not fully polished. Oh well, it was fun to build anyway and it worked fine. The base is a sample of laminate wood
flooring from Home Depot, the hardware came from the local Ace Hardware, and the aluminum I bought for cheap from a local metal supply store. Even though
I put it together before it was really ready, I had about 20 hours into it. All the work was done with hand tools and a Dremel drill press.

My favorite key is the sideswiper, so my next HB key will likely be one of those.

Hope to be around the whole weekend next time and see everyone for the November WES.

73,
Walt, W5ALT

W5ALT's Homebrew Straight Key

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K4NVJ Operated by: Joe

This my first sprint using the bug. Good practice but need more.

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K9ZMD/6 Operated by: Gary

It was fun to learn what sort of key was being used at the other end of each contact. Never would have guessed that Walt, W5ALT, was using a
side swiper.

I completed my own side swiper just in time for one day of practice. On a scale of 1 to 10, I reached proficiency level 1.4 by the end of the WES . . .
or maybe that depends on who you ask. I stuck it out, though, using it for all but three contacts.

One of those three with the straight key was with G4ELZ. It was great to just hear Jeff well enough to risk calling him, so I wasn't going to lose that
one to the ol' garbage fist! As it was, that gentleman's patience and tribander were both put to the test. The other two STK contacts were with fellas
I'd already logged the night before on a different band. I just didn't want to inflict my cootie key on them a second time.

Oh, the bottom line: I was using the cootie key with my off-hand (QLH) during the entire event. That's the only way I'll ever use it. I'll either get
good or get discouraged, but I don't want mixed messages in the right hand's muscle memory.

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WA1VIL Operated by: Greg

Shouldn't have wasted good operating time (or if the XYL had her way-yard work time) on the Red Sox! Thanks for all the QSOs especially UU1CC,
IK2RMZ and G4ELZ (two bands)-the DX contacts are always special. 73 to all and catch you next sprint!

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K6FFY Operated by: Nick

This was the first time on the air with this homebrewed sideswiper.
I used a brass shim for the flex arm and the contacts were taken from a parted-out Vibraplex bug.
I used two quarters for the finger pieces, and mounted it all on a solid steel plate.
All the work was completed with a hacksaw, power drill and files.
I didn't have a lot of free time this weekend, but spent what time I could on the WES.

Homebrew Sideswiper

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K6JF Operated by: Jim

Gave up on this sprint early due to poor band condx, high noise level, and only 3 SKCC contacts. All I heard were sigs too weak to work and at
least three other contests getting in the way. To add to the misery the 49ers got spanked by the Falcons!

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N2JNZ Operated by: George

Had limited time due to family commitments but had fun !!! Worked 10 in the last 40 minutes !! Nice to work Phil , KL8DX and Jeff , G4ELZ !!
Russ , K0LUW was S9 + 40 db over here on Saturday nite on 40m in NNY !! With my new brass weights from Russ the Annie Bug was flyin !!! Many many thanks
, Russ !!!! With each WES I am amazed at how much better the fists are getting. Goes to show what a group with strong members can do !!!! Keep it up guys
!!!

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W6UT Operated by: Dennis

Enjoyed the limited time I had to work the WES. Did manage to get 4 new Cs toward my X6. First time on radio in almost a month.

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N2AUR Operated by: George

My first contest in 3 years. Built a homebrew cootie key but my skills were sadly lacking, so went with STK. Relocated the ham shack during the
contest - brilliant move - hi hi! Overall impression? Great fun; didn't have to hyperventilate for 3 hours (Well, not until weekday sprint). I'll be
back.
George N2AUR

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K4BAI Operated by: John

FT1000MP, Alpha 78, 1KW, TH6DXX, dipole. Busy with other activities, but called every "WES" station I heard. See you next month. 73, John,
K4BAI.

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KD6HTN Operated by: Kate

I had a little bit of trouble psyching out the ionosphere, as to exactly when 20 m would be open. We need some sunspots!! I'm also starting to
really get the message that I am not being heard well enough on 40 m; my GAP Eagle antenna, although rated for 40 m & having a decent SWR, just doesn't
do the job. All my 8 contacts (note - 4 times my previous personal record!) were on 20 m. I only lost one that I know of due to being slow & klutzy.
My CW must be getting better. I had a good time & I enjoy these monthly challenges.

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KF7ATL Operated by: Garth

My first contest. Just did it for the experience. I learned a lotl

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S52CC Operated by: Vince

At times we could use a new CW abbreviation: NBN (Nothing But Noise). Only 40 m band was of any use here. The use of K3UK SKED page certainly
makes the event livelier, thanks Andy. Thanks also to all who contacted me on the band and on the screen. 73, Vince

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GØRDO Operated by: John

Only joined in for a while, it was good fun as usual. I hadn't read the rules so was suprised when asked what type of key I was using. A great
idea !
John / G0RDO / 2133T

A big Marconi 365D marine key.

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KKØI Operated by: Jack

Due to other commitments, I was able to make it on Sunday off and on. Bands weren't all that great here...many of the contacts were in the
novice portion of 40. Used the right angle Vizbug for the event. Another good event..maybe the bands will start cooperating soon. Thanks for the contacts
folks.

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IØQM Operated by: Bob

I used part-time a TriK (Triple Key) while the WES, to check an homemade and craftmanship but by Vito-IZ0GNY.
It's a mechanics manual Key, "Hooke's law" complaint, but without parts in movement; then it is full silent. I am not able to distinguish the sound of
Trick by a Straigth Key or a Sideswiper, even the scratches are the same.
The electronic part with the knob is used only to determine how much mechanical force apply, how the spring do. Nothing on length and shape of dash and
dot, nor the words space: it's full manual. (Basically it uses load cell strain gauges in a Wheatstone bridge configuration, arranged in both x-y axis so
that can be used as Straigth Key, Paddle, or Sideswiper, an all-in-one-Key. I'm not a skilled CW operator but I never saw a key like this before now.
IMHO to categorize it is a bit more than a STK for the SSW capabilities but less than a Bug.)

Better antenna as soon as possible, as to not make crazy guys who listen me so buried in the noise, my fist is enough for this ;-)

Thanks for the WES and to all for the funny QSO. 73 Bob.

TriK

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VE3HNE Operated by: Walt

Busy week hear not much time for the WES. Got on 20m late Sunday afternoon made 2 contacts then had to stop and check the web page for WES,
after being asked twice about my key. I gave both KA5TJS and N5KIP the long story about my key, so next time I will check the web page first. But it was
still lots of fun and hope to get more time next WES

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KØKEX Operated by: Rick

The cold snap across the mid-west had us scrambling to get things winterized. It also gave us some low noise bands to work. The K3UK sight
provided insight on propagation, G4ELZ was 589 on 20M, Worked Walt, LW3EX on 10/15M, Kate KD6HTN 599+ also. Gary K9ZMD/6 got the SSW under control. Gud
job Gary. Q's on 10,15,20,40,& 80M. Russ K0LUW always a gentleman and ready for a Q. KC to Omaha only on 80M, TU Russ. Seven new No's, the Last Q
special N2JNZ, George, ur 5 watts was banging in here on 40M, the Annie sounded great. Good to hear everyone..thanks to all for the Q's Lot's O
Fun....73 Rick

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K4UFT Operated by: Ted

First opportunity to use my IC-7000. IF DSP is so much better than Audio DSP ... eliminates RTTY stations that don't use their receivers
(that's all of them). Ran 20 Watts to the usual home brew vertical. Key was ChiCom Army K5. Heard sigs on 10, 15, and 20, but No Joy. As usual,
stayed on 40 above 7100. I'm really ready for some good propagation above 40.

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WØSZV Operated by: Eldon

Unable to participate this month, but did get third 50ft tower up. 160m loop antenna going up monday.

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G4ELZ Operated by: Jeff

Enjoyed this event very much. Worked many members for the first time. 20 mtrs went very well and condx were excellent. Many thanks for all the
QSO's and cu all next time. 73 Jeff G4ELZ.

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KD8JHJ Operated by: Mike

Fun sprint. The high point for me was working Walt LW3EX. Thanks Walt. I built a sideswiper for the sprint. Cool to use a key on the air
that I made myself.

My homebrew sideswiper.

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WB5JWI Operated by: Les

This was my best ever WES. QRN bad but T-storms stayed away; added 16 new #'s - only need 11 for C. Tnx to WB5NHH for his patience. Last hour my
ear turned to "tin". I couldn't seem to recognize any code! never had that happen to me before, weird feeling. I KNEW I KNEW the character, I just
couldn't remember what it was. Strange. Thanks to all for a great Sprint. I shifted to the SSW at the last as I didn't hear many of them. Apologies for
my poor fist - I am new to the SSW. I even worked a /M out in West Texas. Added my 3rd Country (UK on 40 in THIS sunspot cycle!). A great time. Again,
thanks to all.

Bug & STK for each rig. Vibrokeyer wired as SSW

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NE5DL Operated by: Dave

Operated for 2 1/2 hours at the end of the sprint and decided to go QRP this month, mostly on 20M. Surprised at the number of replies and sig
rpts to my CQ. Used K3 and Hex Beam and vertical on 40M

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N5LUL Operated by: Brad

Had a good time. Should have read the total web-site post to catch the key info. Thanks to K6JF for clue-ing me in early in the contest. 20M and
40M were the only game to play here. Found many others in the same situation. Was ready to call it quits early, then heard LW3EX and HAD to get him. Kept
the interest running 'till the end. Will be back next month.

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W9CC Operated by: Larry

It was good to work Jeff, G4ELZ, and Andy, UU1CC. Of course it was fun to work everyone! I'd sure like to hear more SSW keys, it is a lost
art, almost. I was using my spark key, the Clapp-Eastham "Boston" key, STK. 73 to all.

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KA1XC Operated by: John

Busy weekend and feeling under the wx Sunday, but got on the last hour and worked a few anyway. Pleased to QSO Jeff G4ELZ 0n 40M.
Cold meds sure make copying CW interesting! :^)
Used Russian mil surplus straight key and IC-7700, dipole w/ladder line and tuner. Tnx & 73, John

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KL7GLL Operated by: Gene

Family responsibilities kept me from all but a short time, but will be back next month.

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AC7T Operated by: Doug

I had lots of power line noise and I found it difficult to copy the weaker signals. I still had fun though, thanks to the organizers and
participants. Until nexst month, 73.

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N8CEI Operated by: Jeff

This was my second W.E.S, and I had a great time on 40 meters. 27 new SKCC numbers pushed my total past 100 into Centurion territory. Special
thanks to Chas, NK8I, for number 100 and Tom, KC9ECI (SKCC# 1) for number 99. I was so startled by Tom's number that I had to ask for a repeat!

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AF2Z Operated by: Drew

Only caught the beginning and end of this WES. Not much activity Sat evening-- maybe the QSO parties scared folks off. One PAQ contestant
answered my "CQ SKS" but he wouldn't give me his name; I wonder if he interpreted my SKCC number as a serial number... Some people are calling "CQ WES",
others "CQ SKS", others "CQ SKCC", I hope everyone knows everyone else is in the same contest... Worked Walt LW3EX for my only DX and 15m QSO... Rig:
Elecraft K3 at 12 watts, 100' wire up 30', Junker straight key.

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LW3EX Operated by: Walt

Nice WES, always a good time. Cndx seems to be improving slowly at this side.
Short QSO stats: 24 0/0 made on 14MHz, 56 0/0 on 21MHz and 20 0/0 on 28MHz.
Sri not much craftsman style on my key this time (the one planned to use is still in parts over the workbench) but managed to assemble a cootie in a
couple of hours last Sat (The POSwiper)... and it works!
Many thanks for the QSO´s and congrats for the great HB keys done, FB guys.
CU on the next, 73 - ..- Walt

Ughhh !!!

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NT9K Operated by: Bill

Lots of fun with loads of DX on the air. I worked more DX than I did Stateside members. Not as many contacts as I would have liked, but still a
lot of fun. This is my favorite WES theme, but unfortunately I wasn't able to finish my key in time this year. It won't take much longer and I'll post
photos then. I plan to enter a matched pair of keys in this years SPAR key contest. One will be my sideswiper key #7. The other will be a matching
straight key #10, which has a bit more bling.

For this event, I mostly used my GHD sideswiper, but made a few contacts using other keys. Nice to work Walt LW3EX on 3 bands. Phil KL8DX had a nice
signal this month. Since propagation was good, the other QSO parties didn't bother me. 10 and 15 were open and producing. Still, I missed working lots of
the regulars this month.
Until next time, 73. Bill NT9K


This photo should be of a matching straight key.

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K2RFP Operated by: Dick

A surprise to work Jeff. Best fist heard was Bill, NT9K.
A little rough pulling Kate Kd6HTN out of the noise but got it done.

Until next time, 73.

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SWL/K2RFP Operated by: Cookie

Jerry, I was listening for you with your new Windom but didn't hear you.
Maybe next time.


I help Dick with the code and he helps me with the logging.

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KB4QQJ Operated by: Randy

I only got to operate the last couple hours of the WES. I was on Harkers Island running the Cape Lookout Lighthouse special event. (150th
anniversary). Hate I missed the WES but had a very good time on the island. Great to see all the different keys. Strongest signal was N2AUR, George in NJ
at 20 over. Great signal George. 73 es BCNU

Randy _ KB4QQJ

LAST YEAR

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K1NV Operated by: Jon

Well, one QSO is better than none. I'm back in Nevada and pruning an OCP dipole which has turned out to be a tedious task. Things should be
ready for the next weekday sprint later in the month.

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EI1429 Operated by: Brendan

Well enjoyed lads thanks! Hear you soon!

Tryin to keep up with the best

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PA3CLQ Operated by: Jan

Only one QSO with I0QM and his TRIK Key
Family visit my home so....
Hope that i make next time more Q's in the FB WES.
Working with 80 watt into a wire of 43Meters up 11MASL.
My key : home brew Side Swiper made of a hacksaw blade.
73, Jan Pieter Oelp 'JaPiO' PA3CLQ

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KC2KY Operated by: Neil

I had fun this month as usual. This was the first WES where I made at least one contact on each of 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. The only
homemade key I have is a junker. I felt I had to make something for this month's sprint so I fabricated a slow speed (13-20 WPM) add-on kit for my 1945
Vibroplex bug. It consists of two pieces of thin copper tubing soldered together. The smaller piece has the same outside diameter as the bug's original
armand accepts the weights outboard of the damper assembly. The larger tube acts as a sleeve which slides snugly over the original arm and the small
tube. Thanks to all for the comeraderie. Jerry, it was nice to work you on 40 meters - the new Windom is doing a FB job!


Modified 1945 Vibroplex Original

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W3RT Operated by: Red

Good theme for this WES. Too bad for me, I hadn't much time for participation in it. Great to work Jeff on two bands...thanks Jeff!

Used the Speed-X and kept the power down to 50 watts to the sloper.

Looking forward to more operating time in the future!

73, Red, SKCC # 3237T in PA.

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KA5TJS Operated by: Allen

Great WES. Only need 19 contacts to get the C. Great bunch of guys in this group.

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W6SQQ Operated by: Al

Conditions were marginal on all bands, but I did manage to work Walt in Argentina on 15M. Called a hundred CQs across the bands to no avail.
Search & pounce provided all my 6 contacts, but many stations couldn't hear me through the stronger East coast sigs. Got the chow call a hour before
close and never made it back to the radio room. Used 2 antennas this time: a TW-2010 on 20, 15 & 10, and the old cloudburner multiband inverted vee on
80, 40 and 20. Power; 100W out of the K3. The pic shows a Begali Blade in the foreground, a vertical VIZbug, a tile slab bearing an Ameco K4, a Navy
Flame Proof, and an E.F.Johnson Speed X. On top of the IC-746 is a Hi Mound HK-808 and a Bencher paddle. To the right of the K3 is a Vibroplex
Champion.

Thanks to all who participated. It was still fun.


ARS W6SQQ, Orange, CA

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G4LMW Operated by: Rob

Been away all weekend so only managed an hour or so at the end. Always enjoy the sprints and looking forward to some propagation (if it is ever
going to come)

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I/N4KGL Operated by: Greg

I enjoyed working European SKCC members from Vicenza Italy. My rig was an Icom 703 and antenna was a Par End Fed 40/20/10 Antenna. I heard only
one US member. Lots of fun!

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Poll Question-1: What is your favorite type of key?

1) Traditional straight key.

2) Sideswiper.

3) Bug.

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Special certificates in recognition of the fine craftsmanship in constructing a key for this event went out to Bill at NT9K, Mike at KD8JHJ, and Nick at K6FFY.

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Programmed by K2RFP. VID: 1.01.364
Updated: October 17, 2009 0037 UTC
WES Manager: Dick - K2RFP