While searching for unique entries in the CQ WW contest, Oliver OM0ARX (MW0JRX) and I discovered that most operators repeatedly enter the same category. We’re drawn to discovering and trying something new. So what did we come up with?
Two operators aren’t an uncompetitive team for this world contest. So we looked for an alternative that would allow both of us to make contacts. The solution is two single-band categories. However, we still had to decide which ones. We put our heads together, and the result was OM0A (op. OM0AAO) SOSB 80m LP Ass. and OM0ARX SOSB 40m LP Ass.
It is well known that the CQ WW Contest creates its own propagation conditions. Just before the contest, a massive solar flare occurred, resulting in excellent propagation conditions on 10m (everyone who was there during the contest will certainly confirm this), however, the 80m band was marked by fluctuations and blackouts….
It’s a strange feeling—to hear stations on the frequency making contacts with a station that, under normal conditions, would be easy to reach—but not to be able to hear it yourself! The paradox of an empty band: a three-quarter-hour-long string of CQ calls on 3799 kHz…. Most frequently represented countries: 65x DL, 50x SP, 40x OK. Eight stations from OM made contact. Although the point value of these contacts is zero, hearing friends on the band is always, always a pleasure…
During the contest, I also had to attend to work obligations, which left me exhausted on the second night. I simply couldn’t have done it without taking a few breaks.
OM0A CQ WW SSB 2014 QSO rate on 80m
The end of the contest showed the 80m band in a better light—a better rate, a better feeling. The log shows 531 QSOs (6 dupes), 54 countries, and 9 zones. There are woefully few multipliers.