ARRL DX SSB From Antigua
Bob Naumann (N5NJ)
on
April 14, 2004
View comments about this article!
The 2004 ARRL DX SSB Contest from Antigua -
V26DX
Operating the ARRL DX contest from the Caribbean is different from most other
DX contests.� The major difference is that you don't really need to turn
your antennas!��
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The hotel-roof-mounted Optibeam�
OB12-6 40 thru 10m Beam (incl 12 & 17m) pointed towards the U.S.
& Canada |
The other difference is that instead of enjoying enhanced propagation to
Europe and Asia, you have to compete with stations in those areas, and worst of
all, at times when stations you need to work are pointing their antennas towards
those other areas.� This can cause frustration, and similar to SS, a big
slow-down on Sunday afternoon.
So, what do you do?� In this case, you plan to maximize your fun, and
combine operating the contest and a great vacation with your XYL!� Is this
possible?� Yes!
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WX0B's XYL Sharon, & N5NJ's XYL
Margaret having a great time at the Royal Antiguan's Pool |
I had operated from Antigua several times since 1995 from the site of the
V26B multi-multi operation.� Several CQWW's, WPX CW's, and an ARRL DX CW
contest.� On that ARRL CW trip, the meaning of "in-season" became
more compelling to me.� The weather in the Caribbean in the late Winter /
early Spring is absolutely delightful.� Constant breeze, temperatures in
the 70's almost 'round the clock, and at mid-day, perhaps an increase into the
low to mid 80's.� What a relief for those who live in the wintry
North!��
So what's the deal with this V26DX station?� Well, it's unique.�
The station is located at the Royal
Antiguan Hotel.� The Royal Antiguan is part of the "Elite
Islands Resorts" chain which manages several other resort hotels in the
Caribbean.� The operators of the V26B station have been staying at the
Royal Antiguan for years, and have established a relationship with the hotel
management.� The hotel recognizes the world-wide publicity value of ham
radio.� As a result, they have allowed for antennas to be installed at the
hotel on a permanent basis - at no cost.� Part of the arrangement includes
making these antennas available to Antiguan amateurs should there be a communications emergency.� Those of us who are sponsoring this station, and
investing our money in the antennas and equipment, could be considered
"club members" although there is no official "club", nor is
there any financial gain for anyone involved.� Even the hotel has offered
all radio operators discounted rates from their normal charges for the same accommodations.�
In addition, the hotel strives to reserve the best room in the hotel for radio
operators - the one at the end of the top floor nearest the antenna in the photo
above.� The view from that room is breathtaking.
This is clearly a win-win-win for everyone.� The hotel gets more guests,
this is definitely an XYL-friendly destination, and we get to run pileups!
This years ARRL DX SSB contest from V26DX was operated by the following team:
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Tom DF2BO |
Zig KM9M |
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Bob N5NJ |
Jay WX0B |
Tom, DF2BO is the owner of Optibeam antennas and has donated the Optibeam
OB12-6 antenna to the V26DX station.� This antenna was connected to the
station shown in the photos above, and made the majority of our qsos.�
Tom's father recently passed away. Tom did not want to leave his mother alone in Germany so he not only brought his XYL Diana with
him, he also brought his mom, Rita who also enjoyed her time at the Royal
Antiguan.
|
Tom, Diana and Tom's mom, Rita at
the Andes Restaurant |
What can you do outside of the contest?
It doesn't matter, as there are so many things to do, you'll never get bored.
During the contest, we operated on a schedule, where two of us would be
operating for a few hours, and the other two would have off.� This worked
out great, and allowed us all time to spend with the XYL, and to get a full 24
hours in the chairs for each of us.� Zig and I were one team.
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N5NJ |
KM9M |
Jay and Tom were the other team.
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DF2BO |
WX0B |
We operated all 48 hours of the contest, enjoyed good rates most of the time,
and did quite well.
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Our score as submitted from the
Internet kiosk in the hotel lobby. |
Will we go back next year?� Absolutely!� The XYL's
insist!� Imagine that.
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Sunrise over Antigua from the
"shack" balcony |
For additional info visit the V26DX
website.
ARRL DX SSB From Antigua
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Reply
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by KM9M on April 14, 2004
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Mail this to a friend!
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Absolute accurate accounting of the events/contest there. Great Job Bob! 73, Zig KM9M / V26CW
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ARRL DX SSB From Antigua
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Reply
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by N5NJ on November 20, 2004
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Mail this to a friend!
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Regrettably, the above operation was to be the "Swan Song" for this wonderful arrangement. The hotel has been sold to a resort chain and they were unwilling to consider allowing ham radio to continue at the Royal Antiguan. "Remove the antennas immediately, or we will".
Well, it was fun, no - it was incredibly fun while it lasted.
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