This was a particularly fun one for me, weather called for torrential downpour and possible thunderstorms but I was able to avoid both and spent extra time on the summit I typically miss out on.
In any case, I was using my new KX2 with the elecraft paddles and encountered some issues with the contacts. Dits/dahs not being picked up, and occasionally some runaway keying that was incredibly disrupting as a new CW op. I have since added a back-up key, but I wanted to express my appreciation for everyone who was willing to hang in there with me.
Since I was expecting rain, I brought my MPAS Lite, since it takes mere seconds to deploy and tear down with the AX1 as a backup. After netting 25 contacts with the MPAS, I packed it up and moved to the observation deck. Used the AX1 “pedestrian mobile” and got another 9 contacts before I loaded everything into the pack and headed down the mountain.
Aside from the backup key I’ll be adding, I experienced another first. Mental fatigue. While the QSO rate wasn’t through the roof, taking calls via CW for a couple hours was a challenge for me. By the end, I was ready to put the key down despite how much fun it was.
Again, thanks to all who made it a beautiful and fun Saturday.
