The HA DX contest is a contest with much activity. So I decided to work with my indoor Booster Cylinder Dipole. As a low power enthusiast I always work with QRP or QRPp (less than 1 W) when possible. The stonger the received signal, the lower the power can be. The Booster hangs in the Dormer Window.
The table shows the 17 QSO's that I made on 21 MHz. 21 MHz worked more easily than the other bands. Hi. Further only one QSO on 14 MHz was made.
PA1B in HA DX 2024 with QRP on 21 MHz Booster Cylinder Dipole - Wingspan 55 cm
Booster TheΒ BoosterΒ is a cylinder dipole. The two cylinders, are each made from 6 Energy Booster cans fromΒ aluminium, that are cut open and bolted together. Click for details >>
I had great fun in the HA-DX Contest of 2023. I used my FT-817 QRP transceiver with CW on an End fed, that is fed via 300 ohm twin lead.
Strong signals When I started just before 15 utc on 20 meter, I heard very strong signals. A signal of S9 can be answered with 1 W or 500 mW. But the signals were very strong: S9 + 10 dB. This gives the possibility to make QSO's with 80 mW or even 36 mW. When I came on the band, I first looked for the stations that were received with S9 + 10 dB.
In the first two hours on the band I made 12 QSO's with 36 mW and 80 mW. All with search an pounce. (S&P) Only when I am sure the my signal is not heard, I will increase my power and try again. The lowest power of my FT-817 with CW is 360 mW. This 360 mW is reduced to 36Β mW with a 10 dB attenuator. My homebrew power attenuator of 10 dB
Later I made QSO's with 800 mW and 360 mW, when the signal strenght decreased. When the band closed, I went to 7 MHz. After one QSO I decided to stop because it was too difficult. My 2,7 W was not heard between all QRO-signals.
On sunday I started on 7 MHz with 2.7 Watt. Later I went to 14 MHz to make QSO's with 360 mW, 800 mW and 3.6 Watt. I use 3.6 W when my 800 mW is not heard.