Is an end fed wire antenna enough of an antenna to get on the air in a major contest? In this follow up to the WPX SSB contest I answer this question and give you my perspective of using a 80/160 end fed wire antenna in the CQ WPX Contest 2025.
Well, this year’s SSB contest was the grand debut of my shiny, new SE0X shack! I set a daring goal for myself: to outshine my high score from way back in 2013. So, did I reach for the stars, and what’s the scoop on the hot, new “clean desk policy” in the shack? Buckle up
After years of using home-brew verticals for Topband it was time for change. In preparation for the contest season 2018-2019 I installed a new vertical for 80 and 160 meter, the commercially produced “Axtorp”. This is a linear loaded vertical from Lannabo Radio, the HF antenna specialist on the Swedish west coast. It stretches 18
With the rise of FT8 I was getting curious to explore VHF propagation. Last summer I installed a 144 MHz transverter from HA1YA and a Big Wheel omni directional horizontal antenna. It turned out pretty well, but why stop at dipping your feet. What did I do next to improve performance on 144 MHz? 🙂
The SE0X Skimmer has a temporary replacement antenna, a PA0RDT Mini Whip. Results are impressive considering its simplicity and tiny physical shape. There is a separate story on this simple antenna here. This post is focused on the analysis of Reverse Beacon Network spots to evaluate the antennas performance.
Getting ready for CQ160 SSB this weekend by upgrading the remote shack with a better way to control RX antennas and other remotely switched functions at SE0X. Introducing the Stream Deck, a very useful gadget from the gaming community!
A new temporary skimmer antenna has been installed at the SE0X skimmer site. I didn’t expect much from the small and simple PA0RDT active mini-whip antenna, but its good performance, especially on 160 meter, surprised me in the ARRL DX contest.