Ben Sweetland said that, success is a journey, not a destination. For Henry (KD5BPR) and Ira (N5OGW), though, enough with the journey. They have a specific destination in mind. And, the LAQP might be the ticket to the journey’s end. Ira needed three more states for his Worked All States (WAS) award. Henry had just about half the states needed for his WAS under his belt.
Both men, along with six other operators, worked an almost constant series of pile-ups to rack-up hundreds of QSOs in the 2022 Louisiana QSO Party (LAQP). Did Ira get the last three states? Find out and read on in the Results section.
LAQP Operating Times/Goals
The 2022 LAQP, similar to other state QSO parties, is a twelve hour friendly contest. Start time occurred at 9:00am CDT (1400hrs UTC, Saturday) and ended at 8:59pm Saturday (0200hrs UTC, Sunday)).
Non-Louisiana operators try to work as many Louisiana stations as possible. Louisiana operators try to acquire as many contacts (both Louisiana out-of-state) as possible. It’s a good chance for operators – especially Louisiana operators – to make contacts with other states, counties, or grids for the WAS, 100 Counties, or 100 Grid awards. In addition, operators may submit logs to the LAQP organizers for a chance to win, place, or show in a variety of operating categories.
Band Conditions and Operations
The SFI kept its upward climb reaching the 150s by the time of the LAQP event start. The K values hovered between 3 and 4.
Club members ran on the 20 meter band. The band conditions were so good, and QSOs and pile-ups were plentiful enough that changing bands never gained serious consideration.
Club operators used their own station IDS so they could gain needed contacts for various awards and to add to their respective logbooks.
Operating Equipment and Software
Club operators utilized the following equipment and software for the event:
Operations Using On-Site Equipment
– ICOM7300
– Alpha 87 Linear Amplifier – to 1,500 watts (PEP)
– StepperIR antenna – 6m – 40m
– Antenna rotator for the SteppIR
– N1MM+ logging software
Remote Operations – Used by Chuck NO5W
– Flex 6600 owned by Dallas K1DW. Located at KN5O in Covington, LA
– Flex 6600 used Smart SDR, Samrth CAT Radio Software
– N1MM+ located on NO5W laptop and connected via Internet to the Flex
– Flex 6600 connected to two antennas (40m/20m) at KN5O in Covington, LA
Participating Operators
| Ryan – KI5NMJ+ | Joe – KG5EFR |
| Ira – N5OGW | Henry – KD5BPR |
| Seth – K2DIW*** | Timur – K3IXD |
| Chuck – NO5W** | Greg – K5DEU*** |
+ Operated from home in Hammond
++ Operated a remote radio located at KN5O in Covington from the club and also from home
+++ Assisted
Results
Ira (N5OGW) made QSOs with operators in the final three states needed for his WAS. Congrats, Ira!!!
As of the time of this article, Ira is awaiting QSLs (confirmations) for the contacts.
Operating Team
By Greg (K5DEU)
