INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

W8KGI Jim	N6KN Rocco	K9VKY Brian	WQ8U Mac
W5TVW Sandy	N5AIT Al	WB2AWQ Howie	K3ZX Mark
W7ID Jeff	NE1S Larry	KC8JX Larry	WA4HLV Jeff
K2TOP Rob & gang	K1LKY Roy	K8BVJ Jack	K8NU Carl

FEB 2002 CX HIGHLIGHTS

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

In the September 2001 CX Newsletter, Al, N5AIT, announced he was passing on the responsibility for organizing and reporting the CX events. Al had been responsible for the mechanics of the CX in some way since its inception and had been its backbone for a number of years. He did a tremendous job and deserves a big thank you from all of us who benefited from his untiring effort and enjoyed this great event. Jim, W8KGI, and Mac, WQ8U, agreed to become co-sponsors and keep CX rolling. This newsletter is the first output of that effort. Howie, WB2AWQ, stayed on as the announcement coordinator and Marty, AA4RM, is hosting the website. At the suggestion of some CX regulars some changes were made for the upcoming September 22nd CX including longer hours, 160 meter frequencies, and 10 meter AM frequencies. The CX website has also been rejuvenated and includes prior CX newsletters, a history of the CX, a rogues gallery showcasing classic stations and operators, and awards. Hopefully these changes will add to the enjoyment of CX for all involved.

HIGH SCORERS - HOW IT’S DONE

INTERESTING RIGS AND QSOs

Scores, number of rigs, and the age of the gear are not really all that CX is about. It is the joy of getting those classic old rigs on the air again and reliving the joy (and pain) they bring. Jeff, WA4HLV, got out the rig he used as a novice in 1974 and put it on the air at the last minute just to get into the fun. He claims it did not have the chirp back then. Jeff, W7ID also has his novice rig on DX-20 & SX-110. Mac, WQ8U, qualified a recreation of his novice rig: Heathkit AT-1 and Howard 435A. Larry, NE1S, used a 1936 RAL which was a commercial design that continued to be used in marine applications into the ‘60s; Sandy, W5TVW, also qualified one; and Howie, WB2AWQ claims he actually operated one on a ship in Hackensack, NJ (Is there that much water in town?). The Globe Scout rigs in various colors continued their participation: Al, N5AIT, with his Burnt Orange (BOGS), Jim, W8KGI with his Blue-Green (BGGS), and Jeff, WA4HLV, with his Rusty Grey (RGGS). Homebrew rigs were numerous - and old! Howie, WB2AWQ, qualified a 1932 HB superhet and a 1928 HB push-pull Hartley with 211s. Sandy, W5TVW, qualified a 1929 design ‘10 Hartley and claims the possible first CX 160 meter two-way QSO with Hartley oscillators when he worked AC5AM. Mark, K3ZX, did so well with his B&W 5100B, he reports he has picked up a B&W 5100 to keep it company.

AWARDS

The most noteworthy award is the “Best Excuse” Award which is presented this year to the gang at K2TOP - the Garden State Top Band Club. Their newsletter report gives all the gruesome details about how they deny responsibility for the power outage and the child labor activities that bolstered their score. Actually, it sounds like they were well planned and off to a great start to set records as the first multiple operator CX entry - that is until Rob went for pizza - the downfall of many a good team.

The “High Score” award goes to Jim, W8KGI.
The challenge has been issued!

The "Lowest Score" award goes to Roy, K1LKY.
He made one contact and fully reported the details plus a close up picture of his intense operating posture. From the looks of it, he may need that flame proof key next CX.

The “Wait Until Next CX” award goes to Jeff, WA4HLV.
He made a last minute appearance using his original Novice rig (Rusty Grey Globe Scout 65-B and BC-348) and managed 3 QSOs. Obviously a dedicated CXer who is set on improving his score - he got a Viking Valiant for the next CX.

The “Worst Signal Not Noticed By An Official Observer” Award was not presented this year because of obvious insufficient participation by the OOs. There were just too many potential awardees and no OO postcards were reported.

The "Most CX-like Quotation" Award goes to Rocco, N6KN.
He reported on a recent acquisition and provided his philosophy:
"This one was pretty rough when I managed to acquire it and required a lot of work. However, it works great now and is one of my favorites. The case is beat up, but I tend to leave most of my cases that way - the "patina" makes them more valuable, right?... "

STAND BY FOR SOME UNUSUAL PARTICIPANTS

WHAT ABOUT CHANGES?

The CX is first and foremost a fun event. It has as its real purpose the reactivation and operation of those classic old rigs that hams had so much fun with, were so proud of, or just really wanted some time ago. Keeping in that spirit, we need to continue to adjust the CX to meet the needs of the CXers who build / rejuvinate and operate those wonderful old rigs. Some of the suggestions previously made have been incorporated into this upcoming CX. Other suggestions have been made, such as extending the time for the contest, adding another day, making one day voice and the other day CX. These and other ideas need to be surfaced and discussed. At the same time, we need to keep in mind the objectives of the CX and the other organizations with companion objectives and their contests. Please send your suggestions and thoughts via e-mail to Mac, WQ8U or Jim, W8KGI.

TRANSMITTERS

B&W: 5100B, 6100
Central Electronics:20A, 100V
Collins: 32S-1, 32S-3 (2), 32V-2, 32V-3 (2)
Drake: 2-NT, T-4X (2), T-4XB (2), T-4XC (2)
E.F. Johnson:Viking Kilowatt Desk, Adventurer, Navigator (2), Ranger I (2), Ranger II, Valiant (2), Viking I, Viking II
Hallicrafters: HT-18,HT-32B
Harvey-Wells: TBS-50C converted to TBS-50D, TBS-50D
Heathkit: AT-1, DX-20 (2), DX-40 (2), VF-1 (2), DX-100 (2), Apache TX-1, Marauder HX-10, SB-401
Home Brew: 1928 p-p 211s Hartley; 1929 design '10 Hartley; 1929 UX-219 TNT; 1934 p-p 801s TNT; 1936 p-p RK-34 Osc / p-p RK-34 final
Lettine 240
Lysco 600
Meissner: 1941 Delux Signal Shifter; 1948 Signal Shiftger EX
Millen: 90800/90711; 90800/90881
Multi-Elmac: AF-67
Surplus: CBY52209 (Navy BC-457), Navy Collins TCS-12, BC-459
WRL/Globe: Globe Scout 65B (Rusty Grey),Globe Chief 90A, Globe Scout 680 (Blue Green), Globe Scout 680 (Burnt Orange)

RECEIVERS:

Breting: 14
Collins: 51S-1 (2), 75A-1, 75A-3 (2), 75A-4 (4), 75S-3 (2)
Drake: 2-B (3), R-4A, R-4B (3)
Hallicrafters: SX-28, S-40A, SX-100 (2), SX-101A (2, SX-111, SX-115
Hammarlund: HQ-110, HQ-129-X, HQ-170 (3)
Home Brew: 1932 design Superhet Howard: 435A
National: FB-7, HRO (2), HRO-5, HRO-50, HRO-50R1, NC-173, NC-200, NC-303
Multi-Elmac: PMR-7
RCA: 8506B (2)
RME: 45, 69 (2)
Surplus: BC-454/BC-453; BC-455/BC/453; Navy RCA RAL-7, RCB, RBB, R-388, R-390 (3)

TRANSCEIVERS:

Collins: KWM-1
Collins: KWM-2, KWS-1
Hallicrafters: FPM-300, SR-150 (2); SR-400 Cyclone (2)
National NCX-5
Swan 350

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

Code Training Unit AN/GSC-T1 (see K2TOP)

NOTE: K2TOP was the first Multi-Op CX participant. Operators were: K2WI, Rob; WB2WCO, Jeff; WW2Y, Peter and his harmonic Grace.

Wow, what a CX! The bands were jumping, even the 40 meter jingle bells were penetrable, a lot of guys showed up, and I managed to qualify all twelve transmitters and receivers. [Only 12 Jim? Slowing down to give others a chance?]

Of course there were a few problems along the way. The Lettine 240 was skittish on 40 when I tuned it up on Saturday, and it absolutely refused to put out 40 meter RF on Sunday. It was making RF somewhere, but the SWR indicated it sure wasn't where the antenna tuner was set. With a little extra time on my hands before dinner, I went out to the garage and borrowed an 80-meter coil from the Globe King, and doggone if the Lettine didn't settle down on its 3548 crystal and work just fine. So I paired it with the HQ-170A and made three QSO's just before Kathy called me to come and eat. [Jim obviously not only knows his rigs but also his priorities.]

Twenty was especially good this time. I managed to break through the din into K2TOP's AR8506B before their lights went out. Their Millen 90800/90881 sounded great. I couldn't resist working F5RFS in France and EA7FI in Sevilla, Spain along the way. Not bad for a 32V3 from New Mexico running into a 4 wavelength center-fed Zepp!

I worked Al, N5AIT, on 20, 40 and 80 - a CX "Hat Trick" - we haven't done that in quite a while if ever. Al used his BOGS on 20 and I countered with my BGGS on 80 (that's "burnt orange Globe Scout and blue green Globe Scout respectively). He had his TBS50D on 40, shades of the very first NX in 1975, and I had my TBS50C/D on 80. I worked you (WQ8U) on 40 and 80 too, but that's just "old hat" for us. Dennis, W5FRS, had a 1937 Meissner Signal Shifter, the very first one, driving a pair of 808's on 80 meters and slamming 599 into New Mexico. I promised to send him info on the 40 and 20 meter coil sets, so look for him to put that rig on the higher bands in the future.

Ten meters hung in there for the Feb activity, although the Sunspot cycle is waning. I made most of my contacts on 10 am using the Apache and 32V-2. I did not use the Viking Desk - it wipes out Ch 2 and my son's Nintendo on 10. Too bad, because it really attracts qso's on 10 am. [Rocco, if you can't operate it, a number of us would be glad to keep it warm for you :-) ] Twenty and Forty CW were also productive, although by the time I was down there, most of the East Coast and Midwest were on 80 or having 807's or something. However, I did work most of the regular suspects. Thanks to W8KGI for hearing my pitiful low dipole on 80, hich allowed me to squeak in qualifying my DX100 and B&W 6100.

New for Feb was the B&W 6100, which is one of my more Interesting acquisitions. This one has very few hours on it. I found some problems when I went through it and managed to get it working more or less up to spec, although the drive is still a bit low for my tastes. However, it really is a deluxe transmitter and fun to operate with the three "Kilocycles" control knobs. Also new for this contest was my second beat up SX 115. This one was pretty rough when I managed to acquire it and required a lot of work. However, it works great now and is one of my favorites. The case is beat up, but I tend to leave most of my cases that way - the "patina" makes them more valuable, right? Also, I am lazy about painting.[Again, another CX'er with good priorities.]

Looking ahead to September - I have not been hearing much on 10 am, although the fall conditions could be better. If 10 am is open, I will start there (near 29.00, and thanks for including that freq in the suggested phone freq list.) If no propagation on 10, I will be on 20 CW at the beginning of the activity. I have been pondering how to generate more interest in CX. Ten am is great for that, because I can chat with the stations who want to understand what it is, if they are unfamiliar with it. This is tough to accomplish on CW in a short time. I may try some 20 SSB and 40 SSB, just to see if I can get some activity going. If anyone wants to try this with your own classic SSB equipment, let me know. I can hear most of the country on 20 SSB at the beginning of the contest. The Cyclone III really penetrates the QRM. [Rocco is nominated for our on air activity development chairman]

I will send some pictures of my "Wall O'Radios" and other Operating positions via a second E Mail, because the attachments are long. Not sure if they will make it in one package - may have to break them up

Anyway, hope to hear you in September!

As always the CX is a good time, and the February 2002 edition was no exception. Band conditions were reasonably good, and it was great to meet some of the new guys to our hobby as well as the regulars. Hats off to W8ZR's fabulous sounding FPM-200, W9VC and his homebrew peanut whistle, and K2LMQ for having the presence of mind to move to Arizona! I was, however, disappointed to not work WB2AWQ's historical transmitters, W2LYH's all homebrew station, nor N5AIT's famous Burnt Orange Globe Scout. And, sadly, 30 minutes of trolling on 160 meters yielded nothing but white noise here in western Pennsylvania. [Can't do much about the QRN but, hopefully Sept 02 CX will have more CX'ers on 160]

The stars were all in alignment and T.O.M. was smiling on my shack. I got 10 rigs to come on the air when asked - that’s a first (that all the rigs I primed actually came on the air during CX). I have been studying W8KGI’s techniques and determined the trick to a real fun CX is to have a number of BAs warmed up and then try to convince them it would be fun to get out and play with their peers during CX. He does make it seem easy - Marty, AA4RM, has him tagged right “The BA switchboard in Albq.”

My best contacts were made with my Heathkit AT-1 and Howard 435A; these are the same models as I used in 1954 as a novice - without the VF-1 of course. I don’t remember the QRM being as tough then Hi. The “slight” chirp on several of the rigs folks were using seemed to help receiving them. I believe that is referred to as having character. I did not get any OO post cards this time.

Aside from the RTTY noisemakers on 40, things were good there so I decided to stay there until after dark when 80 became useful. I managed to work most of the CX regulars: WB2AWQ, Howie; N5AIT, Al; AA4RM, Marty; W8KGI, Jim; W5TVW, Sandy; K9VKY, Brian, K3ZX; K9STH, Glen; W8ZR, Jim; and our only multi-op (when it was on the air) W2TOP. Missed N6KN - apparently one of the few who did. What a ball!!!

Again, only one station worked on 15 meters, K2TOP. I started there and called CQ CX many times but finally gave up as 20 meters was buzzing. A good amount of activity on 20 meters this time. Worked Jim, W8ZR and his buzzy FPM-200. He had a very nice signal with it this time. As things thinned out, I dropped to 40 meters. Activity was good, but there was some kind of !@*&+! RTTY/digital event going on! As usual, the RTTY guys didn’t give a damn about whose frequency they were on. Another reason to have separate sub-bands for CW and digital modes! Most of the signals were good and readable in spite of the QRM. [Good ops like Sandy seem to know how to work around stuff like that - even with classics like his RME-69] After dark, I shifted to 80 meters. Activity there although fair, was not great. Conditions seemed very good there, but not many “Cxers” around.

A SPECIAL NOTE TO AL N5AIT

Al, in spite of the confusion re the actual date, seems things worked out very well. Your last task as official overseer of CX was a great one. Very pleased to work you on two bands, even if one was not under such good conditions. Had to pass this one last CX log/letter through you, please forward. I/we really do appreciate all the work that goes into doing something like this, and CX has become a part of preserving our radio heritage thanks to your (and Jim and Marty as well) efforts and those preceding you. I am sure Stu knows and follows what he/you started.
73 and keep in touch!
//Howie WB2AWQ

FEB 2002 CX COMMENTARY

I thought conditions this CX were better than in a long time. Also a first for me, some AM phone contacts, on 10 meters. Nice thing about 10M AM is that most people there are running CX rigs. I tried to get my T4XC to load decently there but no go, so used a cheater rig TS-440. [We will have to have Jim W8KGI talk with you about real time rig repair to keep this pollution of the Classic event under control.]

Went from there to 20 CW and the joint was jumpin. Lots of Action including one DX station who called me, a guy from Czechoslovakia, but he wasn't running boatanchors. It's nice to hear some of the same standout rigs from year to year - Al N5AIT's Globe 680, and Sandy W5TVW's Elmac pair AF67 and PMR7, W8ZR's FPM-200.

Down on 40, things were also busy, but there was considerable QRM from the RTTY gang. Didn't see a contest listing in QST for RTTY but they were there, all over the place. Did manage 8 QSOs there including one with another Swan 350. K2TOP requested I go to 15 meters, so I did that one with him, but heard no other Cxers on that band.

At last, my favortie band - 80 meters. Brought out the big guns, my 1928 push-pull Hartley oscillator with its pair of 211 tubes. 80 watts output of not-so-pure RF pollution, big sparks at the key, and filaments bright enough to read by. I coupled this with my pristine National HRO, and a HB 1932 Jim Lamb single signal superhet built by my dear friend Art W4AWS (SK). First QSO was with Larry, NE1S, who was also running a P-P Hartley, but with 801 tubes (mine are bigger!). Larry was also using an RAL receiver, one of the best TRF radios going. I know because we used one aboard the USS Ling SS297 in Hackensack NJ. Larry gets my vote for the neatest rig on the air. [Maybe we should have that as an additional reporting element in the future. We could have a "Neatest Rig" award.]

There was a move afoot to try some 160-meter activity, so about 0030Z I hooked up yet another Hartley oscillator, this one with a very pretty HV18 150 watt triode running about 40 watts out, and reconfigured my antenna coupler to accept 160 meters. Called and listened for about 20 minutes near 1810KC but heard no Cxers. I personally would like to include 160 in the lineup for CX but guess we needed more coordination on this. Too bad, another 70 or so years in the multiplier would have been great......... [Plan on having those 71 years in Sept 02 CX]

Jumped briefly back to 20 meters CW. Had a 0100Z sked there but first ran into Rocco N6KN, who started out with an SR400, then another rig, then another....had to tell Rocco I had the sked, otherwise he might have kept up switching rigs until the cows came home.

This was a great CX, lots of old friendly faces, lots of new ones (for me at least).

Had a good time, but must admit I got lazy and decided to NOT lift the HT-32 and HT-37 off the floor for this go-around ! [There is no rule in CX that the rigs must be off the floor.]

The most challanging QSO was working Taylor WA4APB who was running his Central Electronics CE10B with 1/2 watt !! It took 10 mintes to complete the exchange, but we made it !! He snuck up on me later on the same band with his C-Line and almost blew the cans off my ears !!

I had a ball in this year's CX!

I made 20 QSOs using ten different transmitters and receivers. I started off on 20 meter CW working Jim, W8KGI who in 17 minutes tried FOUR different combinations on me while I was using only one station. Boy did that show me that I need to change how I approach this event. His ability to switch to another set-up all ready tuned up and on frequency is outstanding!

I was using my Hallicrafters HT-32B/SX-115 station. Boy is that gear fun to use. Then I moved over to my vintage number three table and fired up my DX-20 / SX-110 combo. This is my recreated novice station that I used back in 1960 when I was KN0VFZ from Littleton, Colorado.

After I qualified that set-up I sat my Hallicrafters SR-150 transceiver on the table and worked four stations with it including Al, N5AIT who was using his Globe Chief 90A and a HQ-170.

Next I replace the SR-150 with a Hallicrafters FPM-300 that I never use. While I was using this rig Jim, W8KGI called in again and told me that I had a second signal 1 KC away from the primary output. Using this old gear can be quite a challenge. [There is a CX restriction on transmitting on more than one frequency at a time - if you are caught.] I qualified it and retired it.

Hi Mac! (or is that Eimac?)[This is what some of us have to endure ;-)]

Here's my report from the 2002 Classic Exchange. I'm surprised I was able to make some good, solid QSO's on 15 & 20M with my CE20A barefoot (abt. 10W PEP out!).

The RAL I used is a commercial regen designed and made 1st in 1936. It was a marine receiver - maybe it'd be considered a "military" radio, I dunno. Boats were using them as back-up receivers well into the 60's, or so I've been told. They were manufactured by a few different contractors - I think RCA designed it. It uses 2- 6D6's as tuned RF amps, a 6D6 regenerative detector, a (you guessed it) 6D6 1st audio, and a type 41 audio output. Also had another 41 for AGC, which is in a hokey circuit and not very effective. Everything else about the receiver rocks, though - very stable, quite sensitive, and selective. It has an elaborate (passive, of course) tunable audio filter. It has a separate power supply; both it and the receiver are built like tanks and weigh as much. It covers 300Kc - 23 Mc. There is a LF version called the RAK that covers 15 Kc through 600 Kc; I've got one of those too.[Sounds like Larry and Howie WB2AWQ are members of the RAL fan club.]

I'd love to be able to send you some photos, but it may be a while before I can - I haven't broken down and bought a digital camera yet. I've got a scanner but I don't think I even have a working film-type camera. I've got 4 shacks in my house, and there's classic gear in all of them :>)

As is usual, I had a great time. I even told the family that I was going to operate some extensively in the CX and they "sort of" let me have the time - thanks family! [What is your secret?] I operated some "newer" rigs this time and had a good time doing so.

Started out on 15 meter SSB using my Drake T4XB/R4B and worked four stations one being YS1/K9ULW that had just finished up a QSO with a friend of his and was headed to the Sunday Collins net on 20 meters. He gave me a call using his classic S-Line (32S3/75S3B). I also worked NE1S, on 15 SSB, when he first put his old CE20A on the air for the first time. After about three hours on 15, I switched to 20 CW and worked IZ1AWE, using my classic Heathkit HX-10, Marauder, and Drake 2B.