Weekend Contest Card Features Double State QSO Party Action In Buckeye and Aloha States

By Jamie Dupree NS3T  radio-sport.net 
Posted August 18, 2008

A fifth weekend in August 2008 has stretched out the contest calendar for this year, meaning the upcoming weekend only has two tests to offer, both of them state QSO parties.

For county hunters, it's the start of a fun next eight weeks, bringing a rush of state-based competitions, punctuated by stops in Ohio, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and more (see list at right.)

The big one this weekend is most certainly the Buckeye State, as the Ohio QSO Party is back for 2008.

"Nothing new this year for OQP, although one change done last year might be worth noting," says OQP Fearless Leader Jim Stahl, "we now have a plaque for the top score from the Mountain/Pacific time zones."

"So the left coast guys who miss out on the daytime 40 meter activity can still have a shot at a very nice piece of wood to hang on their wall."

To break into the top slot from outside of Ohio, then you will have to get by a familiar call in many state QSO parties, as Paul Newberry N4PN is the defending champ.

Newberry gave himself a two year winning streak with his victory in 2007, as he outdistanced Ken Meier W8MJ, the high power out of state winner from 2005.

Also on a two year win streak is the out of state QRP champ Ed Fiore N4JF, as southeastern stations claimed two of the three single op titles. Woody Wilson K1OQ won low power from Connecticut.

The in-state defending champ is Pat Collins N8VW, one of the Ohio QP organizers. Fred Helwig K8FH won the low power category last year, with Dan Shepherd N8IE the QRP winner.

In the mobile ranks, K8MR will lead a number of teams onto the roads, though gasoline is about a dollar per gallon more expensive than for the 2007 Ohio QP.

"It's hard to say how mobile turnout might be affected by gas prices," Stahl told radio-sport.net.

"I suspect some out of state guys who would have to drive a long way just to get to Ohio might be discouraged, but the native Ohio mobiles still seem on track," he added.

Stahl is well known for operating multiple calls in some contests, but he'll stick with just one while on the road again this year.

"For this one I use only one call, though with each new county it counts like a new call," said Stahl.

Stahl knocked out over 500 contacts last year on his way to victory in the Mobile category. He won the Rover competition back in 2005.

The 2007 Rover winner was Ralph Matheny K8RYU. Stahl has high hopes for that category this year as well.

"There is also word of several possible serious rover operations (temporary fixed antennas allowed), which provides a good way to get out without putting as many miles on the road."

The 2008 Ohio QSO Party runs from 1600z August 23 to 0400 August 24. Join in the fun!