ARRL DX CW 2026

[Butch Washer]

Hi Yall,

I played in the ARRL DX CW this passed weekend for a bit. Didn't intend to do anything, but stumbled across some time. Below is my results and Observations.

SO1R  LP  15M Classic

Station: TS-450 @ 100w; Ground Mounted 4 band Vertical; N1MM+ doing the sending mostly with CwGet decoder in N1MM and CWTY decoder outside; MFJ-422 Paddle w/ keyer built on.

I did 100% S&P on 15m only.

I mainly used the computer to Send, but there were a few ops sending slower than 20wpm that I used the keyer for. That was good practice. As far as receiving goes... With the band so crowded, I needed to force my brain to do a good bit of decoding CW along with the 2 softwares. I got some really good practice, like I had hoped to do. I'm fairly decent with short bursts at 30-40wpw, but call signs still take a couple of passes at those speeds. The funny thing is... Some of the 30-40wpm senders needed me to run 26-30wpm for them to get my call!!! Even repeated at 35wpm and they couldn't get it. I DO realize that the N5S in my call is a LOT of dots to sort out, but still... LOL!!

I don't mind, but it's still funny!!     73 Butch N5SMQ

Operated 2hr

Callsign: N5SMQ
Contest: ARRLDXCW
 Band     QSOs     Pts  Cty  Pt/Q
    21          52       156   31   3.0
 Total         52       156   31   3.0
Score: 4,836
1 Mult = 1.7 Q's