Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min
Bob - I couldn't agree morelisten, call CQ every so often (use RBN to see how you're "doing"), repeat.take notes, etc. However, I'll add a slightly slant/entreaty hereI've been on 160 and 80 in the early morning hours (1000Z to 1300Z) for days (3 to 5) at a time (most recently, about three weeks ago) listening, calling CQ, listening, watching the ON4KST reflector to see who's on and trying to make Qs...nary one other station heard. Now, one "note" - I am at QRP to just over QRP (10 watts) and I don't employ a BOG or Beveridge or other rx-only antenna BUTI do enjoy a relatively quiet home location in s/w Utah where S levels are around S3 or so..still no calls, no hearing CQs, nada. In short, I become "bummed" somewhat when I see RBN reports from stations in WA, CA, MN, AZ and NV of 20, 14, 16 etc., as I call CQ, knowing FULL well there have to be others "on the band." I wish others wud listen on top band and 80 --- if they hear some "less than exotic call sign calling CQ," give the guy/gal a call, send an RST and move on! I feel like - NO, I believe firmly - there is a "snooty view" by those ops with THE ultimate antenna farms (tx and rcv) that takes over when they get on 160 or 80 - they light the filaments of their amps, ensure they are selecting the"correct" rx array "heading," and listen "vehemently" for any signs of a VK, a JA, a "whatever" call sign...as long as it isn't aW/K...! wish others on 160/80 wud invest one minute to answer a CQ, send the RST and move on. it's OK to work a fella W/K ham on top band - it won't sully you image amongst the "top band elite." I KNOW I do "well" in the CQ, ARRL and Stew events - so, albeit a QRP to 10 watt limitation, I know it's not my "system"! I hope some of youz will start listening a little and take opportunities to answer CQs on top band, during non-contesting times..understanding there are us "peanut whistle" stations out there who, simply, enjoy hearing a reply to our CQs OR hope to hear others calling CQ, sans "CQ DX"! 71.5/72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV Monday, June 06, 2016 2:58 AM To: jkaufm...@alum.mit.edu ; 'Carl Luetzelschwab' ; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min ...SNIP... I believe we still have so much to learn on this subject. That is why nothing beats listening no matter what the numbers say. 73 and gud DX. Bob K3UL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min
-Original Message- From: Bob Garrett Sent: Monday, June 06, 2016 2:58 AM To: jkaufm...@alum.mit.edu ; 'Carl Luetzelschwab' ; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min ...SNIP... I believe we still have so much to learn on this subject. That is why nothing beats listening no matter what the numbers say. 73 and gud DX. Bob K3UL = I am certainly guilty of neglecting 'The Band' during the northern hemisphere summers. Near constant QRN and short nights (for sleeping) are the two main reasons I have traditionally not operated TB between the equinoxes. This year I have made a concerted effort to do spot checks on the band, particularly the early morning hours when QRN is the lowest. However, this time frame allows a possibility of contacts only to the Pacific region. I truly believe that Bob's statement above re listening is the true clue to fully utilizing the fickle offerings of 160 Meters. As an example, this past week, the local morning of June 2, I CQed to the west, alternately at 225, 270 & 315 degrees. I began at 1100 Z and continued until my sunrise at ~1200 Z. I did not receive any responses to my CQ's; no contacts were logged. QRN level was quite low, so I can only presume there were few if any stations in the targeted areas of South Pacific Islands, ZL, VK, JA, UA0 and SE Asia on the air during this time period. I believe 'The Band' was WIDE OPEN to at least a portion of VK, if not other areas. Apparently no stations were listening at that time. The RBN system provides a good insight into the propagation available. Besides western US RBN station reports, I noted the following. de DX Freq SNR Time -- Date _ ___ __ VK4CT N5IA 1824.5 19 dB 1103 -- 2 Jun VK4CT N5IA 1824.5 20 dB 1115 -- 2 Jun VK4CT N5IA 1824.5 27 dB 1131 -- 2 Jun VK4CT N5IA 1824.5 25 dB 1146 -- 2 Jun The signal reports also show the signal enhancement taking place as sunrise approached my location. 73, and GL to everyone who tries northern hemisphere, summer time operations on TB. de Milt, N5IA _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min
Hello John et al, The 1987 cycle was truly amazing with similar conditions here in PA. JA opening most mornings and EU nights like the 20 meter band. Unlike W1FV, I only heard 9M2AX a few times and worked him once on January 1, 1989. That night, he was louder than the EU stations he was working. Great fun for sure. Like Dave said, the 2008 and 2009 years were very good too. I believe we still have so much to learn on this subject. That is why nothing beats listening no matter what the numbers say. 73 and gud DX. Bob K3UL _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min
I fully agree what Dave says about propagation difference between solar minimum and maximum. Living here in North clearly shows this fact. At the time of solar maximum there has been no chances to work using paths over the pole area, Qs to W6 (330 degr.)and over to T2, C2, FW (30degr.) have been impossible for me. In propagation to Southwards like VP8, Heard and Amsterdam there has been no problem. Waiting with great interest coming years on Topband and specially Pacific area DX-peditions starting with KH1 next year. 73 Ilmo, OH2BO -Alkuperäinen viesti- Lähettäjä: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] Puolesta David Raymond Lähetetty: 6. kesäkuutata 2016 5:39 Vastaanottaja: topband@contesting.com Aihe: Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min I've only been active on Topband since 1987 but nothing has beat the 2008 and 2009 seasons when NA topbanders were easily working Zones 17, 18, and 19 both morning and night. I remember commenting to some of the newer guys (who had been thinking it was always like that) telling them it was a rarity. And, indeed, it has been as it hasn't happened since. We'll see if it repeats itself in the next downswing. 73. . . Dave, W0FLS > > Carl K9LA: " But in my opinion (and in the opinion of others) the > deep and long solar minimum between Cycles 23 and 24 (2006-2010) > didn't live up to this axiom compared to the not-so-deep and > not-so-long solar minimum between Cycles 22 and 23 (1995-1997). It > suggests that all solar minimums aren't the same." > _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
