Topband: Conditions in KL7 1/8/23

[Kevin Forster]

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions Last Night

[uy0zg via Topband]

Hi

I worked from 0 utc to 1 utc - in my log K2MQJ, NN2L, VE3FAS, W2LL


Then in the morning from 4:30 to 5:50 = K3UL, P49X. Sorry, I didn’t 
reach


W0FLS - many people called him from 14-15 zones plus long QSB...



---
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua

Roger Kennedy писал(а) 2024-01-06 14:07:

Well 160m conditions were fairly good last night . . .

Good to work a few NA stations !

Maybe there will be even more activity tonight?  (best propagation for 
me

was around 0400Z)

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Roger Kennedy]

Well 160m conditions were fairly good last night . . . 

Good to work a few NA stations !

Maybe there will be even more activity tonight?  (best propagation for me
was around 0400Z)

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions 160 m

[uy0zg via Topband]

Hi

Again conditions were weak.

However, I still managed to open the USA this season.

Thanks to W2ARX and N0FW.



--
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions, ZD9W

[uy0zg via Topband]

Hi

Yesterday I tried to start the season on JA and NA.

Nothing worked out - the conditions were completely absent.

I heard VO1NA for a few moments. Then the signal disappeared.


But still, I managed to get one interesting QSO:

https://youtu.be/FvzkV3BYKJc

--
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions Improving?

[kq2m]

Good cndx no surprise - the K index dropped to 0 for a few hours and 
then stayed at k=1.
TN8K was audible here for several hours in and out, with long and deep 
fades but peaking briefly ~ 569, and definitely favoring stations in the 
Mid-western, Western and Southern US.  I'm using an Inv L with 3 
elevated radials so signal strengths were certainly better at the 
serious 160 stations.  I also heard a lot of EU stations work TN8K most 
of which were < 559.


Maybe 160 ops should complain about cndx more often?  LOL!

73

Bob, KQ2M



On 2023-01-09 08:03, Roger Kennedy wrote:
Ironic that after complaining how poor DX Propagation has been for the 
past
few weeks, they were quite reasonable from around 0300Z last night . . 
.

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions Improving?

[Roger Kennedy]

Ironic that after complaining how poor DX Propagation has been for the past
few weeks, they were quite reasonable from around 0300Z last night . . .

Having seen fair reports from RBN stations, I carried on calling CQ for half
an hour, and worked a few NA stations, including Georgia and Alabama.

(I was also spotted by a KL7 station . . . but guess he may not have been in
Alaska)

Hopefully this will prompt more CW activity.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[samjos]

Here in Pennsylvania propagation to Europe was almost nonexistent. Caribbean
was ok, but not great. I did have a period of time where propagation to the
Pacific Northwest was good. Regardless, I always enjoy the SP contest and
had a great time.

Sam(N3XZ)

-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of
Roger Kennedy
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 5:24 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest


I came on about 4 times during the night, but propagation this side of the
pond was really poor. 

NA Stations that are normally over S9 were around S5 . . . so couldn't hear
weaker signals at all. Even Europeans weren't very strong.

I did mange to work 16 NA stations, including Colorado and Virgin Islands.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[uy0zg via Topband]

Hi

George


I have heard your signal confidently and have called many times. But all 
I heard from you was CQ CQ CQ


---
I have not heard stations from the U.S. (except K1KI and W1UE - very 
quiet + QSB). There were no conditions.




---
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua

GEORGE WALLNER писал 2022-12-19 16:46:

I was operating /MM from St. Martin (FK88) and both the NA and EU
stations were weak. OK2CF, who is normally a solid S7 in FL was barely
above the noise. Conditions were either very poor or everybody was in
the QRP category. The only strong signals were form the Virgin
Islands.
73,

George,
AA7JV


On Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:23:49 - "Roger Kennedy"  wrote:
I came on about 4 times during the night, but propagation this side of 
the
pond was really poor. NA Stations that are normally over S9 were 
around S5 . . . so couldn't hear

weaker signals at all. Even Europeans weren't very strong.

I did mange to work 16 NA stations, including Colorado and Virgin 
Islands.


73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband
- Topband Reflector



_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[GEORGE WALLNER]

I was operating /MM from St. Martin (FK88) and both the NA and EU stations 
were weak. OK2CF, who is normally a solid S7 in FL was barely above the 
noise. Conditions were either very poor or everybody was in the QRP 
category. The only strong signals were form the Virgin Islands.

73,

George,
AA7JV


On Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:23:49 - "Roger Kennedy"  wrote:

I came on about 4 times during the night, but propagation this side of the
pond was really poor. NA Stations that are normally over S9 were around S5 . . 
. so couldn't hear
weaker signals at all. Even Europeans weren't very strong.

I did mange to work 16 NA stations, including Colorado and Virgin Islands.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: 
http://www.contesting.com/_topband

- Topband Reflector



_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[Roger Kennedy]

I came on about 4 times during the night, but propagation this side of the
pond was really poor. 

NA Stations that are normally over S9 were around S5 . . . so couldn't hear
weaker signals at all. Even Europeans weren't very strong.

I did mange to work 16 NA stations, including Colorado and Virgin Islands.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions This Morning...

[Jim Clymer]

How well I know. I lived in Fresno for 34 years!!
Jim - WS6X

On Wed, Nov 2, 2022, 2:33 PM Jim Brown  wrote:

> On 11/2/2022 6:26 AM, ws6x@gmail.com wrote:
> > .were pretty remarkable! At local SR the VK6s were armchair copy!
> Interestingly though, not a peep out of the JA big guns on this end. The
> intrigue of TB goes on.
>
> Greyline is a large part of it, bu not the whole story. 160 can be very
> "spotlighty." From my QTH near San Francisco, the paths to different
> parts of VK and JA open at different times, and five miles from the
> coast near the top of the first ridge, I have a great shot to both. VK
> is a very large continent, and JA is long string of islands.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions This Morning...

[Jim Brown]

On 11/2/2022 6:26 AM, ws6x@gmail.com wrote:

.were pretty remarkable! At local SR the VK6s were armchair copy! Interestingly 
though, not a peep out of the JA big guns on this end. The intrigue of TB goes 
on.


Greyline is a large part of it, bu not the whole story. 160 can be very 
"spotlighty." From my QTH near San Francisco, the paths to different 
parts of VK and JA open at different times, and five miles from the 
coast near the top of the first ridge, I have a great shot to both. VK 
is a very large continent, and JA is long string of islands.


73, Jim K9YC
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions This Morning...

[ws6x.ars]

...were pretty remarkable! At local SR the VK6s were armchair copy! 
Interestingly though, not a peep out of the JA big guns on this end. The 
intrigue of TB goes on.
Jim - WS6X 

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions

[thoyer via Topband]

One morning this week I heard a couple of the morning "regulars" working
some VK's, but I couldn't hear them. Tried CQ's for about 5 min - nothing.

Tom
W3TA 

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+thoyer1=verizon@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Roger Kennedy
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2022 6:34 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Conditions


Shame that conditions have been so poor the past week . . .

Roger G3YRO

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions

[Roger Kennedy]

Shame that conditions have been so poor the past week . . .

Roger G3YRO

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions

[uy0zg]

Hey

Sorry, but I did not see good conditions for working with North American 
stations.


The scores were very poor.

I had only one QSO on January 22 - NP2J.

But to the east on Friday the conditions were. I had a great QSO with 
VK3HJ.


Here's a video:

http://www.topband.in.ua/2022/01/23/vk3hj-on-160m-21-01-2022/


---
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua

Roger Kennedy писал 2022-01-23 19:51:

Conditions seemed really good over the whole weekend on 160 . . .

There were lots of different European stations on calling CQ DX on CW 
both
Friday & Saturday nights, but there seemed to be hardly any North 
American

stations on the band coming back to them.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions

[Roger Kennedy]

Conditions seemed really good over the whole weekend on 160 . . .

There were lots of different European stations on calling CQ DX on CW both
Friday & Saturday nights, but there seemed to be hardly any North American
stations on the band coming back to them.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions last night on 160

[JAMES MODEL]

Nice signals from EU last night into the black hole with the top dogsleading 
the pack. Let's hope that more will show up tonight!!!
73 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.JimK9PPY
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions

[Harald Rester]

I was qrv between 0400z and 0500z. Heard and worked K0RF, W0FLS (it was
me Rick, hi) and AA0RS. Until 0500 basically all signals were fading out.

73, Harry, DH1NBE

Am 05.01.2021 um 19:43 schrieb Tom Boucher:

Just to add to the discussion on band conditions, Mike W4EF near LA was
romping into UK this morning, Tuesday at 0800 sunrise, peaking 8 to 9 and
Larry N7DD was well over the 9. Apart from those two, the band was devoid
of CW during the short time I was on.
73,
Tom G3OLB
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Topband Conditions

[Tom Boucher]

Just to add to the discussion on band conditions, Mike W4EF near LA was
romping into UK this morning, Tuesday at 0800 sunrise, peaking 8 to 9 and
Larry N7DD was well over the 9. Apart from those two, the band was devoid
of CW during the short time I was on.
73,
Tom G3OLB
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions This Weekend

[Roger Kennedy]

I know I have been promoting Wednesdays as a mid-week CW activity night (to
try and get everyone on the band at the same time) . . . but traditionally
Saturday night has always been the main time to work DX on Top Band.

Conditions have continued to be pretty good this weekend, but I popped on
160 a few times last night (between Z and 0500Z) . . . but despite quite
a few EU stations calling CQ, (and strong RBN reports) there was very little
NA activity.

Personally I only worked about 8 stations.

Maybe there will be more on tonight?

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[weave...@usermail.com]

I listened for you guys down that way but with my modest antenna system (GAP 
Voyager - no RX antenna) nothing was heard here. QRN was light but building in 
the AM in the midwest US but still not too bad.

73,
Bill WE5P

Comfortably Numb

> On Oct 18, 2020, at 20:45, Mail 10  wrote:
> 
> I listened yesterday evening through much of NA sunrise. I could see there 
> were many stations on, but few were loud enough to make it through the storm 
> QRN this end. After calling a few of the more readable stations with no 
> response, I went to bed. I heard VK3NX call and eventually work AA6AA, but it 
> was a difficult QSO both ends. It's still a bit too early for EU.
> 
> Conditions seemed much better for the OC DX Contest a few weeks ago. I must 
> take the day off next year, so I can work a few more on Top Band.
> 
> 73, Luke VK3HJ
> 
> 
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[Mail 10]

I listened yesterday evening through much of NA sunrise. I could see 
there were many stations on, but few were loud enough to make it through 
the storm QRN this end. After calling a few of the more readable 
stations with no response, I went to bed. I heard VK3NX call and 
eventually work AA6AA, but it was a difficult QSO both ends. It's still 
a bit too early for EU.


Conditions seemed much better for the OC DX Contest a few weeks ago. I 
must take the day off next year, so I can work a few more on Top Band.


73, Luke VK3HJ


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[Ian Fugler]

I forgot the contest was on.  I came on around 0630 UTC, called CQ and was
called shortly after by KL7SB, who was 599 here.  It was good to work a few
more NA around our SR, including VE6WZ who was peaking a staggering 15db
over nine.

Good to see that weekend contests still generate lots of activity, always
including a few new ones on topband.

73,

Ian G4iiY



-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+zen90387=zen.co...@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Roger Kennedy
Sent: 18 October 2020 17:21
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest


I came on for a couple of hours last night in the Contest, but conditions
were strange.

>From 00.30Z all signals were quite weak, including Europeans.  Then from
around 03.00Z signals started to pick up . . . although not fantastic.
Popped on again at 05.30Z but signals had virtually disappeared !

Surprised that a lot of the Big Gun stations didn't seem to be on . . .
however, I did manage to work 35 NA stations.

Roger G3YRO
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

-- 
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions for Stew Perry Contest

[Roger Kennedy]

I came on for a couple of hours last night in the Contest, but conditions
were strange.

>From 00.30Z all signals were quite weak, including Europeans.  Then from
around 03.00Z signals started to pick up . . . although not fantastic.
Popped on again at 05.30Z but signals had virtually disappeared !

Surprised that a lot of the Big Gun stations didn't seem to be on . . .
however, I did manage to work 35 NA stations.

Roger G3YRO
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions this morning

[MU 4CX250B]

Worked VK6LW this morning (1300Z) and he peaked 579 with QSB into
Santa Fe. Interestingly, I didn’t hear a peep from JAs, which are
usually plentiful here in the mornings. Band was quiet, more like
November conditions.
73,
Jim w8zr
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Roger Kennedy]

Came on for about an hour last night . . worked a few NA stations, including
across to Texas.

Conditions seemed fairly good, but not many stations on.

Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions this AM

[Tree]

The VK6 to USA West Coast path was in fine shape this morning.

VK6LW appeared in my log about 30 minutes before sunrise - and his signal
stayed steady for the next hour - peaking 589.  At times, I had to check
the bandswitch to make sure I hadn't moved to 80 meters.

It was good to also work Ron, VK3IO and Dennis, ZL1AZ.  Dennis was worked
well after SR with the best signal I had heard from him so far this
summer.

Hopefully - this is a good sign of things to come during the changing
conditions on topband.

73 Tree N6TR
Manning, OR - CN85
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: conditions today

[uy0zg]

Hi All

Today I had 32 QSOs with stations in the USA and Canada.

17 QSOs - 5 zone, 15 QSOs - 4 zone.

From zone 3 I heard Bob N7UA twice well (his qso with RA3CO and wkg 
ZC4UW)


I also heard W6RW well (freq 1830).QTH ?

He called for a long time. Whom? I still do not understand. ZC4UW UP 
9.5.. ?



73
--
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Topband Conditions

[Doug Renwick]

Fantastic conditions into Europe last night. Nick, UY0ZG, and I had a real
ham radio QSO. Was able to maneuver around the aurora oval.

Terrible QSB on some signals. I need to get a remote listening station on
the east coast. Or better yet a remote listening station in Europe. I was
told "GO WITH THE FLOW" or get out of the way. So I am going with the flow.
Anything to help me compete with small signal modes like FT8, etc.

Any suggestions on how I go about setting up the remote listening or who to
contact?

Doug

There is nothing so dangerous as speaking the truth



_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions this week

[Richard McLachlan]

The surprise this week in Europe has been the superb signals on 160 coming from 
VP6R. A steady S7 from a couple of hours before until well after dawn every 
day. Lots of East Coast  with good strength during the SP contest as well. 
Things are looking good for this winter season.

Richard
G3OQT
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions and Activity

[w5zn]

Finally got one RX system running last week just before the pre-Stew.

Roger - your sigs have been very, very gud this week as well as others 
from EU. Hopefully that is a gud sign of things to come this season.


73 Joel W5ZN



On 11/2/2018 1:10 PM, Roger Kennedy wrote:
Good to hear the band open most nights this week, and a reasonable 
number of
NA stations coming on CW!   Worked my old friend Dave, AA0RS for the 
first

time in ages.

And I had a great chat on SSB with Jeff VY2ZM last night . . . he's 
always
such a great signal over here, and was peaking S9 +20dB !  (shame 
there

weren't any other NA stations calling in)

Hope there will be a lot more NA stations on 160m on CW and SSB over 
the

weekend.

Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector




_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions and Activity

[Roger Kennedy]

Hi Dave

Funnily enough, I am still finding that our Sunrise is very poor . . .
rather than signals peaking, they seem to drop off compared to the general
night-time signals (that never used to be the case - our Sunrise was always
best for me)

The peak seems to be somewhat after your Sunset . . . around 23.30 for East
Coast, and as the night spreads across the US, I work stations further west.

Hope to work you again soon!

73 Roger G3YRO

-Original Message-
From: David Olean [mailto:k1...@metrocast.net] 
Sent: 02 November 2018 15:04
To: Roger Kennedy; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions and Activity

I missed you last night, Roger

I did try listening on the band 2 hours before my sunset and was surprised
to hear a DL1 station at S7 or S8. It was an amazing signal at
19:42 UT.  I just happened to be in the 160 shack working on some shelves
for a test equipment bench.   At my sunset, I heard VK6VZ on long path with
a great real 559 signal. He was in for a tad over 15 minutes, but too much
EU QRM to get through. That was my first long path signal heard on 160.  I
have also heard JA stations at my sunrise three days in a row. That is a
normally impossible path!

I promise to be more active in hopes of working plenty of rare DX as well as
talk to the many friends I am making on 160! What a great band! In a weak
moment, I even tried some FT8 but had a miserable time as the software
seemed all screwed up. I could not send RR to answering stations, and it
took me a few minutes to realize that the FOX/HOUND push buttons had been
activated!  What a dope I am at times.  The FT-8 adventure was short lived
and back on CW I found a station in Andorra for a new country! I am up to
193 now.  I will try to get on for EU sunrise in the coming days too.

I am so happy that 160 condx are getting so FB.  I hope to make the most of
them. Thanks for all of your efforts.

Dave K1WHS



On 11/2/2018 1:10 PM, Roger Kennedy wrote:
> Good to hear the band open most nights this week, and a reasonable number
of
> NA stations coming on CW!   Worked my old friend Dave, AA0RS for the first
> time in ages.
>
> And I had a great chat on SSB with Jeff VY2ZM last night . . . he's 
> always such a great signal over here, and was peaking S9 +20dB !  
> (shame there weren't any other NA stations calling in)
>
> Hope there will be a lot more NA stations on 160m on CW and SSB over 
> the weekend.
>
> Roger G3YRO
>
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
> Reflector
>

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions and Activity

[David Olean]

I missed you last night, Roger

I did try listening on the band 2 hours before my sunset and was 
surprised to hear a DL1 station at S7 or S8. It was an amazing signal at 
19:42 UT.  I just happened to be in the 160 shack working on some 
shelves for a test equipment bench.   At my sunset, I heard VK6VZ on 
long path with a great real 559 signal. He was in for a tad over 15 
minutes, but too much EU QRM to get through. That was my first long path 
signal heard on 160.  I have also heard JA stations at my sunrise three 
days in a row. That is a normally impossible path!


I promise to be more active in hopes of working plenty of rare DX as 
well as talk to the many friends I am making on 160! What a great band!  
In a weak moment, I even tried some FT8 but had a miserable time as the 
software seemed all screwed up. I could not send RR to answering 
stations, and it took me a few minutes to realize that the FOX/HOUND 
push buttons had been activated!  What a dope I am at times.  The FT-8 
adventure was short lived and back on CW I found a station in Andorra 
for a new country! I am up to 193 now.  I will try to get on for EU 
sunrise in the coming days too.


I am so happy that 160 condx are getting so FB.  I hope to make the most 
of them. Thanks for all of your efforts.


Dave K1WHS



On 11/2/2018 1:10 PM, Roger Kennedy wrote:

Good to hear the band open most nights this week, and a reasonable number of
NA stations coming on CW!   Worked my old friend Dave, AA0RS for the first
time in ages.

And I had a great chat on SSB with Jeff VY2ZM last night . . . he's always
such a great signal over here, and was peaking S9 +20dB !  (shame there
weren't any other NA stations calling in)

Hope there will be a lot more NA stations on 160m on CW and SSB over the
weekend.

Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector



_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Conditions and Activity

[Roger Kennedy]

Good to hear the band open most nights this week, and a reasonable number of
NA stations coming on CW!   Worked my old friend Dave, AA0RS for the first
time in ages.

And I had a great chat on SSB with Jeff VY2ZM last night . . . he's always
such a great signal over here, and was peaking S9 +20dB !  (shame there
weren't any other NA stations calling in)

Hope there will be a lot more NA stations on 160m on CW and SSB over the
weekend.

Roger G3YRO


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: Topband Conditions

[Roger Kennedy]

Yes, good to hear the band open last night, and to work some North American
stations, including N7UA.

Hopefully there will be even more activity tonight - I should be on around
0230Z on cw.

73 Roger G3YRO


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Topband conditions

[VE6WZ_Steve]

Tom,
Here is a recording of your signal last night in VE6: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nPD7tGmxsHhGO1BgLdUC86kkv3ZXADuN/view?usp=sharing
 


The last two nights have been open for transpolar EU on 160m. Fortunately the 
QRN from the storms in the mid-west are not a big problem since they are off 
the side of my rx.
Last night: G3JMJ, SM7BIC, SM4DHF, ON7PQ, DG1VL, DF2PY, F5NZ and Tom G3OLB.
I also copied Roger G3YRO, with good signals.

Some exceptionally strong signals from Wolf DF2PY, and Len SM7BIC. The usual  
fast QSB, but the peaks were strong.
Activity levels seemed low?

The band is alive!!

73, de steve ve6wz.

> On Sep 21, 2018, at 6:35 AM, Tom Boucher  wrote:
> 
> A couple of hours this morning on 160 CW yielded FR4NT, VE6WZ and ZL3IX as
> well as some other old friends, so considering the high static levels,
> conditions are pretty good!
> 
> 73,
> Tom G3OLB
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Topband conditions

[Tom Boucher]

A couple of hours this morning on 160 CW yielded FR4NT, VE6WZ and ZL3IX as
well as some other old friends, so considering the high static levels,
conditions are pretty good!

73,
Tom G3OLB
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mark van Wijk]

Here it is:

http://alancordwell.co.uk/Legacy/radionavigation/hifix/soundclips.html

scroll down to 'Other hyperbolic systems' : BRAS

BRAS

Now as it happened, David Sparvell G4FTC pointed out to me that there are some
sort of transmissions audible on 1810 kHz after dark. David and myself did some
work on this signal; we think it's a hyperbolic system very similar in
characteristics to HiFix but with some subtle differences- for example, the
transmissions are simultaneously on 2 frequencies 815 Hz apart- which could be
for lane identification. You can hear two sites quite well with differing fading
patterns indicating significantly diffrent locations; and a third can just be
heard when the signal is on a peak.

We speculated about the source, as Russia seemed a good bet on two counts- it
explains the signal coming up after dark, and its possible they still use MF
hyperbolic systems.

I did some trawling on the web and came up with these:

"...there are Russian BRAS and RS-10 navigation systems spreading all over the
topband. They sound like a series of dashes.

As these signals are used for hydrographic purposes, they are more active during
summer time."

- Vaino Lehtoranta, OH2LX writing on October 1998 on the top band contesting
message board. And, from the Spooks Newsletter, another quote from Vaino:

>“...frequency is 3756 kHz with much reduced carrier. It is modulated by tone
>which spreads up and down symmetrically in about 0.82 kHz steps. Because this
>is exactly what Bras and Rs-10 transmit, these must have something to do with
>those systems. A control station? Some people long thought they are time signal
>stations without knowledge that the transmitted “time period” is not 1
>second”Interesting.

Anyway here's the sound clip- This is the 'beat' between the two of the 820 Hz
sidebands, which is resolved on an AM receiver.

That corresponds to what I see on my Topband waterfall SDR, see picture sent in
my earlier message. 

There is also a sound example:
http://alancordwell.co.uk/Legacy/radionavigation/hifix/sounds/1810kHz_AM.mp3

73

Mark PA5MW

> Op 20 februari 2018 om 8:14 schreef Mark van Wijk :
> 
> I also read somewhere these are navigation beacons in North East-sea area.
> Anyone have a known explaining source for this?
> 
> Their transmission consist of three T's; where the 3rd one is 20dB lower in
> output and can only be hrd when they are very loud.
> 
> About 21 of these can be hrd on 160m, where indeed at about 1813 it seems the
> loudest.
> 
> For an example see:
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/pa5mw/38528517942/in/album-72157688739777191/
> 
> 73
> 
> Mark PA5MW
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mark van Wijk]

I also read somewhere these are navigation beacons in North East-sea area.
Anyone have a known explaining source for this?

Their transmission consist of three  T's; where the 3rd one is 20dB lower in
output and can only be hrd when they are very loud.

About 21 of these can be hrd on 160m, where indeed at about 1813 it seems the
loudest.

For an example see:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pa5mw/38528517942/in/album-72157688739777191/

73

Mark PA5MW

> Op 20 februari 2018 om 5:21 schreef Lee STRAHAN :
> 
>  Mike and others,
>  Those signals are NOT fishnet beacons. They are as one here said a version of
> a navigation system similar to Hyperfix. The reason you hear three "dings"
> Is that there are three transmitters for each one that transmit in sequence
> and the electronics aboard ship measures the time of arrival for each pulse
> providing harbor navigation.
>  How do I know this, I have heard them from the NW here in OR many times and
> looked them up years ago. There have been at least two discussions about this
> here on top-band reflector over the years. And as mentioned they NEVER ID.
> They are also low power.
> Mike I would suggest you Google Hyperfix.
>  Lee K7TJR OR
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike Waters
> Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 5:09 PM
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest
> 
> Google *fishnet beacons *and educate yourself, gentlemen! :-)
> 
> 73, Mike
> www.w0btu.com
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Merv Schweigert via Topband]

Correct Lee,  if some have not heard them they need to check the receive 
antennas and

plan for work in the spring.
They were especially loud out here in KH6 back in 2008 etc when 
conditions over the pole
were excellent,  they boomed in before and at sunrise peaks. 
Occasionally via LP at sunset

coming in over central/south America.
73 Merv K9FD/KH6



Mike and others,
Those signals are NOT fishnet beacons. They are as one here said a version of a 
navigation system similar to Hyperfix. The reason you hear three "dings"
Is that there are three transmitters for each one that transmit in sequence and 
the electronics aboard ship measures the time of arrival for each pulse 
providing harbor navigation.
   How do I know this, I have heard them from the NW  here in OR many times and 
looked them up years ago. There have been at least two discussions about this 
here on top-band reflector over the years. And as mentioned they NEVER ID. They 
are also low power.
Mike I would suggest you Google Hyperfix.
Lee   K7TJR  OR

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike Waters
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 5:09 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

Google *fishnet beacons *and educate yourself, gentlemen! :-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband



_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mike Waters]

I fully understand that, Lee. My comment was directed towards others who
were speaking of actual fishnet beacons.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com



On Feb 19, 2018 10:21 PM, "Lee STRAHAN"  wrote:

   Mike and others,
   Those signals are NOT fishnet beacons. They are as one here said a
version of a navigation system similar to Hyperfix. The reason you hear
three "dings"
Is that there are three transmitters for each one that transmit in sequence
and the electronics aboard ship measures the time of arrival for each pulse
providing harbor navigation.
  How do I know this, I have heard them from the NW  here in OR many times
and looked them up years ago. There have been at least two discussions
about this here on top-band reflector over the years. And as mentioned they
NEVER ID. They are also low power.
Mike I would suggest you Google Hyperfix.
   Lee   K7TJR  OR

-Original Message-
From: ... Mike Waters ...

Google *fishnet beacons *and educate yourself, gentlemen! :-)
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Lee STRAHAN]

  For any that are interested there is now even a Hyperfix wiki page where you 
can hear a spot on recording of this system.
The loudest one here is near 1813KHz.
https://www.sigidwiki.com/wiki/HyperFix
Lee   K7TJR   OR
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Lee STRAHAN]

   Mike and others,
   Those signals are NOT fishnet beacons. They are as one here said a version 
of a navigation system similar to Hyperfix. The reason you hear three "dings"
Is that there are three transmitters for each one that transmit in sequence and 
the electronics aboard ship measures the time of arrival for each pulse 
providing harbor navigation.
  How do I know this, I have heard them from the NW  here in OR many times and 
looked them up years ago. There have been at least two discussions about this 
here on top-band reflector over the years. And as mentioned they NEVER ID. They 
are also low power.
Mike I would suggest you Google Hyperfix.
   Lee   K7TJR  OR

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike Waters
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 5:09 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

Google *fishnet beacons *and educate yourself, gentlemen! :-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mike Waters]

Google *fishnet beacons *and educate yourself, gentlemen! :-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Roger Allan via Topband]

Clive
Are these signals always audible with you? Here in Worcester there are 
nights when I can't hear them at all so I presumed they were from farther 
away than the Baltic. Tonight I can just detect the one you mentioned on 
1804.9 and by 1813.1 the signal is up to S7.

73 Roger G3TQZ

-Original Message- 
From: Clive GM3POI

Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 10:50 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

I'd hazard a guess at UA1. They do start fairly close to the bottom of the 
US band (currently hearing one on a simple antenna on 1804.9 and they do go 
higher than has been mentioned 1825+. However the strength seems to tail off 
above 1818 or so. The important thing to remember is these can be loud in 
EU, often S9 here and they repeat at about every 0.82khz making the 
selection of an expedition run frequency or even a contest run qrg very 
important. If you are in the Pacific and you don’t make plans for these 
signals you may get lost in the QRM within EU.  73 Clive GM3POI


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of k1zm---  
via Topband

Sent: 19 February 2018 22:30
To: f6...@yahoo.com; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest




Hello Gang


I think these signals (which we call the "O O O" beacons because they send 
"DAH DAH DAH" - "DAH DAH DAH"  over and over - are some kind of navigation 
beacons in the Eastern  BALTIC.


I have heard them starting as high in the band as 1818 (or so - maybe not a 
precise starting point) - and on a really good night I can hear the weaker 
ones down to as low as 1806 and 1803. (or so).



On a really good evening this past week, I heard them (I think) as low as 
1801 - but that is a really weak one.



Curiously, they are not on the air every night - because there are often 
days at a time when they are not operational - or I would surely hear them - 
from where I am located.



They have been on as long as I can remember - they were around in 1977 as I 
recall - when we all used to hang out and rag chew on 1812 SSB - the old 
guys from the nets of those days have mostly passed away now - EI8H, GD4BEG 
etc, - but a few are still with us including AA0RS (G3SZA) and Willem PA0HIP 
who now lives in DU as I recall.



FWIW -


BTW - based on how loud the UPPER ones are from 1814-1818 over here - I 
would think they must be at least 40db  over S9 in WESTERN EU - and spaced 
every 3-4 kHz apart - they peak at about S9+5 or so here at VY2ZM,



73 jeff.





Jeff Briggs
DXing on the Edge: The Thrill of 160 Meters Available worldwide through 
BookBaby, Array Solutions, DX Engineering, Royal Society of Great Britain, & 
Amazon




































 Original Message 
From: F6FYA via Topband 
To: topband 
Sent: Mon, Feb 19, 2018 9:10 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

‎I'm a New member of the "Topband list"I agree with Roger for the QRM at the 
bottom of the band. I don't know what they are, fishnet or beacons, but it's 
getting very hard to call CQ on this part of the band. By the way, for me in 
the central west part of France, conditions was much better friday night. 
Working with vertical ant, 21 m, and beverage. So, sorry with my  poor 
english, but a  pleasure to read differents messages from the list's 
members‎. Jean-Paul / F6FYA.Envoyé de mon smartphone BlackBerry 10 sur le 
réseau Orange depuis La Touraine, Dpt 37.  Message d'origine  De: Roger 
KennedyEnvoyé: lundi 19 février 2018 14:34À: topband@contesting.comObjet: 
Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL ContestWell on Friday night I couldn't 
hear one single American station . . . eventhough I heard a couple of 
Southern Europe stations working a few.Saturday night conditions were 
better, but signals were well down on whatthey have been for the past few 
weeks.However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in 
thenight) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few 
inBrazil and the Caribbean.For future reference, here in Britain there are 
about 6 Navigation Beaconsbetween 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old 
Decca HiFix) . . . thesemake copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good 
idea to avoid this partof the band !Roger G3YRO_Topband 
Reflector Archives - 
http://www.contesting.com/_topband_Topband Reflector 
Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband 


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mike Waters]

Hi Jeff,

I have never heard a beacon on 160 without a callsign, but I believe you.
All the fishnet beacons do, the last I knew.

And unless I missed it, no one in this thread mentioned that either.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Feb 19, 2018 4:30 PM, "k1zm--- via Topband" 
wrote:

I think these signals (which we call the "O O O" beacons because they send
"DAH DAH DAH" - "DAH DAH DAH"  over and over - are some kind of navigation
beacons in the Eastern  BALTIC. ...
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Clive GM3POI]

I'd hazard a guess at UA1. They do start fairly close to the bottom of the US 
band (currently hearing one on a simple antenna on 1804.9 and they do go higher 
than has been mentioned 1825+. However the strength seems to tail off above 
1818 or so. The important thing to remember is these can be loud in EU, often 
S9 here and they repeat at about every 0.82khz making the selection of an 
expedition run frequency or even a contest run qrg very important. If you are 
in the Pacific and you don’t make plans for these signals you may get lost in 
the QRM within EU.  73 Clive GM3POI 

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of k1zm--- via 
Topband
Sent: 19 February 2018 22:30
To: f6...@yahoo.com; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest




Hello Gang


I think these signals (which we call the "O O O" beacons because they send "DAH 
DAH DAH" - "DAH DAH DAH"  over and over - are some kind of navigation beacons 
in the Eastern  BALTIC.

I have heard them starting as high in the band as 1818 (or so - maybe not a 
precise starting point) - and on a really good night I can hear the weaker ones 
down to as low as 1806 and 1803. (or so).


On a really good evening this past week, I heard them (I think) as low as 1801 
- but that is a really weak one.


Curiously, they are not on the air every night - because there are often days 
at a time when they are not operational - or I would surely hear them - from 
where I am located.


They have been on as long as I can remember - they were around in 1977 as I 
recall - when we all used to hang out and rag chew on 1812 SSB - the old guys 
from the nets of those days have mostly passed away now - EI8H, GD4BEG etc, - 
but a few are still with us including AA0RS (G3SZA) and Willem PA0HIP who now 
lives in DU as I recall.


FWIW - 


BTW - based on how loud the UPPER ones are from 1814-1818 over here - I would 
think they must be at least 40db  over S9 in WESTERN EU - and spaced every 3-4 
kHz apart - they peak at about S9+5 or so here at VY2ZM,


73 jeff.





Jeff Briggs
DXing on the Edge: The Thrill of 160 Meters Available worldwide through 
BookBaby, Array Solutions, DX Engineering, Royal Society of Great Britain, & 
Amazon



































 Original Message 
From: F6FYA via Topband 
To: topband 
Sent: Mon, Feb 19, 2018 9:10 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

‎I'm a New member of the "Topband list"I agree with Roger for the QRM at the 
bottom of the band. I don't know what they are, fishnet or beacons, but it's 
getting very hard to call CQ on this part of the band. By the way, for me in 
the central west part of France, conditions was much better friday night. 
Working with vertical ant, 21 m, and beverage. So, sorry with my  poor english, 
but a  pleasure to read differents messages from the list's members‎. Jean-Paul 
/ F6FYA.Envoyé de mon smartphone BlackBerry 10 sur le réseau Orange depuis La 
Touraine, Dpt 37.  Message d'origine  De: Roger KennedyEnvoyé: lundi 19 février 
2018 14:34À: topband@contesting.comObjet: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL 
ContestWell on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . 
eventhough I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.Saturday 
night conditions were better, but signals were well down on whatthey have been 
for the past few weeks.However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at 
different times in thenight) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . 
including a few inBrazil and the Caribbean.For future reference, here in 
Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beaconsbetween 1810 and 1818 kHz (they 
sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . thesemake copying weak signals VERY 
difficult, so a good idea to avoid this partof the band !Roger 
G3YRO_Topband Reflector Archives - 
http://www.contesting.com/_topband_Topband Reflector Archives - 
http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[k1zm--- via Topband]

Hello Gang


I think these signals (which we call the "O O O" beacons because they send "DAH 
DAH DAH" - "DAH DAH DAH"  over and over - are some kind of navigation beacons 
in the Eastern  BALTIC.

I have heard them starting as high in the band as 1818 (or so - maybe not a 
precise starting point) - and on a really good night I can hear the weaker ones 
down to as low as 1806 and 1803. (or so).


On a really good evening this past week, I heard them (I think) as low as 1801 
- but that is a really weak one.


Curiously, they are not on the air every night - because there are often days 
at a time when they are not operational - or I would surely hear them - from 
where I am located.


They have been on as long as I can remember - they were around in 1977 as I 
recall - when we all used to hang out and rag chew on 1812 SSB - the old guys 
from the nets of those days have mostly passed away now - EI8H, GD4BEG etc, - 
but a few are still with us including AA0RS (G3SZA) and Willem PA0HIP who now 
lives in DU as I recall.


FWIW - 


BTW - based on how loud the UPPER ones are from 1814-1818 over here - I would 
think they must be at least 40db  over S9 in WESTERN EU - and spaced every 3-4 
kHz apart - they peak at about S9+5 or so here at VY2ZM,


73 jeff.





Jeff Briggs
DXing on the Edge: The Thrill of 160 Meters 
Available worldwide through BookBaby, Array Solutions, DX Engineering, Royal 
Society of Great Britain, & Amazon



































 Original Message 
From: F6FYA via Topband 
To: topband 
Sent: Mon, Feb 19, 2018 9:10 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

‎I'm a New member of the "Topband list"I agree with Roger for the QRM at the 
bottom of the band. I don't know what they are, fishnet or beacons, but it's 
getting very hard to call CQ on this part of the band. By the way, for me in 
the central west part of France, conditions was much better friday night. 
Working with vertical ant, 21 m, and beverage. So, sorry with my  poor english, 
but a  pleasure to read differents messages from the list's members‎. Jean-Paul 
/ F6FYA.Envoyé de mon smartphone BlackBerry 10 sur le réseau Orange depuis La 
Touraine, Dpt 37.  Message d'origine  De: Roger KennedyEnvoyé: lundi 19 février 
2018 14:34À: topband@contesting.comObjet: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL 
ContestWell on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . 
eventhough I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.Saturday 
night conditions were better, but signals were well down on whatthey have been 
for the past few weeks.However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at 
different times in thenight) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . 
including a few inBrazil and the Caribbean.For future reference, here in 
Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beaconsbetween 1810 and 1818 kHz (they 
sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . thesemake copying weak signals VERY 
difficult, so a good idea to avoid this partof the band !Roger 
G3YRO_Topband Reflector Archives - 
http://www.contesting.com/_topband_Topband Reflector Archives - 
http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[donovanf]

Hi Terry, 


500 pf "doorknob" capacitors are not rated for carrying 
significant RF current. They work great in high impedance 
applications such as plate blocking capacitor but in low 
impedance circuits they carry much more RF current than 
they're capable of handling which heats them and causes 
extreme capacitance variation. 


Use an RF current rated transmitting mica capacitor, vacuum 
capacitor or air capacitor and you'll be good to go. 


73 
Frank 
W3LPL 

- Original Message -

From: "terry burge"  
To: topband@contesting.com 
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 7:01:27 PM 
Subject: Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest 

I listened a bit on 40 and 80 mtrs last night and the night before on SSB. I 
thought conditions were practically non-existent on 80 especially. 40 wasn't 
much better. Turned the radio off again and worked on other things. Don't 
exactly see any reason for it on the propagation page since the sunspots have 
been at least a bit active (26,20,18, 15,12). Hoping for better conditions this 
coming weekend during the SSB contest on 160. I know that FT8 activity is 
likely to get some qrm around 1842 KHz. 


All this talk about inv-L's has got me wondering about adding a second one 
longer than my '1/4WL' one. But being so cold and the possibility of messing of 
the operation of what I have now has kept me from trying a longer inv-L. That 
and not being sure exactly how much and how high of voltage a variable 
capacitor I would need. I do have some 500pF 10KV doorknob cap I can parallel a 
variable cap with. And now hearing I might need longer radials. An acres and a 
half only allows only about one 160 meter antenna at a time along with my other 
ones. 


But the talk has me thinking. 


Terry 

KI7M 


> On February 19, 2018 at 8:22 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: 
> 
> 
> I worked CT, CT3, F, JA, Kh6, KL7, UA9 for non carib or SA contacts. I 
> missed much of the early Saturday night opening as I was gone. 
> 
> I was very happy to log the JA and UA9! Otherwise is was pretty poor. 
> 80 and 40 were pretty lousy too. 
> 
> W0MU 
> 
> 
> On 2/19/2018 2:21 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote: 
> 
> > > Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . 
> > > even 
> > though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few. 
> > 
> > Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what 
> > they have been for the past few weeks. 
> > 
> > However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the 
> > night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in 
> > Brazil and the Caribbean. 
> > 
> > For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons 
> > between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . these 
> > make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this part 
> > of the band ! 
> > 
> > Roger G3YRO 
> > 
> > 
> > _ 
> > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband 
> > 
> > > _ 
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband 
> 
_ 
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband 

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mike Waters]

Terry,

You don't need a capacitor rated that high, as long as you don't make it
much longer than 1/4 wave on 160. Ohm's Law is your friend, just use one of
the formulas to calculate E from R and P.  :-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Feb 19, 2018 1:02 PM, "terry burge"  wrote:

... All this talk about inv-L's has got me wondering about adding a second
one longer than my '1/4WL' one. But being so cold and the possibility of
messing of the operation of what I have now has kept me from trying a
longer inv-L. That and not being sure exactly how much and how high of
voltage a variable capacitor I would need. I do have some 500pF 10KV
doorknob cap I can parallel a variable cap with. And now hearing I might
need longer radials. An acres and a half only allows only about one 160
meter antenna at a time along with my other ones.
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mike Greenway]

Conditions down here also in SE USA.  I had over 150 Q in 62 countries doing an 
all out effort both nights.  I did work G3YRO who was commenting on condition 
and someone mentioned the GM5A station on the water.  They had decent signals 
both nights.  Yes being near the coast makes more of a difference than what 
theory dictates I think. I have a friend that lives in a salt marsh with very 
minimal antennas and he hears 160 stuff that I never hear inland with a large 
selection of receiving antennas.  The last 4 or 5 years have been down for me 
compared to years prior to that.  Hopefully things will swing up next year as 
the flux has pretty much bottomed out.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[terry burge]

I listened a bit on 40 and 80 mtrs last night and the night before on SSB. I 
thought conditions were practically non-existent on 80 especially.  40 wasn't 
much better. Turned the radio off again and worked on other things. Don't 
exactly see any reason for it on the propagation page since the sunspots have 
been at least a bit active (26,20,18, 15,12). Hoping for better conditions this 
coming weekend during the SSB contest on 160. I know that FT8 activity is 
likely to get some qrm around 1842 KHz.


All this talk about inv-L's has got me wondering about adding a second one 
longer than my '1/4WL' one. But being so cold and the possibility of messing of 
the operation of what I have now has kept me from trying a longer inv-L. That 
and not being sure exactly how much and how high of voltage a variable 
capacitor I would need. I do have some 500pF 10KV doorknob cap I can parallel a 
variable cap with. And now hearing I might need longer radials. An acres and a 
half only allows only about one 160 meter antenna at a time along with my other 
ones.


But the talk has me thinking.


Terry

KI7M


> On February 19, 2018 at 8:22 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
> 
> 
> I worked CT, CT3, F, JA, Kh6, KL7, UA9 for non carib or SA contacts. I
> missed much of the early Saturday night opening as I was gone.
> 
> I was very happy to log the JA and UA9! Otherwise is was pretty poor.
> 80 and 40 were pretty lousy too.
> 
> W0MU
> 
> 
> On 2/19/2018 2:21 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote:
> 
> > > Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station 
> . . . even
> > though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.
> > 
> > Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down 
> > on what
> > they have been for the past few weeks.
> > 
> > However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in 
> > the
> > night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a 
> > few in
> > Brazil and the Caribbean.
> > 
> > For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation 
> > Beacons
> > between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . 
> > . these
> > make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid 
> > this part
> > of the band !
> > 
> > Roger G3YRO
> > 
> > 
> > _
> > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> > 
> > > _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> 
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Lee. KX4TT via Topband]

Hmmm - I made about 35 QSOs on 160 on Friday night as S&P - while many QSOs 
were with Caribbean stations, I did get into the EU from 
Florida..worked G, GM, EI, EA6, CU, LX, I, OZ, CR, F, E7, 9A, and 5B4. 
I was running 1300 watts, though, through a 160m Windom, with no separate 
receive antenna. The larger issue for me was QRM, but I had trouble hearing 
stations that are usually QSA4 or QSA5, so I know conditions were not 
good...hope for better conditions next year..

73 de Lee KX4TT


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[F6FYA via Topband]

‎I'm a New member of the "Topband list"

I agree with Roger for the QRM at the bottom of the band. I don't know what 
they are, fishnet or beacons, but it's getting very hard to call CQ on this 
part of the band. 

By the way, for me in the central west part of France, conditions was much 
better friday night. Working with vertical ant, 21 m, and beverage. 

So, sorry with my  poor english, but a  pleasure to read differents messages 
from the list's members‎. 

Jean-Paul / F6FYA.

Envoyé de mon smartphone BlackBerry 10 sur le réseau Orange depuis La Touraine, 
Dpt 37.
  Message d'origine  
De: Roger Kennedy
Envoyé: lundi 19 février 2018 14:34
À: topband@contesting.com
Objet: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . even
though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.

Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what
they have been for the past few weeks.

However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the
night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in
Brazil and the Caribbean.

For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons
between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . these
make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this part
of the band !

Roger G3YRO


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

I worked CT, CT3, F, JA, Kh6, KL7, UA9 for non carib or SA contacts.  I 
missed much of the early Saturday night opening as I was gone.


I was very happy to log the JA and UA9!  Otherwise is was pretty poor.  
80 and 40 were pretty lousy too.


W0MU


On 2/19/2018 2:21 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote:

Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . even
though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.

Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what
they have been for the past few weeks.

However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the
night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in
Brazil and the Caribbean.

For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons
between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . these
make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this part
of the band !

Roger G3YRO


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Wes Stewart]

A casual S&P effort here.  Worked only one EU (LZ2WO) on Saturday night local 
time.

On 2/19/2018 2:21 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote:

Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . even
though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.

Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what
they have been for the past few weeks.

However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the
night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in
Brazil and the Caribbean.

For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons
between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . these
make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this part
of the band !

Roger G3YRO


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband



_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Paul Mclaren]

I am very new on top band and only managed a handful of big guns on the
east coast on Friday night so can't really compare.  I did receive a
message from the GM5A team who were on a beach with big verticals facing NA
over saltwater and they managed 143 q's into 30 states on the Friday night.
  Unfortunately we can't all live on a beach.

Regards

Paul MM0ZBH

On Monday, 19 February 2018, Ian Fugler  wrote:
> Roger
>
> I think the beacons towards the bottom of the band are fishing nets (drift
> nets) in eastern Europe/Asia.  They are VERY loud on my east beverage.  I
> use 1812.60 to call CQ because that falls nicely in between the fishing
net
> signals.
>
> I only had a quick listen this weekend on 160m and agree that condx seemed
> well down compared with the days running up to ARRL DX.
>
> 73,
>
> Ian G4IIY
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger
> Kennedy
> Sent: 19 February 2018 09:22
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest
>
> Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . .
even
> though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.
>
> Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what
> they have been for the past few weeks.
>
> However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the
> night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in
> Brazil and the Caribbean.
>
> For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons
> between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . .
these
> make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this
part
> of the band !
>
> Roger G3YRO
>
>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> http://www.avg.com
>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Ian Fugler]

Roger

I think the beacons towards the bottom of the band are fishing nets (drift
nets) in eastern Europe/Asia.  They are VERY loud on my east beverage.  I
use 1812.60 to call CQ because that falls nicely in between the fishing net
signals.

I only had a quick listen this weekend on 160m and agree that condx seemed
well down compared with the days running up to ARRL DX.

73,

Ian G4IIY







-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger
Kennedy
Sent: 19 February 2018 09:22
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . even
though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.

Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what
they have been for the past few weeks.

However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the
night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in
Brazil and the Caribbean.

For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons
between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . these
make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this part
of the band !

Roger G3YRO


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Roger Kennedy]

Well on Friday night I couldn't hear one single American station . . . even
though I heard a couple of Southern Europe stations working a few.

Saturday night conditions were better, but signals were well down on what
they have been for the past few weeks.

However, in the 3 hours I spent on the band (at different times in the
night) I did manage to work 61 American stations . . . including a few in
Brazil and the Caribbean.

For future reference, here in Britain there are about 6 Navigation Beacons
between 1810 and 1818 kHz (they sound like the old Decca HiFix) . . . these
make copying weak signals VERY difficult, so a good idea to avoid this part
of the band !

Roger G3YRO


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions 0100Z to 0200Z 8 Feb 18

[k8gg]

Hi All,

Since Roger, G3YRO, suggested that Wednesday night was a good time for
activity, and I happened to be at a radio, I turned on 160 and found some
good strong signals:

G3YRO 0102Z, OK1CW 0132Z, HG2DX 0136Z, and HA6FQ 0144Z.

Nothing further east was QSOed although I could hear a whisper of a
station much further away.

73 and Good Morning from snowy Michigan,

George,  K8GG

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions in Contest last night

[Roger Kennedy]

Well conditions were OK again last night (as the night before) . . . ie the
band was open for DX contacts, but not the sort of big signals I always
remember on 160m.

I came on for a couple of hours around 2330Z . . . and for an hour around
our Sunrise (0700Z)

I managed to work everyone I heard - a total of 52 North American stations,
including most of the way across the country.

Not sure if there will be any additional stations around to work tonight !

73 Roger G3YRO

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions improving

[Roger Kennedy]

Yes, managed to work a few more stateside stations on SSB in the CQ WW
contest last night. 

But because of the clocks going forward to GMT, woke up an hour after
sunrise, so missed checking the band this morning Tom!

73  Roger G3YRO

>Really good to hear 160 conditions getting better by the day! Greg ZL3IX
was
> peaking 569 running only 50 watts on long path at my sunrise today. Forget
the
> digital modes and start bashing that key!

>73,
>Tom G3OLB
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions improving

[Tom Boucher]

Really good to hear 160 conditions getting better by the day! Greg ZL3IX was 
peaking 569 running only 50 watts on long path at my sunrise today. Forget the 
digital modes and start bashing that key!

73,
Tom G3OLB
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Wes Stewart]

V26 seemed to be deaf to the whole west coast.

On 10/28/2017 7:31 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:

Working V26 was a chore from Colorado.  Even 75m was tough.  Not fun.



_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions Last Night

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

Working V26 was a chore from Colorado.  Even 75m was tough.  Not fun.


On 10/28/2017 3:48 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote:

Well, I spent a few hours on the CQ WW last night, trying to pick out DX
amongst all the strong European stations . . .

Didn't hear a single North American station !  (even though I'm sure all the
big signals were on)

Perhaps conditions will improve tonight.

Roger G3YRO
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Larry]

I worked a couple EU stations from NC and heard a few more on 160M. TK5R 
(I think that was the call as I'm not at the radio computer) was the 
strongest I heard and worked. Only a half sloper (top is up about 50 
feet) here (the RX antenna is down).


73, Larry W6NWS

On 10/28/2017 6:40 AM, Michael Walker wrote:

I worked a few EU's on 80, but no joy on 160M

There was also only a few WSPR stations reporting a path.

Mike va3mw


On Sat, Oct 28, 2017 at 5:48 AM, Roger Kennedy <
ro...@wessexproductions.co.uk> wrote:


Well, I spent a few hours on the CQ WW last night, trying to pick out DX
amongst all the strong European stations . . .

Didn't hear a single North American station !  (even though I'm sure all
the
big signals were on)

Perhaps conditions will improve tonight.

Roger G3YRO
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband



_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Michael Walker]

I worked a few EU's on 80, but no joy on 160M

There was also only a few WSPR stations reporting a path.

Mike va3mw


On Sat, Oct 28, 2017 at 5:48 AM, Roger Kennedy <
ro...@wessexproductions.co.uk> wrote:

> Well, I spent a few hours on the CQ WW last night, trying to pick out DX
> amongst all the strong European stations . . .
>
> Didn't hear a single North American station !  (even though I'm sure all
> the
> big signals were on)
>
> Perhaps conditions will improve tonight.
>
> Roger G3YRO
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Roger Kennedy]

Well, I spent a few hours on the CQ WW last night, trying to pick out DX
amongst all the strong European stations . . .

Didn't hear a single North American station !  (even though I'm sure all the
big signals were on)

Perhaps conditions will improve tonight.

Roger G3YRO
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions This Weekend

[Roger Kennedy]

Well, I spent a few hours on the CQ WW last night, trying to pick out DX
amongst all the strong European stations . . .

Didn't hear a single North American station !  (even though I'm sure all the
big signals were on)

Perhaps conditions will improve tonight.

Roger G3YRO
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions

[Milt -- N5IA]

Just an FYI  to all.  It appears the band may evolve into something good 
tonight.

I was able to contact NP4A in Puerto Rico from my station in Arizona with only 
one call at 0036 Z.

The log time is when the sun is almost one whole hour before setting.

Good luck to all.

73 de Milt, N5IA, operator at N7GP in AZ – DM52


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2014.0.4335 / Virus Database: 3705/7132 - Release Date: 02/28/14
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Conditions On Topband...

[Eddy Swynar]

Greetings All,

So---with DX conditions being the way they are on 160 this season, & 
all...anyone read any good books lately...?! Hi Hi

The band still does hold surprises to the patient & dedicated here: this 
morning KL7J suddenly & literally came up out of nowhere, & was quickly peaking 
at my QTH to a good 569, before I had to QRT at around 1200Z.

You just never know, do you...?!

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ


_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[Frank Davis]

2011 is certainly down from previous years.just for interest here is a 
table of first time DXCC worked since 1974 for my current total of 178.  Bumper 
years for me 85-86.  Antenna at the time was a shunt fed 40ft tower with 203BA 
and three folded shunt feed wires plus a top loading wire.  No rx antenna.  
2002-2011 52ft Inv L.  Two different city lots. 

73 Frank VO1HP

First Time DXCC worked
74-3
75-0
76-6
77-2
78-0
79-6
80-1
81-6
82-1
83-2
84-0
85-19
86-31
87-5
1988-1997 QRT
98-3
1999-2001 QRT
02-10  Inv L
03-6
04-2
05-10
06-17
07-8
08-15  including  JA - no further JA since.  First season using K9AY. 
09-8
10-14
11-3  VP8ORK, T32C, TL0CW

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH! (really?)

[Mike & Coreen Smith]

I would've been another one to jump right on the "MEH" bandwagon, but after 
scanning my log just quickly, this is the DX I worked in the Stew with my 
low inverted L & 750w (no RX antennas)

W6, DL6, OL1, KV4,S59,F6,FM5 (x2) ,PJ2,CE1, 
SN7,OM5,RL3,G4,UU7,E77,LY7,SV3,OK2,UY0, HG8,RN1,F5,
CR6,OK2,UR4,OH6,OH2,LY2,UW2,G3,KH6 (x3) and about 250+ USA/VE.

For a small stn standpoint, I don't think it looks too bad.  There was no 
huge peak at EU sunrise and I really think activity was way down 
however.

Mike VE9AA

Mike, Coreen & Corey Smith
699 Rte 616 Keswick Ridge
NB
Canada
E6L 1T1
  - Original Message - 
  From: Jeff Woods
  To: Barry N1EU ; topBand List
  Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 8:29 PM
  Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!


  HL5IVL was on this morning as a matter of fact, calling CQ until about 
1300z on 1826 or thereabouts. He was unable to copy me, unfortunately. But 
SM4CAN came booming in last night and we had a good QSO.


  Could be better, but the band isn't dead.


  -Jeff
  Cedar Rapids, IA




  >
  > From: Barry N1EU 
  >To: topBand List 
  >Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 6:16 PM
  >Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!
  >
  >On Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 11:36 PM, Eddy Swynar  
wrote:
  >
  >> The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the 
post-Christmas drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch came 
early!
  >>
  >> John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the 
overall best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of 
2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree with him 101%...
  >>
  >
  >
  >Sure condx are generally down. But then there's a morning like Dec
  >14. I never heard HL in all of 2008-2009.
  >
  >73,
  >Barry N1EU
  >___
  >UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
  >
  >
  ___
  UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK


--



  No virus found in this incoming message.
  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
  Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4091 - Release Date: 12/19/11 
19:34:00
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[Steven Raas]

Im happy chasing states still.. need 12 more..all out west ..If I work DX
thats a BIG BONUS!

-Steve Raas
N2JDQ

On Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 7:15 PM, W0UCE  wrote:

> Bob:
> Welcome to the world of "Bah Humbug"
>
> Jack W0UCE
>
> You guys aren't instilling confidence in my 160 L antenna I am working on.
> :-)
> Just my luck, retire and finally get to have some time to play with
> antennas
> more, putting up a 160L
> and the band goes blah !   hihi
>
> Merry Christmas to all Top Banders !
>
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
> On Dec 20, 2011, at 3:36 PM, Eddy Swynar wrote:
>
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Well, a surefire hint that 160-meters just "...ain't what it used to be"
> may be readily seen by even a cursory glance at sites like sk4aw.net and
> the
> DX Edge---few-to-zero posts by North American stations, & even fewer spots
> of same by the DX!
> >
> > The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the
> post-Christmas drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch
> came
> early!
> >
> > John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the
> overall best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of
> 2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree  with him 101%...
> >
> > ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
> > ___
> > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>
> ___
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>
> ___
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[Jeff Woods]

HL5IVL was on this morning as a matter of fact, calling CQ until about 1300z on 
1826 or thereabouts.  He was unable to copy me, unfortunately.  But SM4CAN came 
booming in last night and we had a good QSO.  


Could be better, but the band isn't dead.  


-Jeff
Cedar Rapids, IA




>
> From: Barry N1EU 
>To: topBand List  
>Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 6:16 PM
>Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!
> 
>On Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 11:36 PM, Eddy Swynar  wrote:
>
>> The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the post-Christmas 
>> drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch came early!
>>
>> John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the 
>> overall best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of 
>> 2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree  with him 101%...
>>
>
>
>Sure condx are generally down.  But then there's a morning like Dec
>14.  I never heard HL in all of 2008-2009.
>
>73,
>Barry N1EU
>___
>UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>
>
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[Barry N1EU]

On Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 11:36 PM, Eddy Swynar  wrote:

> The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the post-Christmas 
> drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch came early!
>
> John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the 
> overall best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of 
> 2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree  with him 101%...
>


Sure condx are generally down.  But then there's a morning like Dec
14.  I never heard HL in all of 2008-2009.

73,
Barry N1EU
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[W0UCE]

Bob:
Welcome to the world of "Bah Humbug"

Jack W0UCE

You guys aren't instilling confidence in my 160 L antenna I am working on.
:-)  
Just my luck, retire and finally get to have some time to play with antennas
more, putting up a 160L  
and the band goes blah !   hihi

Merry Christmas to all Top Banders !

Bob
K6UJ



On Dec 20, 2011, at 3:36 PM, Eddy Swynar wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> Well, a surefire hint that 160-meters just "...ain't what it used to be"
may be readily seen by even a cursory glance at sites like sk4aw.net and the
DX Edge---few-to-zero posts by North American stations, & even fewer spots
of same by the DX!
> 
> The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the
post-Christmas drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch came
early!
> 
> John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the
overall best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of
2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree  with him 101%...
> 
> ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
> ___
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[Bob K6UJ]

You guys aren't instilling confidence in my 160 L antenna I am working on.  :-) 
 
Just my luck, retire and finally get to have some time to play with antennas 
more, putting up a 160L  
and the band goes blah !   hihi

Merry Christmas to all Top Banders !

Bob
K6UJ



On Dec 20, 2011, at 3:36 PM, Eddy Swynar wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> Well, a surefire hint that 160-meters just "...ain't what it used to be" may 
> be readily seen by even a cursory glance at sites like sk4aw.net and the DX 
> Edge---few-to-zero posts by North American stations, & even fewer spots of 
> same by the DX!
> 
> The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the post-Christmas 
> drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch came early!
> 
> John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the 
> overall best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of 
> 2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree  with him 101%...
> 
> ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
> ___
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Topband Conditions---MEH!

[Eddy Swynar]

Hi All,

Well, a surefire hint that 160-meters just "...ain't what it used to be" may be 
readily seen by even a cursory glance at sites like sk4aw.net and the DX 
Edge---few-to-zero posts by North American stations, & even fewer spots of same 
by the DX!

The current state of affairs sure does remind me a lot of the post-Christmas 
drought on 1.8-MHz last year...only this year the Grinch came early!

John (ON4UN) asserts in his newest edition of LOW-BAND DX'ING that the overall 
best season for DX on the band probably occurred in the winter of 
2008-2009...and I'm inclined to agree  with him 101%...

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: conditions

[Bob Eldridge]

There must be something special about those ABC broadcasting stations 
on 2310 and 2325 kHz.
This morning around sunrise, finding absolutely no signals on 1.8, I 
went to see whether there was anything on 2310 or 2325, and sure 
enough there they were, strong heterodynes and intelligible audio.
It reminded me of NM7M's "social factor", the band may really be open, 
but because no-one expects it to be, no-one is there.
Bob VE7BS 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Topband Conditions: CONSOLATION

[Charles Moizeau]

Eddy,

Interest is also on a sharp increase in the other direction.  This week the 
traffic on QRP-L has been very heavy on the subject of 600m, where a few 
authorized experimental stations are active and there seems certainty over it 
becoming generally open to US amateur radio licensees.  Of significance is a 
report of near-extraordinary 600m conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, two 
evenings when conditions on 160m and 80m (but not 40m) were stinko.

Of course, the QRP aspect may be unappealing to Topband's 599/1.5 KW crowd 
battling across the magnetic north pole, but take heart, for one QRP-L posting 
revealed a New England station pumping out 4 kW on Low Band, this being legal 
because the power limit is determined by ERP, effective radiated power into 
antennas that of necessity are physically compromised.

72 (QRP-speak for 73)

Charles, W2SH  

> From: deswy...@xplornet.ca
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2011 11:14:12 -0500
> Subject: Topband: Topband Conditions: CONSOLATION
> 
> Good Day All,
> 
> While the current doldrums on 160-meters have been more than a bit of a
> "drag" therein of late, it's certainly been a boon to creating interest in
> the re-discovery of other bands...
> 
> Case in point: 40-meters CW. I haven't been a "regular" on 7-MHz for several
> years now, but was absolutely amazed at what's been going-on there for the
> past week, or so, now that I've dropped-by when 1.8-MHz was "flat". There's
> been some amazing long-path DX coming through at (seemingly) all hours of
> the day! I've been easily working eastern & northern Europe from my QTH here
> in southern Ontario at any time from 11:00 AM, to 2:00 PM---in full
> daylight...
> 
> My equipment on 40-meters...? A 45 year old pair of Drake Twins (with a
> tired set of 6JB6As in the final), & a 2-waves long inverted "V" dipole at
> 50'!
> 
> Having said that, I'd STILL rather work the DX on 160-meters, however...!
> (sigh).
> 
> ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
> 
> ___
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
  
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Topband Conditions: CONSOLATION

[Diane and Edward Swynar]

Good Day All,

While the current doldrums on 160-meters have been more than a bit of a
"drag" therein of late, it's certainly been a boon to creating interest in
the re-discovery of other bands...

Case in point: 40-meters CW. I haven't been a "regular" on 7-MHz for several
years now, but was absolutely amazed at what's been going-on there for the
past week, or so, now that I've dropped-by when 1.8-MHz was "flat". There's
been some amazing long-path DX coming through at (seemingly) all hours of
the day! I've been easily working eastern & northern Europe from my QTH here
in southern Ontario at any time from 11:00 AM, to 2:00 PM---in full
daylight...

My equipment on 40-meters...? A 45 year old pair of Drake Twins (with a
tired set of 6JB6As in the final), & a 2-waves long inverted "V" dipole at
50'!

Having said that, I'd STILL rather work the DX on 160-meters, however...!
(sigh).

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK