|
What will happen first?
|
Any guesses which will occur first?
Will this survey come to any end first, or will the sunspots return before this survey stops running?
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 10, 2009
|
|
ISS Certificate
|
Just got a nice certificate from the local
ARRL officer.The ISS certificate is real neat
and it doesn't require many radios to make it
work (mode u/v). We worked each other and
several people nationwide.
The 25th year anniversary was fun and a lot
of people got involved. One of the old timers
that's new back in the sport after 20 years
had to listen to a remark from another ham
about how his radio was 1 cps off frequency.
There are a lot of returning hams who have
been off the air for years .
Let's welcome them , nothing better than
their expertise. We got bitched at when we
where down on 144.2 by someone who was a 120
miles away so we moved off frequency .
Regardless of the band police, there is
strong interest on VHF and Satellites down
here. Many nites of the week one can turn on
the radio and work the entire state on two
meters....FM mind you.
Highlights of this station are the 900 mile
contacts straight west to Houston on a Tropo
opening this spring . Also aeronautical
mobiles with HTs and another contact to South
Carolina , roughly 450 miles.
All told the VHF contests the week before
field day is absolutely the best fun I've had
in a long time . Six meters was wall to wall
busier than 20. Strange thing is we don't
hear much operating out of six land here ,
anywhere. It's like everything west of the
rockies has dropped off the face of the map.
Ever notice how people complain about how
dead bands are and then all of the sudden
they hear someone and 10 people chime in? Is
it really conditions or is it people not
calling CQ to let others know?
Ten meters opened up a couple of times and
voila up popped about 50 people. I've had
more fun with my radios in the last two years
than I have for decades up north in Illinois.
We worked the special event down in
Antarctica and much of south americaon 20 .
Also worked a cuban on six meters. There is a
great show on 6 mhz Radio Habana 9pm EST. If
you can hack the commie propaganda wait 'till
you hear the Qrp discussion and check out his
site. Worked a lot of people during their
contests into Europe and Russia. Can't quite
get a WAS here on phone even on field day .
Field day on 20 ph was a madhouse. If you
havent tried out PSK 31 do so . The activity
there is awesome at reduced power levels with
minimal antennas. As HRD improves we will
continue to rebuild oscars and fool with that
some more. I am really happy for the contacts
there and more attention needs to placed on
resurrecting sats that are sitting idle. I
know how much effort goes into those. Don't
ever give up on satellites, more are being
put up at higher orbits and larger
footprints. We continue to have a need for an
off the shelf product that does 900 meg
repeater splits . Until that happens we will
not utilize this band to its fullest.
Naturally topband requires the real estate I
don't have but verticals are defintely the
way to go. Its probably been said before but
the activity has increased on 40,80 and 160
because of the elimination of CW elements.
We need to get more people hooked up with
EQSL or a standard . It would sure help with
QSLs.
We lost another veteran last year. Ken,
WB2MPC will be missed. sk
73 WM9V
Posted by
WM9V
on October 9, 2009
|
|
Having fun
|
Started working lots of DX on 40 and 75. Never thought a DX-B at 32' would do it, guess the amp helps!
Max
VE3TMT
Posted by
VE3TMT
on October 8, 2009
|
|
Posted Aug 21, 2009
|
|
Will this particular survey run here until the sunspots return on a regualr basis?
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 8, 2009
|
|
Dedication
|
|
i am still trying qrp 10m ocassionally. why it will look impressive in the log book since everyone runs from bad conditions or amp up.
Posted by
KC8NBD
on October 8, 2009
|
|
160 meter DX
|
|
the DX on 160 is amazing to hear to say the least. Learn code if you have room for a decent antenna on this band. The cw portion is where all the DX is, Not phone...
Posted by
N8FQX
on October 7, 2009
|
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Enough..
|
|
Time for a new survey!
Posted by
N4CQR
on October 7, 2009
|
|
Luv it
|
The unknown is always fun. I've seen a dead 10 or 12 meter band pop open for just a bit, and there seems to be somebody else out there looking too. A CQ at the bottom of 15 and a DX station appears 599 on a dead band. Almost like fishing in that spot everybody says "there are no fish in there" and bringing in a whopper. Like another ham said too, it keeps the riff raff out.
W4MEC
Charlie
Posted by
W4MEC
on October 7, 2009
|
|
i can still hear
|
Unfortunatly i can still hear that most annoying of stations I*9**H on 14.195 being as bilidgerant as ever but it is not as easy now (must try using overhead telephone lines as elements when stationary) , there used to be a lovely lenght of wire on the fence around my local park that made an excellent long wire they changed the fence now all metal and it dont work drat .
Pete G6NJR
Posted by
G6NJR
on October 7, 2009
|
|
i can still hear
|
Unfortunatly i can still hear that most annoying of stations I*9**H on 14.195 being as bilidgerant as ever but it is not as easy now (must try using overhead telephone lines as elements when stationary) , there used to be a lovely lenght of wire on the fence around my local park that made an excellent long wire they changed the fence now all metal and it dont work drat .
Pete G6NJR
Posted by
G6NJR
on October 7, 2009
|
|
I'm having a great time!
|
|
I seldom think about the sunspots being low. Its sort of like the recession...an ever present problem that one can do little about. Still, I tweak antennas, tweak receivers, and build audio filters. I work dx, dxpeditions, islands on the air, and contests. This year already seems better than last and I had fun last year. The best news...how ever much fun I have this year will only get better and better as we go forward.
Posted by
N1YE
on October 5, 2009
|
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Low 'Spots
|
|
It gets the riff-raff off the air.
Posted by
K5RIX
on October 4, 2009
|
|
Low 'Spots
|
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It gets the riff-raff off the air.
Posted by
K5RIX
on October 4, 2009
|
|
You just have to listen...
|
|
Being retired I'm on quite often. True there are days when the bands are pretty dead, but a lot of listening will still get many good QSOs with all parts of the world. Of course, I work cw only and I listen, listen, listen. At times a "dead" band will liven up with a CQ.
Posted by
K6INM
on October 1, 2009
|
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Good Contacts.
|
|
Ive been getting some good contacts.But have to search the bands a little. Talked to Finland and Bosnia and lots of the states in the last 3 weeks. 80,40,and a few on 20.Not set up for 160 and doubt if I will be as my home has no room for the length of antenna needed.But talking to oh8l,oh5z,and e77dx was still fun on the other bands. Good Luck to everyone and 73 to all. k0old Missouri
Posted by
K0OLD
on October 1, 2009
|
|
It Gets better than this?
|
|
No affect at all to this 06 newbie. This is all Iv'e known thus far. DXCC, WAC, WAS- barefoot on a wire.
Posted by
KI4NCX
on September 30, 2009
|
|
poor conditions
|
|
conditions are really poor these days...we need intervention from the DIRECTOR IN CHARGE OF BAND OPENINGS.....steve/ka5kbm.
Posted by
KA5KBM
on September 28, 2009
|
|
Looks like the spots are back...
|
Wow - a K-index reading of greater than zero!
Next thing you know, 15 will be open every day. I really can't wait.
Posted by
K0RGR
on September 28, 2009
|
|
Be patient ----
|
|
I am working just about as much DX now as I do when we are at a solar max. I just have to be a bit smarter and a bunch more patient. I work the gray line a lot. If you are not familiar with "gray line propagation" then you need to do some studying. ---- Don't expect to have a rag chew on DX under current conditions. Work them and move on. --- In the past 4 or 5 days I have worked Russia, Siberia, Europe, Japan, the Carribean, and numerous South American countries. Power level-- always less than 100 watts. --- Again, study gray line propagation!!!!
Posted by
NU0R
on September 28, 2009
|
|
low sunspots
|
There is nothing you can do about it so you have to learn to live without them for the moment. It will probably sharpen the skills as an operator & call for more inventive antennas.
I find it pays to get as far away from the big smoke as possible to avoid the QRM. This helps a lot.
Peter
VK5HPC.
Posted by
VK5HPC
on September 26, 2009
|
|
You just gotta laugh!
|
Well...it's kinda like that age old question, isn't it?
"If you call CQ and no one hears it, will there really be, a QSO?"
Wait a minute??? - Maybe there was something about a Tree or a Tower falling in the woods, that goes with that...oh well I forget!
Posted by
N5JFJ
on September 20, 2009
|
|
Remind Me Why I Have 15m and 10m?
|
|
The only thing I really miss is the loud DX that used to roll in on 15 meters and 10 meters. These days, 20 meters has its moments in the afternoons, but it is just not the same. 73 de Ken - N4OI
Posted by
N4OI
on September 19, 2009
|
|
Feeling Better
|
|
I was afraid that I might be getting on board at the worst possible time. But ready these posts fills me with encouragement. I am an old ham addict, fell off the ham wagon in my teens but over the past year or so got reinfected with the bug. Want to get my general. Lots to learn still. Just squeaking by on the practice tests. Can't wait to get a rig, string up a wire, call CQ and see what happens!
Posted by
BITBRUSH
on September 17, 2009
|
|
DX doesn't matter...
|
|
I'm happy with any QSO on HF. I don't care if they are 50 miles or 5000 miles away. I don't have a beam or amp and I'd rather not fight it out with the big guns anyway.
Posted by
KC2WI
on September 15, 2009
|
|
Nothing but fun...
|
|
I pretty much run PSK31 all the time and I've had great local and international fun on 15, 17, 20, 40 and 80m
Posted by
KD8HJA
on September 14, 2009
|
|
|
Complain all you want about CB. I have always found someone to talk to on it when traveling. I can not say the same for 2meter, 10 meter and 6 meter. I have listened to conversations on 80 meter that would have gotten you shouted off of the CB channels. Oh I guess it must be all of us no good no code generals doing it. But wait The no code generals did not exist at the time I started hearing the garbage on 80 meter.
Posted by
N0SOY
on September 13, 2009
|
|
I'm having a good time too.
|
Most weekends 20m is almost impossible to use in the UK unless you're into contesting because of the huge amplifiers and beams often used in southern Europe, however contests don't use 17m and there's a lot of fun to be had there where it's relatively peaceful... even during this sunspot minimum there's usually a reply to a CQ call and you never know what you might get. :-)
I'm restricted by space - no dimension of my 'L' shaped yard is more than 10m which limits my options somewhat with wire aerials and prevents me guying a vertical - but when I take my cobweb down to protect it from the winter storms (90mph isn't unusual here) I'm going to try my luck with a 1/4 sloper on 40m for the winter season.
I'm a 'cup-half-full' kind of guy... if it works well I'll have fun, if it doesn't I'll mess with it until it does. :-)
73 Richard M0GDU
Posted by
M0GDU
on September 13, 2009
|
|
get out what you put in
|
|
the bands are open if someone answers.
Posted by
K6SGH
on September 12, 2009
|
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LOw bands
|
80 & 160 have been very interesting bands the past few years. That means,if you know how to operate on CW!
Newcomers without CW capability are loosing out ! Too bad.
73 Rag LA5HE
Posted by
LA5HE
on September 11, 2009
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There is always a contact to be made
|
On the weekends, I start calling CQ on 6M CW, and work my way down the bands. I have found it very rare that I have not made a contact by the time I hit 20M.
In the evenings, 80 and 40 have been great, and surprisingly so has 20. I have had several great QSO's (rag chews) with numerous ops along the Pacific rim, Asia and Europe on 20M CW and PSK until 0900Z (0200 local).
Bottom line, do not limit yourself to a single band/mode. The contacts are out there, you sometimes just have to look for them. And when all else fails call CQ. You just might be surprised at who is listening.
73 DE NA7CS
Curt
Posted by
NA7CS
on September 10, 2009
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|
Reactivated after years
|
Having been QRT for literally decades it's great to be back on
the air, sunspots or no. With just a simple indoor dipole cut
for 40m I've been able to hear (but not work yet on QRP)
stations in Japan, Hawaii, Tennessee and Arizona from my
QTH in North Idaho.
Posted by
N7RCS
on September 9, 2009
|
|
Rediscovered 40 meters
|
I've worked some great DX on 40 meters this year, log indicates 100+ countries on this band in 2009, just casual operation with 100 watts and a vertical. You see, there's always a way, even with a humble set-up like mine.
As a plus, I've also had a lot of enjoyable EU contacts. Since there's less pressure to "perform" people seem to have more time for a long QSO, which is quite refreshing from time to time.
Anyway, things can only get better...looking forward to the winter season!
73,
Bart - ON4CCU
Posted by
ON4CCU
on September 8, 2009
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Seems like fun
|
I have been a ham for only a few years so I don't have any peak sunspot period to compare to. Since earning my ticket, I have had a wonderful time exploring the combination of bands and modes - all with modest equipment. Amateur radio is even more fun than I had expected. So much to do and learn.
Posted by
NJ2X
on September 7, 2009
|
|
|
"A someday to be ham says the CB bands are red hot and the 10 meter band is being ignored"
Hams have a lot of options for bands that are routinely still open. The CB guys stay on CB until CB opens.
10m opens too, it's just that everyone is down on 20m or 40m when it happens these days.
Posted by
N3OX
on September 3, 2009
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I am not a DX hound:
|
|
I can work the low bands 160-30 meters generally in fine shape. I sometimes work 20 meters for QCWA and a net receiving station often can not hear me because of Brazilians on the channel. A someday to be ham says the CB bands are red hot and the 10 meter band is being ignored. Go figure.
Posted by
K0IC
on September 2, 2009
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Bad but not terrible
|
I worked Bosnia on 20m SSB with an attic mounted stealth antenna and 100 watts. He gave me an RST of 46. Not great, but I worked him. Zero sun spots is bad, but not terrible. Just turn on the radio and call CQ!
73 de KQ4AR
Posted by
KQ4AR
on August 30, 2009
|
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Reply WD40
|
"I've been rediscovering 11 meters lately. Dead quiet, nobody's there. Perfect for local QSO's and no license required.
Check it out, very cool. "
Now here is an idea, the CBers go TO the ham bands and the hams to 11 meters. Super !
Posted by
W1IT
on August 29, 2009
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|
40m...
|
"Looked back in the log, and I've worked 170+ countries so far just this year on 100 watts. Most on 40,"
40m is a great DX band if you've got a vertical or a pretty high dipole. This is the thing I think. It's not that propagation is better on, say, 15m than it is on 40m. It's just that it's harder to get tons of low angle gain on 40m ;-) You put a 3 element full size 40m beam on a 100 foot tower and you'll be able to work ridiculous stuff that you could never even hear on a ground mounted vertical. But it's a lot easier to put a tribander on a roof tower and work 15m ;-)
But a good vertical or high dipole (for people with big trees) can be a very effective DX antenna. I use a half wave vertical on 40m.
In the doldrums for the past couple years, 40m has been one of my "go-to" bands for making my first contact with a needed all-time new DXpedition.
Strangely enough, the other one has been 17m... Most of what I need is very long haul stuff so I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised.
Posted by
N3OX
on August 29, 2009
|
|
Awful thought?
|
"Not pleasant to think of all the worlds amateur radio operators consigned to 80 and 160 meters as a result of no sunspots for the next 100 years."
But we've got no sunspots at all right now, extremely low flux, and
20m is full of signals and 17m is in decent shape (1800Z Saturday)
I got on 20m pretty late last night and worked UN7PL and heard a bunch of UA0 and UA9 stations... with ZL coming in loud off the side of the beam.
Even if this were truly the end of sunspots (which I very much doubt... the dynamics of the sun are complicated) this is as bad as it gets unless something happens in the sun to cut the base-level ionization of our ionosphere even further than in an "ordinary" sunspot minimum.
I'd be bummed to never get 15m in all it's cycle-peak glory back again. What a band... much easier to work trans-polar Asians on 15 than 20m here in W3.
But at the same time, I've heard or worked 9V and XW and XU and other "tough ones" on 20m in the last year on my little 30 foot high Moxon, and I plan to put up a bigger 20m antenna some day anyway.
Maybe the sun's just trying to tell us to fight for our fellow antenna restricted hams so they can put up the tower they always wanted ;-)
Lack of 15m thru 10m hurts them the most...
73
Dan
Posted by
N3OX
on August 29, 2009
|
|
Enjoying the lowbands
|
When the sunspots were closer to a peak, I was often frustrated...without a tower and beam, my station often struggled to get through a pile-up on 20 or above.
But on 40/80/160...hey, most hams are using single-element antennas, so my wire verticals are actually pretty competitive. Looked back in the log, and I've worked 170+ countries so far just this year on 100 watts. Most on 40, some on 80 and 160 and just a few on 30 and 20.
- k
Posted by
KASSY
on August 28, 2009
|
|
I'm on the outside looking in
|
I've been rediscovering 11 meters lately. Dead quiet, nobody's there. Perfect for local QSO's and no license required.
Check it out, very cool.
Posted by
WD40
on August 27, 2009
|
|
Busy - Busy - Busy
|
I'm still operating but seeing a little less DX during my op times. I was really active on 6M during the latest Es season but that has started to taper off in NA. Added another 30 or so new grids and a couple new countries this summer. During the operating lulls, I've been busy revamping my 6M and up station and antennas. Replaced a 5el 6M for a 7el 6M and added a new TS-2000X to the mix for 6M, 2M, 70cm and 23cm. Plans call for a 222 Mhz transverter in the near future. Yagis all around for each band is in the plan too.
Also spending time updating logs and applying for awards. Received 2 more DXCC certs (phone & 20M) and close on CW & RTTY. Applied for and recv'd first VUCC cert for 6M grids.
Lots to do other than just operating on HF!!
Gene W5DQ
Posted by
W5DQ
on August 27, 2009
|
|
CB...
|
Gary, I'm with you. I opened the mailbox the other day and heard a roger beep. Picked up the phone, yep, you guessed it. CB. Drove down the road and saw not one but THREE truck drivers with CB antennas! One was even using it! Then, when I got to work opened my email, yep, CB. Turned around and another guy was carrying a CB! Looked down at my feet and instead of shoes I was wearing a pair of CBs!
What are we to do? This problem sounds serious. So serious that you've taken a survey asking about coping with current solar conditions and turned it into a dais to hurl the same old mantra at those with no say over the licensing conditions.
I'll keep checking the inside of my cereal boxes to see if I've earned an Extra yet.
- No Code General (10-4 Good Buddy?)
Posted by
KJ4AUR
on August 26, 2009
|
|
It's there
|
Every day the pile ups start on 20 in the morning LP to Europe with so many signals +9 I find it hard to catch a call sign. Towards midday it moves to South America, Middle East and India. Afternoon, North America getting up to +20 again so many calling hard to pick out the calls. Moves to Alaska & Canada just on evening then Europe again over the North Pole with Aroural flutter aroung 7-9. Thats Twenty every day! Now Forty, about 14:30 Europe comes in +9, yes mid afternoon and stays in until 19:00. North America from 16:00 untill +00:00.
The going gets too much sometimes so I ragchew with North America or Japan on 17.
My thoughts are that too many stations are used to running too much power at each other their stations are quit DX deaf. 200 DX contacts per day is not impossibe excluding VK's (I am as you see a ZL). I dread the upturn in the cycle, just one big traffic jam. Grid Square is RE54HF. No excuse, its out there, if I can work QRP stations on the other side of the world so can you!
Posted by
ZL4IV
on August 26, 2009
|
|
Gripe Gripe.
|
The comments about the ham bands turning into CB is just plain silly and stupid.
I guess if one doesn't like what has happened to ham radio, then maybe its time to give it up and move on to a less stressful hobby.
Posted by
K9FON
on August 26, 2009
|
|
Its a bad News
|
First, of those who thought 20 meters was off limits to the CB crowd, think twice. There they are with their new GENERAL nocode licenses, gee see ya Good Buddy.
Next, 75 meters, don't even ask. Above 3800 its pure CB.
40 meters, well, above 7.175 its CB and even below its sounding worse.
So where is sanity ? Lets drop the other shoe ARRL and FCC and just issue licenses without any written test either. As it is the questions are all prepublished and still we hear, " it was a hard test. I passed it on my fifth try."
Posted by
W1IT
on August 26, 2009
|
|
Awful thought
|
|
Not pleasant to think of all the worlds amateur radio operators consigned to 80 and 160 meters as a result of no sunspots for the next 100 years.
Posted by
N2UGB
on August 26, 2009
|
|
Sunspots
|
The current condtions are OK. If they improve I will have to go up my tower and figure out why my 15M on my TH6 doesn't work.......
Mike, W7VO
Posted by
W7VO
on August 25, 2009
|
|
DX ok here
|
Been retired for two years now and have been
working plenty of DX. Worked over 250 countries
in the last year and a 1/2. You have to have
the rig turn on and the antenna connected...who needs sun spots.
Having a Great time.
Posted by
WB0MCO
on August 25, 2009
|
|
The low bands, for now
|
Shortly after the last sunspot peak, I made the QSY to concentrate on DX'ing the low bands, and have enjoyed this immensely.
I would like to see a good sunspot peak in the next few years, though. Those who haven't experienced the 15, 12, and 10 meter bands lit up with some good solar activity are in for a real treat.
Posted by
NI0C
on August 25, 2009
|
|
Other things take priority
|
|
Being unemployed for the last two years, and not seeing a change in sight,(I am 68, which turns off most HR people.) I haven't felt like taking time for my 'hobby'. Would seem unfair for me to be 'playing radio' while my wife works to support us.
Posted by
WB9URN
on August 24, 2009
|
|
Low sunspot activity
|
|
Sure, 20m and 17m DX are pretty few and far between lately. But, 40m is wildly active now that the broadcasters moved. 80m at night, at least regionally, is exceptionally active. Local ragchew can still be fun and I've met many new friends this way. Afterall, most DX consists of the following exchange:"59 into blank, QRZ?" So, what are you missing? Meaningful dialog with the locals (domestic) is good too. Bob N3JQD
Posted by
N3JQD
on August 24, 2009
|
|
Using more CW & Digital Modes
|
As phone has dropped off, I find myself more and more on 30,40, & 20 in the Olivia, PSK, or CW mode.
Great DX on 35 to 40 watts.
Charlie
KJ4AUQ
Posted by
KJ4AUQ
on August 24, 2009
|
|
|
|
On the air WAY less right now. But once the summer static is gone and the nights are longer in the northern hemisphere, 80 and 160 are going to be a lot of fun.
Posted by
K3AN
on August 23, 2009
|
|
It's all good
|
So, who needs sunspots? It's 9:00 PM local time here right now (0400 UTC) and 20m is still open, 40m has tons of DX, and 80m is lively with DX as well. I haven't listened to 160 lately, but I do use that band during the winter season and I can't recall it being better than it was this past winter.
Made 1097 QSOs on 10m during the sporadic-E season, May to July, still filling out cards for that.
So, of course it's not like "the good old days" of 1999->2002, but the bands hold lots of contacts and great conversation.
Posted by
WB2WIK
on August 22, 2009
|
|
Low Band Activity?
|
There are occasions when the bands (20 - 12) are GREAT! Low bands (80 - 30) have been great in the evenings.
This is a good opportunity to do some antenna maintenance, build up the low band arsenal (and use them), study up on theories (can't know them all... or just hone up on what hasn't been used in a while), or just dive in to some home brew projects. Get the station arranged in a way that when the bands are in full swing; the time can be spent enjoying the activities with little to no frustrating events of station failures.
If your own station is in full "up-mode"; Seek out other hams in your area that need some help or Elmering. There are TONS of new hams that would appreciate your wisdom!
That's the beauty of a hobby with so many sub-hobbies within it.
:-)
Jim N8NSN
Dayton, Ohio
Posted by
N8NSN
on August 22, 2009
|
|
Like a Diamond
|
Amateur Radio is a wonderful art form of communications.
Like a brilliant diamond with all it's facets each one not
greater than the other.
From microwave down to high frequency there is always
something to learn about RADIO and enjoy.
Yes, these lean years on hf provides us a challenge to
communicate, and as for me I find it exciting to find out
about my fellow man if he or she is in Anytown U.S.A.or
where ever.
Bob Hopkins K7PE
Posted by
K7PE
on August 22, 2009
|
|
Other factors
|
|
Wait until the weather starts getting cooler and the sunspot numbers get a bit higher. You'll see a return of operators to the bands. It's the middle of summer right now, and people have other things on thisr minds since propagation is not exactly good right now.
Posted by
K1CJS
on August 22, 2009
|
|
I'm hardly on the air these days...
|
I'm hardly on the air these days...
You can read A LOT into this answer.
I've done six and two SSB/CW weak signal, but those contacts are few and far between. Nobody on our two meter repeaters any longer. (Meaning not on the air as much....)
Sporadic E season pretty much over so nothing on 10. Too much static on 160, 75/80 and 60 meters. (Meaning not on the air as much....)
Two bands open, but not very well: 40 and 20 meters. (And 30 for CW....) (Meaning not on the air as much....)
Winter prop will make things better for 20 in the day time....up to 160 at night.
Still ain't the same as being on 10 and 15 all day and moving to 20 and 40 at night....
All in all....on the air LESS....
73, Bill - WA8MEA
Posted by
WA8MEA
on August 21, 2009
|
|
Not Bad Conditions
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Use what is open. I've switched from 10-20 to a VHF-uhf to low bander.. There may not be the DX out there but there is plenty of other activity if you listen and look around the bands for signals....
Posted by
K2HVE
on August 21, 2009
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It's all up to you!
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Be resourceful. Amateur radio is what you make it for yourself. No need to complain.
Every now and then try 15 meters. It may surprise you with some interesting contacts.
The only difference between a rut and a grave are their dimensions. Talk to someone new.
Try calling CQ, and calling and calling. It will get you somewhere.
Don't bypass weak stations. These are where you hone your receiver skills.
Posted by
AI2IA
on August 21, 2009
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Doesn't bother me!
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But I'm concentrating on VHF/UHF. I also work the low bands, and anything else that's open! I do get to use my amp a little more often too! I think there needs to be another answer option- "a combination of the above"! You do what you gotta do, y'know? -KR4WM
Posted by
KR4WM
on August 21, 2009
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Still having fun
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Even with 80w and a dipole on 20m, during the day I have enjoyed quite a bit of DX. Day time 40m CW QRP QSOs have provided considerable entertainment the past few winters. The majority of my activity is centered around VHF/UHF/Microwave weak signal anyway. I enjoy meteor scatter and EME on 2m using WSJT. The 6m Es season was pretty good except I never had any openings into Europe like many. It's not like 1957, but it's still fun to rove the bands.
Bill K0AWU
Posted by
K0AWU
on August 21, 2009
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The DX is still there
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I've worked a lot of DX on 20m barefoot and enjoy the uncluttered band right now. During any contest on 20m it is still a battle of the amplifiers which I still run barefoot and make my fair share of contacts. 15m is open more than people realize. Get on the band and CQ, you might be surprised at who comes back. And now that the broadcasters have moved from the lower end of 40m ssb there is DX to be had there as well. Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. In this case, time and headphones.
73 and good DX'ing
Fred WX4US
Posted by
WX4US
on August 21, 2009
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The DX is still there
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I've worked a lot of DX on 20m barefoot and enjoy the uncluttered band right now. During any contest on 20m it is still a battle of the amplifiers which I still run barefoot and make my fair share of contacts. 15m is open more than people realize. Get on the band and CQ, you might be surprised at who comes back. And now that the broadcasters have moved from the lower end of 40m ssb there is DX to be had there as well. Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. In this case, time and headphones.
73 and good DX'ing
Fred WX4US
Posted by
WX4US
on August 21, 2009
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I'm having a good time.
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Brace yourself for the torrent of negativity that's coming.
I've been enjoying this hobby for 35 years. Sunspot numbers rise and fall. It's all part of the cycle of self-study and learning that's at the core of amateur radio.
Ham radio is a cluster of maybe a hundred different hobbies. DX chasing is only one of those. If conditions are tough, then try a different activity.
But, I've had as much DX as I want on 20 meters in the daytime and on 40 at night, all of it on an all-band doublet and 100 watts. With winter coming on in the northern hemisphere, the noise on 40,60, 80, and 160 will drop off, and there'll be a lot of DX to chase there too.
Bruce
W4KPA
Posted by
W4KPA
on August 21, 2009
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