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Author Topic: My 2021 AFD Cross Band Test AAR  (Read 150 times)

NQ3M

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My 2021 AFD Cross Band Test AAR
« on: May 09, 2021, 07:01:28 AM »

The 2021 AFD C/B test is in the books.  Mother nature did her best to hinder it as best she could, but I did manage to tag 14 of the 21 stations,  two of them on different bands.
 
My location, Cherokee Co Alabama. (N/E Al.)

The gear, used
Transciever,  Kenwood TS 2000
Amplifier, Ameritron AL80B
Tuner, Ameritron ATR 20
Alpha-Delta antenna switch

Antennas,
Rotatable hex beam for 20-10 meters @ 42" AGL
Full wave + 80 meter loop @ 40' AGL in an almost square configuration, fed at 1/3  from a corner with a 4-1 Balun (no tuning required on most of 75-80 or 40)
Dictated 60 meter @ 40' AGL
1/2 wave 80 meter NVIS @ 7' AGL (Mostly no tuning required parts of 80 or 40)
All fed w/ RG8U

First station I heard was, ABM4M@ approx 1138 UTC
Last station contact was, NIIW @ 2141 UTC
Stayed in RX mode until 2359 UTC nothing else heard

Did not partake of the digital as I was worn out. (truth is I had forgot to set up the computer)

Stations never heard,
AIR
AAM3D
AAU
ABH
AGA5TR

Stations very briefly heard, however mother nature was not being kind at all.
MARSCOMM/
ADB
 
The MARS operators this year were some of the best in the 9 years (no test last year) I've been doing this exercise.

Still some over lapping freqs being used, (must be a reason for that, don't know)

Surprise's from the norm here,
How short I could go using 20 meters,
MARSRADIO/ in FL. @ 1847UTC

How long on 40 meters,
AAN was crystal clear @ 1312UTC
 

All in all it was a great test, however mother nature made you work for all of it.

Needing attention on my part,
I am now looking at installing a 1K foot RX only antenna, as in all my years at this, I have never heard ABH. My thinking is if I can at least hear them, I can come up with a gear set and ability to work them.

Looking forward,
The preps have already began to install the RX antenna only for next year, as luckily the TS 2000 has that ability. Thinking about upping the output power, but also know mother nature always get the last laugh, but first I have to be able to hear them reliably.

Final thoughts, AKA, Laughable Excuses,
Wondering if the Harbor Freight Sat* coming home cost me a few stations?

Harbor Freight Sat*
The reentry of that failed Chinese sat that reentered yesterday.     
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N8AUC

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Re: My 2021 AFD Cross Band Test AAR
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2021, 05:57:40 PM »

China had a failed satellite re-enter as well?

I heard about that uncontrolled booster stage re-entry, but not a satellite.

If true, then they're oh for two this weekend
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NQ3M

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  • Posts: 95
Re: My 2021 AFD Cross Band Test AAR
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2021, 02:21:03 PM »

Went to the Army-MARS site to sign up for the QSL cards. The message said, that request form had been removed? Anyone have a suggestion on how to obtain the cards?
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