eHam
eHam Forums => DXing => Topic started by: KD8MJR on March 22, 2016, 10:51:41 AM
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I could hear them, barely on 14.002 at 17:50Z.
73s
Rob
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They are NOT QRV.
You must have worked a Slim - they haven't even set up yet and are sleeping on the boat right now. I will announce QRV officially on VK0EK.ORG, and you will see calls listed in DXA when they are live.
:o
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It was very likely a pirate. I think it was starting to get dark shortly after their arrival. Their tents would likely be #1 priority, antennas will likely have to wait till their morning.
Marvin VE3VEE
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You must have worked a Slim - they haven't even set up yet and are sleeping on the boat right now. I will announce QRV officially on VK0EK.ORG, and you will see calls listed in DXA when they are live.
:o
Never said I worked him, I heard the call and it was very weak, watery and had an echo in it. It seems like Slim must be getting much more sophisticated ;D
BTW several other people in the EU heard the station, and also seemed skeptical, The odd thing was that I rotated the Beam I could hear the signal very weak from lots of different positions. The strongest which was unfortunately still only barely audible was coming from the correct short path beam heading, but turning the beam only made the slightest of differences. At that point I though it must be them. Who ever it was they were not working DX but talking to someone in the EU.
73s
Rob
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Any chance you can use Z time when quick fire blogging? It's universal and helps.
Tnx
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Any chance you can use Z time when quick fire blogging? It's universal and helps.
Tnx
Will do
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From the VK0EK website:
3/22/2016 @ 22:13: 2016-03-22 14:46:15Z - Part of the team arrived on the island at 4 PM local time. When the sun comes up tomorrow they will start setting up the tents. That will take most of the day. So expect them on the air about 24 hours from now.
Gene AF3Y
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Looks like they'll be QRV just in time for my birthday. Working them would make a cool birthday present.
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Looks like they'll be QRV just in time for my birthday. Working them would make a cool birthday present.
That sure would Jerry. It will be icing on your birthday cake :D
Good luck. I am ready, got my 40 meter antenna repaired today and hoisted it back
up. Looks like 40 may be a best bet.
73,
Bob
K6UJ
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I now see five QSOs on DXA. The game is on!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Message says "Just Testing, not real QSOs"
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now they are QRV 40 SSB
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QRV ;D ;D
http://dxa3.org/ (http://dxa3.org/)
First Q showing was SM3GSK, 1639Z
3/23/2016 @ 16:47: 2016-03-23 16:43:26Z - Working on 40M and 30m right now.
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Congrats to the guys!! After 19 years, Heard is back on the air! ;D
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Everything fired up exactly as planned and tested. The team worked a very long and hard day. Amazing what they've done!
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Working nothing but EU - what the ^%#@?
Just joking ;D
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Is this Heard?
FH/F2DX 1650Z 24907.0 Heard in PA W3LPL
;D ;D
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Is this Heard?
FH/F2DX 1650Z 24907.0 Heard in PA W3LPL
;D ;D
No, Mayotte, still a good catch.
Haha ;D
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My logging program shows VK0EK spots as Macquarie. I had to override it so it comes up as Heard.
Congrats to the team for making this a reality. This is truly quite a historical moment.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Good sigs: https://audioboom.com/boos/4341019-vk0ek-heard-island-30cw
73 Col MM0NDX
DX-World.net
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I don't know what the weather is like on Heard Island, but we were absolutely crushed with a full scale completely unpredicted blizzard today here in Fort Collins. 2 feet of snow and the wind is howling. Unbelievable.
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Looking at the DXA updates, it seems like it's not all that easy for EU and JA to make the trip on 30 and 40m or it could be a lot of DQRM slowing things down at times.
73
Rob
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I suspect this one and Juan de Nova will be quite easy to work once each operation has four or five bands/modes on the go and all the cops, lids, jammers, and enthusiastic DXers are all spread across multiple pileups.
I just wish the Earth would turn a little faster...
John VE8EV
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it is interesting that the number of "spots" has dropped to nothing....
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I recall myself complaining about DXA a few years ago, but I have to admit it is really cool to watch it update on my iPhone while I am waiting for my students to finish their circuits test!
I'll stay out of the fray on 40 and 30m, as I worked VK0IR on those bands.
Good luck to all!
73,
Chuck. NI0C
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it is interesting that the number of "spots" has dropped to nothing....
Also interesting is seeing how many in the EU who are getting through are using 3-4 element 40m Yagis or four squared antennas. I have seen a few people with rotatable dipoles get through, but its mostly big guns.
73s
Rob
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A friend of mine in central Europe sent me an email a couple of hours ago saying he could barely hear VK0EK on both 40m and 30m. He only has wire dipoles for low bands and they are not too high. But still it makes me wonder how strong VK0EK is going to be in NA. I thought it should be easier for EU than for NA to work (and hear) Heard Island.
Marvin VE3VEE
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I've been up and down all night, and was listening out for them on 30 and 40 m right from the start.
So far, they have been almost inaudible on 30 m at best, and they were readable at times on 40 m, but nowhere near strong enough to compete in the pileup.
I hear stations call on frequency, get told "Down" and then the "Downer" gets told "UP UP UP".
It looks like Big Ben is blocking the signals almost completely in this direction. They should be quite strong over this distance. I might have to wait until the Spit Bay stations are going.
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20 minutes before my sunset they're audible on 40 but not reliably strong enough to try. Readability 1 to 2, with occasionally-extreme DQRM. Not heard on 30 at all. Might be a few days before I'll be able to work this one. My P3 is lit up like a Christmas tree. A week ago I thought this one would be fairly easy. Unless they park on 20m for the next 17 days I'm not so sure now; I'd also forgotten how bad my takeoff angle is to the southeast (I'm firing into 1000 feet of granite). Maybe long path 20 will be better?
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Not very strong here in EI on 30m about 50% copy at best,
Huge pile up CW skimmer can't even handle all the calls there is that many,
Trevor
EI2GLB
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Unless they park on 20m for the next 17 days
I'm hoping for them to do exactly that! That is indeed my only chance! ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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Congrats to the VK0EK team for the excellent work to get setup so quickly.
Rich - What are the plans/timing for the Spit bay camp setup ?
John VK3YP
Everything fired up exactly as planned and tested. The team worked a very long and hard day. Amazing what they've done!
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Congrats to the VK0EK team for the work to get setup so quickly.
Rich - What are plans/timing for the Spit bay camp setup ?
Everything fired up exactly as planned and tested. The team worked a very long and hard day. Amazing what they've done!
They will go to Spit in 5 - 7 days and the plan is to stay a week there. But I am sure exact dates might change based on weather and sea conditions. They will also want some time between hauling all this stuff and setting it up - I'm sure they all need a break since they haven't finished setting everything at Atlas yet.
Luckily, they are really driven to get there.
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Yikes - SolarHam reports
SFI = 87
SSN = 13
Haven't seen the SSN that low for a very long time.
Need a sun dance . . .
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Yikes - SolarHam reports
SFI = 87
SSN = 13
Haven't seen the SSN that low for a very long time.
Need a sun dance . . .
Murphy loves us ;D Just hope the K stays down and the storms stay to a minimum.
73s
Rob
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A friend of mine in central Europe sent me an email a couple of hours ago saying he could barely hear VK0EK on both 40m and 30m. He only has wire dipoles for low bands and they are not too high. But still it makes me wonder how strong VK0EK is going to be in NA. I thought it should be easier for EU than for NA to work (and hear) Heard Island.
Marvin VE3VEE
Marvin I don't think they are going to be strong at all for most of us. I am not going to kill myself in frustration trying for them on 40M. As W2IRT said, the best hope is a 24/7 open station on 20M. My hope is for contacts on either 20 / 17 / 15.
If the MUF holds it should be possible.
73s
Rob
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As W2IRT said, the best hope is a 24/7 open station on 20M
Rob, yes, let's wait till tomorrow till we hear their 20m signal. Let's hope it's going to be workable.
Marvin VE3VEE
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Message on DXA: "team went QRT to get something to eat and to start putting up the rest of the antennas".
Grab a bite to eat, sounds like a good idea.
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What's the weather outlook look like down there? Any chance they might have to pull out early like the guys on South Thule had to?
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Google heard island weather. The Wunder site is a good one
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My power just came back up. It looks like I didn't miss much ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I had to reboot the PC after the power outage. The DXA now says zero QSOs. It's supposed to update every 60 seconds. I wonder if there's a problem with the DXA. Does anyone know if they are on any bands? I don't see too many new spots. Thanks.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Jonathan, they are building antennas now.
Marvin VE3VEE
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I had to reboot the PC after the power outage. The DXA now says zero QSOs. It's supposed to update every 60 seconds. I wonder if there's a problem with the DXA. Does anyone know if they are on any bands? I don't see too many new spots. Thanks.
Spots say they are off the air for a while to do some morning antenna teamwork.
I think DXA has some value but I'm not sure I can tell the difference between "DXA is down" and "the link is down" and "they aren't making any Q's". I call it the "raise your hand if you aren't here attendance problem" in my line of work :-).
In the meantime, enjoy "the system is down": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZwkk7q25I
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New message posted on DXA. I looked up the call (LY8O) on DX-World's audio recording and found his contacts intact.
3/24/2016 @ 2:16: - The team went QRT to get something to eat and to start putting up the rest of the antennas. The QSO count will show ZERO until more QSOs are being made. Don't worry about the log, nothing has been deleted.
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I think DXA has some value but I'm not sure I can tell the difference between "DXA is down" and "the link is down" and "they aren't making any Q's". I call it the "raise your hand if you aren't here attendance problem" in my line of work :-).
I just spoke to Pete, the DXA developer. He was getting too many tickets complaining DXA was "stuck" because there were no updates -- as expected, since the team is not on the air at the moment. He took DXA offline, but that does have the effect of showing zero QSOs.
DXA will be back to normal just as soon as the team is QRV again.
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I looked up the call (LY8O) on DX-World's audio recording and found his contacts intact.
Every Q is copied in several places across the internet within a minute or two. It is just not possible* for the log to get deleted. ;)
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I think it's them on 10.116. Borderline workable signal.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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There are spots now for 40 and 30.. I can hear them down in the noise a little.. so that's a start. A little better on 30m.. not quite strong enough to make a try.
edit: workable sigs on 30. Gonna try there for a bit!
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20 minutes before my sunset they're audible on 40 but not reliably strong enough to try. Readability 1 to 2, with occasionally-extreme DQRM.
Maybe long path 20 will be better?
Same conditions here in Fla this afternoon. ESP on 30M.
It just may have to be 20 or NUTTIN.
GL/73, Gene AF3Y
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First it was my rig, now low numbers oh well what else is new?
Obie N5VYS
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DXA showing NA Qs on 30m
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Great signal here on 30m, only took 10 minutes of calling. Huge pileup of NA stations!
;D ;D
GL
John VE8EV
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Loud to NNJ. Op wasn't IDing at the time and sending fairly slow, plus that kind of signal well after local sunrise I thought it was a slim. I worked 'em anyways, even with DXA not working. I refreshed DXA a few minutes later, put in my callsign and bingo. #335 in the log!
Fifteen minutes later in the log on 40 after about ten or fifteen calls, but with much weaker signals due to lower frequency and further from their sunrise. W00t!!
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Great signal here on 30m, only took 10 minutes of calling. Huge pileup of NA stations!
;D ;D
GL
John VE8EV
Saw your call go by on DXA! Congrats...
LC
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Barely ESP on 30m, zip on 40m here.
congrats on the new ones.
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Easy QSO on 30m with a good signal after they came back on the air and most still assumed it was a slim (QSOs caught up later on DXA).
For some reason I couldn't hear them at all on 40, maybe barely ESP, on a 2el 40 at 70ft with a salt water path under the antenna toward VK0. I tried other directions without luck. Others seemed to hear them fine on 40 so I hope it's just odd conditions. It is quite a bit after their sunrise.
I also hope that their weak signal earlier when working mostly EU was due to them beaming toward EU on their 4-square arrays.
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I saw lots of eHamers calls on DXA. He's loud on 30m on bearing 155. DQRM is off the chart!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Great signal here on 30m, only took 10 minutes of calling. Huge pileup of NA stations!
You might wanna check your LoTW. ;)
Thanks for your early support!
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Yes, good signal now in CO. Also peaking @ 155 deg for me. Very soft peak. Can even hear them beaming north! Easy Q from here. Can't wait for 160m from Spit!
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good signal on 30, absolutely nothing at all on 40. I wonder what the proximity of the two antennas are to each other and to the saltwater?
oh well, I have my first CW Q with VK0-H....
Ray ;D ;D ;D
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In the log on 30m! Congrats to all who made the log tonight!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Got Heard confirmed on LoTW!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Got Heard confirmed on LoTW!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your generous early donation! :)
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Great signal here on 30m, only took 10 minutes of calling. Huge pileup of NA stations!
You might wanna check your LoTW. ;)
Thanks for your early support!
I'm speechless, that's awesome! :o
So much fun watching DXA and seeing all the eHammers getting through tonight!
73
John VE8EV
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Any way a donation now gets an on-island confirmation? I completely forgot about that offer until reading it just now.
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good signal on 30, absolutely nothing at all on 40. I wonder what the proximity of the two antennas are to each other and to the saltwater?
oh well, I have my first CW Q with VK0-H....
Ray ;D ;D ;D
if you don't have a copy on 40 why were you sending your call?
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Any way a donation now gets an on-island confirmation? I completely forgot about that offer until reading it just now.
Sure. Go to https://shop.vk0ek.org/ (https://shop.vk0ek.org/) and order any merchandise, make any donation, or order QSL cards, and you'll get in the rotation. Be sure to include your call at the top of the form or you'll be a sad ham.
Everyone will get LoTW for free in a few months. But anyone who has supported the DXpedition financially in any way will get a confirmation very quickly after making a QSO. Our goal is in 15 minutes or less.
73,
Mike
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Got Heard confirmed on LoTW!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Congratulations Jonathan.
I heard when you made the contact.
73s
Rob
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Any way a donation now gets an on-island confirmation? I completely forgot about that offer until reading it just now.
Sure. Go to https://shop.vk0ek.org/ (https://shop.vk0ek.org/) and order any merchandise, make any donation, or order QSL cards, and you'll get in the rotation. Be sure to include your call at the top of the form or you'll be a sad ham.
Everyone will get LoTW for free in a few months. But anyone who has supported the DXpedition financially in any way will get a confirmation very quickly after making a QSO. Our goal is in 15 minutes or less.
Oh, that's awesome; I will head over there shortly. Last few weeks have been insanely busy and frankly I just plum forgot about that offer. My pleasure to support the team!
(EDIT: Order and support donation complete). Still over the moon!
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Not even a peep here in STX yet!
Obie N5VYS
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good signal on 30, absolutely nothing at all on 40. I wonder what the proximity of the two antennas are to each other and to the saltwater?
oh well, I have my first CW Q with VK0-H....
Ray ;D ;D ;D
if you don't have a copy on 40 why were you sending your call?
he came up for a few minutes after I posted that but is gone now.....
I imagine I missed the 40 window when I was trying on 30.
How was my signal???
Thanks for monitoring it for me :o
Ray
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In the log on 30, and on 40 after he busted my call twice, LOL. 40 was a challenge though. Full of static crashes and very weak.
ATNO #320/318 for me.
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I just saw NU1O and N1UK flash by on DXA. Congrats Chris and Mark!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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In the log on 30, and on 40 after he busted my call twice, LOL. 40 was a challenge though. Full of static crashes and very weak.
ATNO #320/318 for me.
congratulations!!!! you're batting 1000.
I have the lower end of the storm that dumped all the snow in Colorado coming to me in an hour. My noise floor is S9+ right now.
Good luck on the rest of the expedition.
Ray
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I saw them flash by as well.. and I saw several other eham'ers. I could hear them pretty well on 30m working alot of 1's, 2's and 3's. They have started to fade but had a workable signal for a long while. That is promising if it keeps up.. it will just be a matter of time.
Edit: I'll be up for a few hours with work tonight.. if they happen to get something up on 20m.. voacap shows good prop at this hour. They are now well below esp levels on 30m...
That DXA page is neat! Reminds me of that I2YSB team who has the live logs online during their expeditions. Completely eliminates the need for dupes of any sort.
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As of 0500z they're still audible and easily workable on 30 to a rotatable dipole. Just saw Krish in the 30m log. Congrats OM!
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Managed to work them on 30M just now with a building signal.
The DXA app is working well but a little slowly, so don't freak out if your Q takes
more than a minute to show up.
The Big Surprise is that my contact showed up in LOTW very quickly after I updated my log.
Great use of technology !
GL de harry, W6DXO
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I've been making adjustments to the auto-lotw feature this evening, and it's been fun watching all the familiar eham calls roll past. Almost every batch has at least one or two.
I can't actually hear them yet, but I only need VK0/H on 80, 12, and 10, plus RTTY. So I may just sit out for a few days and watch the fun. It's exciting to be sort-of on the other side for once. :)
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I may have duped on 30m cw, weak, static, and I never heard the "tu" the first qso.
I gave DXA 20 minutes to update after the first one, still doesn't seem to be updating as of 06:06z, 8 minutes past the second.
No, I'm not going for 3, #2 was solid.
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From about 0530Z DXA is locked showing 1459 QSOs, the last of which were with PP5AM and W6RF. But I can hear him completing QSOs. Problem his end or mine? -- Ken W7NUW
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From about 0530Z DXA is locked showing 1459 QSOs, the last of which were with PP5AM and W6RF. But I can hear him completing QSOs. Problem his end or mine? -- Ken W7NUW
It's the same here so I think it's their end.
Regarding LOTW mentioned earlier, I looked at their QSL tab on the website:
Everyone who orders a souvenir and/or makes a donation to VKØEK prior to March 15, 2016 (whether from the Order Page or otherwise), will get their QSO’s uploaded to Logbook of the World (LOTW) during the DXpedition. Your printed QSL Card will also be queued in the first batches. This is our Express QSL Service to thank you for your support.
73
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I think I have him, but not 100% until I see it on screen.
Not a bad signal here in ZL, you want to hear the pileup, its nuts.
ZL1BBW
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came up to 5/5 on 30m on my 40m loop i cant work 30m but my elmer with his 100 watts and 80m dipole (tuned to 30m) got through that made me nearly as happy as me working them. DX03 is not working :(
it would be handy if they upload logs to club log once a day as a back up.
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I didn't get home from work until about 20 min after they QRT on 30 m!
This was most likely a long path to VK, as I could not hear them at all on short path this morning on 30 m.
I'm home tomorrow. Last Good Friday, I bagged PQ0T. It may be my Lucky Day!
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I didn't get home from work until about 20 min after they QRT on 30 m!
This was most likely a long path to VK, as I could not hear them at all on short path this morning on 30 m.
I'm home tomorrow. Last Good Friday, I bagged PQ0T. It may be my Lucky Day!
I see yr VK clown VK5EEE at it again
What a loon
Home this weekend too so going to see if i can bag them n VK9CK
Seenyou on air Luke
Cheers
Simon
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DQRM was plentyfull last night on 40m CW....Someone constantly sending UP LID or QSY LID...Oh well the children will play. Question though, how did they get the ATV off the Braveheart to the island. Does the ATV swim.....
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Info for guys debugging DXA3:
I worked VK0EK at 0408 on 30M. At time DXA3 seemed to be working in fits and starts but was not matching the QSO's I was hearing on the air.
A different station (xxFLS) worked them about 0413. xxFLS did show up in DXA3 but nearly an hour later with wrong timestamp. It was very suspicious because several dozen QSO's showed up on DXA3 all with wrong timestamp.
I never saw my call scroll by in DXA3.
VK0EK's Last upload to LOTW was at 0531Z and I didn't get a match, so maybe it's time to dupe VK0EK. Or maybe I was in the upload and the timestamp was far enough off that I don't get a match and I should wait till after DXpedition to get resolved?
There was a slim on 30M CW frequency saying "EU UP 5" but that wasn't the guy I worked :-)
That must be a dang impressive mountain range blocking EU from current site. VK0EK's signals were fine and other than that slim there was not much deliberate QRM I heard on 30M.
Tim
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Info for guys debugging DXA3:
I worked VK0EK at 0408 on 30M. At time DXA3 seemed to be working in fits and starts but was not matching the QSO's I was hearing on the air.
A different station (xxFLS) worked them about 0413. xxFLS did show up in DXA3 but nearly an hour later with wrong timestamp. It was very suspicious because several dozen QSO's showed up on DXA3 all with wrong timestamp.
I never saw my call scroll by in DXA3.
VK0EK's Last upload to LOTW was at 0531Z and I didn't get a match, so maybe it's time to dupe VK0EK. Or maybe I was in the upload and the timestamp was far enough off that I don't get a match and I should wait till after DXpedition to get resolved?
There was a slim on 30M CW frequency saying "EU UP 5" but that wasn't the guy I worked :-)
That must be a dang impressive mountain range blocking EU from current site. VK0EK's signals were fine and other than that slim there was not much deliberate QRM I heard on 30M.
Tim
Thanks - please use the Contact Us link - which opens a support ticket. This way Pete, W6OP gets the information in one place.
I also have a very good idea on what we can do to "allay all fears" about DXA. Here it is:
https://ky6r.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/a-better-dxa/ (https://ky6r.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/a-better-dxa/)
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Too much garbage on the cluster spots so I'm using the DXA to figure out what band they are on. However I haven't seen the DXA QSO counter move since I woke up this AM. I'm not sure if the DXA is showing accurate info. or not. Lastly I don't recall seeing my callsign scroll by when I worked them on 30m last night, but my callsign shows up in the log lookup. I'm not sure if I'm the only one with this problem. Did anyone see my callsign scroll by last night?
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Thanks - please use the Contact Us link - which opens a support ticket. This way Pete, W6OP gets the information in one place.
Ticket created!
I also have a very good idea on what we can do to "allay all fears" about DXA. Stay tuned - I think everyone will like the idea.
I might suggest exporting ADIF to Clublog rather than using DXA3.
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Hi Jonathan,
I say your call on DXA3 last night, it was in a group of about 8.
Congrats,
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
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I was "logged in" to DXA when I made my Q. A nice pop-up came onto the screen congratulating me foR my Q. So there was no doubt that I was in the log. 10 minutes later it was confirmed on LoTW. Who could ask for anything more!
Thanks on air, on island and back home team for an incredible show!
Ray
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Hi Jonathan,
I say your call on DXA3 last night, it was in a group of about 8.
Congrats,
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
Thanks Henry. For some reason I didn't see it, LOL. But I did get the pop-up congratulating me on the QSO!
I just saw this update on DXA.
3/24/2016 @ 14:27: - We are having problems with the satellite link from the island. As soon as it is working again DXA will be active.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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So are they operational this morning? Been looking around for them on the Cluster and just tuning the bands but nothing so far.
John K7KB
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DXA is back up but they are only on 30m at the moment.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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It appears that after every 60-second update everyone in the QSO queue get a new and incorrect time stamp.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Got them confirmed, and got a mug out of it.
I would have liked a shirt but the options were a bit limited, as in no YL shirts like the other expeditions.
Anyway, I am glad to support the team in a small way!
Ria
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Glad U guys all got em last evening. Barely workable here in florida on 30, and with QSB and a lot of QRN, static crashes (No storms around, where did that come from? ::)). Hopefully, better tonight, as I did not get the QSO :( Tthey have been very quiet today. Hope they are getting ready to give 20M a try.
40 Was zilch last evening, lots of DQRM, but no VK0EK to be heard.
Dental work this afternoon, so cant monitor again until evening.
73, Gene AF3Y
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Now that their log thingy is working, I did dupe (sorry) on 30m last night/this morning.
2 LOTW confirmations, thanks for the new one.
I was really surprised to hear them on 30m almost 5 hours after their sunrise.
73, Tom
N5MOA
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Did anyone see my callsign scroll by last night?
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Yes, I saw it as well.
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Now that their log thingy is working, I did dupe (sorry) on 30m last night/this morning.
2 LOTW confirmations, thanks for the new one.
I was really surprised to hear them on 30m almost 5 hours after their sunrise.
73, Tom
N5MOA
N4RJ and N2BJ are in the log thanks to me. :\
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Congrats to all who have worked them so far.. it sounds like most already got through. Tonight I'll be at it.. hoping band conditions are good tonight!
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Now that their log thingy is working, I did dupe (sorry) on 30m last night/this morning.
What time were you able to work them? I had other plans last night but setting aside some radio time this evening.
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I'm off tomorrow so I'm hoping for some opportunities.
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I think 30m is quite a reliable band for Heard. I got an email at 2:36am MST from a local ham saying they are still loud on 30m! That would be 7-1/2 hour past Heard's sunrise!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I think 30m is quite a reliable band for Heard. I got an email at 2:36am MST from a local ham saying they are still loud on 30m! That would be 7-1/2 hour past Heard's sunrise!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
I think 30/40 will be the bands I'll be trying mostly on. 30 I heard them pretty well last night and I started much later (they were probably on a while before and audible/loud). I worked them on 40 with ease when they were closer to the island /mm so that hopefully means 40 would be pretty good as well. I'm thinking/hoping in the next couple of nights I'll get through.
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Now that their log thingy is working, I did dupe (sorry) on 30m last night/this morning.
What time were you able to work them? I had other plans last night but setting aside some radio time this evening.
First qso 05:38z, missed the "tu" in the storm static.
Second qso, 05:58z, stronger signal, but still only about a 539.
I didn't hear them on 30m much above ESP until 03:30z or so, and not really well enough to call until 04:00z or so. Elevated 1/4w vertical w/4 radials.
I didn't hear them on 40m at all.
Good luck.
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From DXA
"3/24/2016 @ 17:14: The day of landing, the team was able to get the 30 and 40 m 4-squares erected, and partially completed a triband yagi. We opened with two stations on 30 and 40 meters. This morning there was still a lot of work to be done on additional antennas, stations, and camp facilities. With no propagation on 30 and 40, radio operations went on hold and all hands went toward further setup. Around 1300 UTC the 30 m station was activated again. A few kinks with the IT system were worked out, and we now have more antennas and positions up. Only 40 and 30 are currently open (no 80 or 160 yet). We hope to be on all bands in the next few days. After a few technical difficulties on-island, DXA is working properly and you can check that you are in the log at http://dxa3.org .The team members are all well, but very tired from long hours and tough work. We have mostly had good weather, and appreciate all the thoughts and support from our partners in the ham radio and scientific community."
73 Col MM0NDX
www.dx-world.net
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Pretty sure I had them at 0646 this (early) morning on 30 meters, but DXA was kaput at that time. Their signal was fluttery, and about S2 here near Seattle. Waited for another hour to see if DXA would come back on line, but no.
HOWEVER: when I got up this morning the QSO was already in LoTW! Class act by the team, in every way.
Ref the propagation: VOACAP per DXSummit.fi listed 0% for "Basic" and 0% for "Super", with A=10 and K=3, SF in the 80s, and the N0NBH 30 meter status "fair" at the time I made the contact. I was 200 watts to a dipole peaking 40 degrees off the Heard Island direction (236 degrees for me). Certainly not "Super". And Atlas Cove is not the optimum spot for me, although I am far enough north that I think the path skirts the low edge of the volcano. I also have a total seawater path to Heard Island. I am curious to know whether VOACAP takes that into account in predicting probabilities; it has proved to be a big advantage in the past.
I never heard them on 40 meters.
73, Ken W7NUW
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I didn't get home from work until about 20 min after they QRT on 30 m!
This was most likely a long path to VK, as I could not hear them at all on short path this morning on 30 m.
I'm home tomorrow. Last Good Friday, I bagged PQ0T. It may be my Lucky Day!
I see yr VK clown VK5EEE at it again
What a loon
Home this weekend too so going to see if i can bag them n VK9CK
Seenyou on air Luke
Cheers
Simon
interesting background but got a screw (or two) loose now I think.
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i would have liked a tee shirts but they are not shipping overseas :(
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"... We hope to be on all bands in the next few days... "
Hmm, they "hope to be on all bands in the next few days"? But didn't they plan to move to Spit Bay in the next few days? If it is going to take them the next few days to set up all the antennas in the present location, perhaps it would just be better to stay at the current location rather than waste more time and energy relocating.
Marvin VE3VEE
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i would have liked a tee shirts but they are not shipping overseas :(
Check out NZ POST YOUSHOP, they may offer a service onto VK, am thinking of getting a t shirt sent.
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Signals are non existent in EI no idea why, there is a non stop pile up on 30m but even when the DQRM stops there is no sign of them, I'm hoping they have still to unpack there amps or fine tune the 4 squares as with a rotary dipole up 60ft I should be hearing them,
Trevor
EI2GLB
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"... We hope to be on all bands in the next few days... "
Hmm, they "hope to be on all bands in the next few days"? But didn't they plan to move to Spit Bay in the next few days? If it is going to take them the next few days to set up all the antennas in the present location, perhaps it would just be better to stay at the current location rather than waste more time and energy relocating.
Marvin VE3VEE
They sound quite weak in Italy which doesn't bode too well as the IK 's hear everything, hihi!
https://audioboom.com/boos/4346786-vk0ek-heard-island-40ssb
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"... We hope to be on all bands in the next few days... "
Hmm, they "hope to be on all bands in the next few days"? But didn't they plan to move to Spit Bay in the next few days? If it is going to take them the next few days to set up all the antennas in the present location, perhaps it would just be better to stay at the current location rather than waste more time and energy relocating.
Marvin VE3VEE
Two stations will be set up at Spit in about 5 days and they will be at Spit a week. Exact date and times subject to change - but that will happen, and has always been in the plan.
73,
Rich
KY6R
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I hope Spit changes my reception, not hearing them well yet?
Obie N5VYS
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I hope Spit changes my reception, not hearing them well yet?
Obie N5VYS
Spit should be dramatically better for US West, Central and VK/ZL - OC and Asia. OC and Asia are probably fine from Atlas.
VK/ZL are "close enough" - so maybe they do Ok even with Atlas. Not sure.
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Right now 30M is really their only workable band. Just looking around it would seem 80% of the contacts so far have been on 30. They are loud here on 30 but barely audible on 40m. Problem is my Steppir requires a tuner for 30m or it trips my Amp, and I am to lazy or not motivated yet to wire in my LDG 1000Pro.
73s
Rob
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Two stations will be set up at Spit in about 5 days and they will be at Spit a week. Exact date and times subject to change - but that will happen, and has always been in the plan.
73,
Rich
KY6R
Rich, Is the plan for Atlas and Spit to work in parallel, or is the plan to close Atlas and move everything and everyone to Spit?
Marvin VE3VEE
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Right now 30M is really their only workable band. Just looking around it would seem 80% of the contacts so far have been on 30. They are loud here on 30 but barely audible on 40m. Problem is my Steppir requires a tuner for 30m or it trips my Amp, and I am to lazy or not motivated yet to wire in my LDG 1000Pro.
73s
Rob
its pretty easy to 'modify" the stepp controller to adjust individual bands..
it really helps bring the SWR down..
Ray
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I've heard that the three-element Steppir has high SWR (2.0?) on 30m for some strange reason. SS amps don't like 2.0 SWR.
Marvin- your 20m yagi will tune up on 30m if you are super desperate to get an early QSO :)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I just saw VK3HJ flash by on the DXA :D
I opened a help ticket pointing out that the time stamps on the scrolling callsigns are all wrong. They ticket was closed but the issue is still there. I guess they closed all tickets with the subject title 'DXA' without reading the content?
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Marvin- your 20m yagi will tune up on 30m if you are super desperate to get an early QSO :)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Jonathan, today my 20m Yagi will not tune up even on 20m! We've had freezing rain since last night, my antenna is enveloped in ice and the SWR is worse than 6:1 at the moment. What a timing for this to happen!!! ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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I just saw VK3HJ flash by on the DXA :D
I saw that, too. I even have a screen shot of it I wanted to upload here... but don't know how ;D ;D ;D
Congrats to VK3HJ !
Marvin VE3VEE
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I opened a help ticket pointing out that the time stamps on the scrolling callsigns are all wrong. They ticket was closed but the issue is still there. I guess they closed all tickets with the subject title 'DXA' without reading the content?
There is an issue where timestamps coming from the island are in 12-hour UTC time instead of 24-hour. The log is fine; Pete is aware of the issue, but I don't know what his plan is for addressing it.
I am applying a correction so all the records going to LoTW and ClubLog have the correct time on them.
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Right now 30M is really their only workable band. Just looking around it would seem 80% of the contacts so far have been on 30. They are loud here on 30 but barely audible on 40m. Problem is my Steppir requires a tuner for 30m or it trips my Amp, and I am to lazy or not motivated yet to wire in my LDG 1000Pro.
73s
Rob
its pretty easy to 'modify" the stepp controller to adjust individual bands..
it really helps bring the SWR down..
Ray
I tried it on 30m and it does not work. Any of the other bands I can get down to 1:1 if I want but 30m has a problem with the Balun and some sort of mismatch for that frequency. If you call Steppir they will explain the problem and why it happens.
They state, it is not a problem for tube amplifiers but for Solid State you need a Tuner. If it comes down to it I will dust off my LDG 1000 pro and put it to work.
73s
Rob
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I opened a help ticket pointing out that the time stamps on the scrolling callsigns are all wrong. They ticket was closed but the issue is still there. I guess they closed all tickets with the subject title 'DXA' without reading the content?
There is an issue where timestamps coming from the island are in 12-hour UTC time instead of 24-hour. The log is fine; Pete is aware of the issue, but I don't know what his plan is for addressing it.
I am applying a correction so all the records going to LoTW and ClubLog have the correct time on them.
Thanks. The issue I saw was that after every 60 seconds, the time stamps associated with the scrolling QSOs all get updated to the latest time. Last night I saw each QSO 'group' had its own unique time stamp that doesn't change with every 60-second update. It appears the problem you are describing is different than the one I'm seeing. Let me know if you are seeing the same problem.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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So are they having problems getting some of the other stations operational? Seems like they would be on a few bands by now other than just 30 and 40 :)
John K7KB
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2253Z Seeing a spot or two on 30, but NOTHING but lids heard here. If it does not get a LOT better, I can forget Heard.
Looks like a few of you on the e. cost landed a QSO. Happy for you, but no joy here.
DXA thing not showing much activity at all........ 2256Z
73, Gene AF3Y
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So are they having problems getting some of the other stations operational? Seems like they would be on a few bands by now other than just 30 and 40 :)
John K7KB
Sure would be better than what I have heard, no pun intended. 8)
Gene AF3Y
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2253Z Seeing a spot or two on 30, but NOTHING but lids heard here. If it does not get a LOT better, I can forget Heard.
Looks like a few of you on the e. cost landed a QSO. Happy for you, but no joy here.
DXA thing not showing much activity at all........ 2256Z
73, Gene AF3Y
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Gene, things will improve when they get on the high bands 15/17/20 meters, work all of the big guns and lids and it should be much easier.
Sure hope so. 30 and/or 40 are usually two really Good bands for me. I had a TON of QRN last nite, but even with a pretty quiet band this evening, no luck.
Anxious to see how the high bands work....
73, Gene AF3Y
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I should probably come out of retirement for this one, eh? ;D
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Hell yeah! Just got em on 30! Very few callers.
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Thanks. The issue I saw was that after every 60 seconds, the time stamps associated with the scrolling QSOs all get updated to the latest time. Last night I saw each QSO 'group' had its own unique time stamp that doesn't change with every 60-second update. It appears the problem you are describing is different than the one I'm seeing. Let me know if you are seeing the same problem.
Jon,
Pete tells me he fixed that problem this morning. Refresh your browser and you should see the fix. I do.
73,
Mike
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I was "logged in" to DXA when I made my Q. A nice pop-up came onto the screen congratulating me foR my Q. So there was no doubt that I was in the log. 10 minutes later it was confirmed on LoTW. Who could ask for anything more!
Thanks on air, on island and back home team for an incredible show!
Ray
I am sure someone will complain as to why they aren't loading to eQSL.......
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I got up this morning around sunrise for a pee and put on the radio to see what VK0EK was doing.
They were weak on 30 m so I left the rig on and went back to bed for a while.
The signal started to pick up after a while and they were working JA. So, I got up and had a look. What I saw was a huge pileup below VK0EK, and most of it didn't stop when they were completing a QSO. Eventually I found out there were two pileups merging, 5V7D was on 107 UP and VK0EK was 116 and DOWN. Ok, that narrowed it down, but the JA pile was dense, and many stations had to be called repeatedly.
Finally, I had a "VK3?" but had to send my callsign about ten times to complete. Even JA becomes unruly in a Top Ten Pileup!
DXA appears to be working well this morning.
So, that was #322, and another lucky Good Friday!
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Nothing heard yet here on 30m.. although last night I was hearing them a bit later at night so perhaps its a little early. Will keep checking..
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Just banged 'em out on 40 RTTY but print was very rough. Just enough to guess my call coming back was good and it showed up 5 minutes later. Signals definitely way down compared to yesterday.
Just need Phone for a mode sweep now ;D
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Looking at DXA now, 0218Z, all the calls visible in upper right show a time stamp of 0216Z , now it's updated and all time stamps all updated to 0219 ???
Ditto @0220 (what time was your Q W2IRT, I see you there ? )
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Looking at DXA now, 0218Z, all the calls visible in upper right show a time stamp of 0216Z , now it's updated and all time stamps all updated to 0219 ???
Ditto @0220 (what time was your Q W2IRT, I see you there ? )
Refresh your browser. There was a bug that got fixed earlier.
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I believe that Big Ben is screwing me tonight!
haha, and he didn't even kiss me :o
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Looking at DXA now, 0218Z, all the calls visible in upper right show a time stamp of 0216Z , now it's updated and all time stamps all updated to 0219 ???
Ditto @0220 (what time was your Q W2IRT, I see you there ? )
Refresh your browser. There was a bug that got fixed earlier.
Tnx, that looks better.
KY6R in the green ;D
Can't hear them on 30 yet.
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No copy on 40M rtty, only those calling on there freq.
Obie N5VYS
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worked them on 30 cw little pass 0240z with 25 watts into 2 el beam at 80 feet and they are 5nn++ right now
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Congrats Rich on the ATNO!
I can hear them and see a faint print on 40m RTTY but their signal is too weak for my decoder.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Congrats Marvin! SWR now back to 1 to 1?
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Jonathan, thanks very much! Yes, the temperature has been just above the freezing point for the past 3 hours and that was enough to completely correct the SWR. Heard Island has been my worked entity #300 in the past 3 years and 5 months. When I receive it via LoTW, it will be my confirmed entity #297. Now let me go upload it to LoTW, hehe... ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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Thanks Jonathan,
#337/342
It will be great to hang out at Visalia and the Top Band dinner..
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... VK0EK confirmed via LoTW within 19 minutes from the QSO. Perhaps even faster, but I only checked LoTW now.
Marvin VE3VEE
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Weak signal + polar flutter + fast CW = no love on 20m at the moment :-\
Hopefully he'll pick up strength later on. He's peaking at SP for me. Anyone hearing them ok? It feels like they are running barefoot...
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I hear them in and out on 20 CW but they're working more midwest (5-8-9-0) than east coast at the moment. Great op but canna bust the pile. Yet.
For whoever was asking about my 40 RTTY contact it was 0202z. Confirmed about 6 or 7 minutes later.
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Thanks Jonathan,
#337/342
It will be great to hang out at Visalia and the Top Band dinner..
That puts us pretty close.
#337/345
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Thanks Jonathan,
#337/342
It will be great to hang out at Visalia and the Top Band dinner..
Congrats - 3 away - Yeehaw!
That puts us pretty close.
#337/345
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Weak signal + polar flutter + fast CW = no love on 20m at the moment Undecided
same here but hearing which is good
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they are S7 in SEOK on 20 right now, still building.
Rate goes up and down, not much of a pile yet. Calling NA NA NA
Ray
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30 faded out to nothing, not hearing much on 20.
It seems I hear them best so far on 30m between 0130 - 0330.
Are they staying at this site for the duration or were they packing it up and moving everything to the second site in a couple of days?
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they are S7 in SEOK on 20 right now, still building.
Rate goes up and down, not much of a pile yet. Calling NA NA NA
Ray
Ray, yes, not much of a pile up, isn't it strange? I wonder why.
Marvin VE3VEE
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they are S7 in SEOK on 20 right now, still building.
Rate goes up and down, not much of a pile yet. Calling NA NA NA
Ray
Ray, yes, not much of a pile up, isn't it strange? I wonder why.
Marvin VE3VEE
I've seen your call go by tonight, congrats!
Yes, It is. Started in the mud but is easy copy now.
I listened for 3 hours on 40 and never heard more then a bleep hear and there.
VOACP predicted that 40 would be dead and that 20 and 17 would be hot and it sure was right...
Ray
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I was trying hard on 20m and for the life of me I couldn't crack the pile up. Then it occurred to me, I needed to try a different beam heading. I turned the beam five degrees and bingo ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Just got him on 20M CW....! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
SP...150 degrees from Dallas.....
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I was trying hard on 20m and for the life of me I couldn't crack the pile up. Then it occurred to me, I needed to try a different beam heading. I turned the beam five degrees and bingo ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
there you go with that"5 deg" again 8) ;D :D
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I've yet to hear them much above the noise on any band in California. I don't have a great station but it is not awful. Judging from the lack of chatter on the NCDXC reflector, I am guessing they're not working tons of west coast yet.
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Holy Cow!
Day 2 and they're in the log ... and right in the middle of the predicted window. Man what a thrill and a double on at that to see my call pop on the website.
That's 4 ATNO's in just over a month with 5 to go for HR ;D
Frank, W1NK
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I've yet to hear them much above the noise on any band in California. I don't have a great station but it is not awful. Judging from the lack of chatter on the NCDXC reflector, I am guessing they're not working tons of west coast yet.
Based on what I've experienced so far, I can safely say that if you can hear them you can work them. To be honest I was expecting a totally different experience. I don't know the technical reasons behind it. Maybe they are running barefoot. Or that the pileups are easier to crack in the absence of the West Coast callers. I don't really know. He's not moving my S meter on 20m CW but Q5 copy 85% of the time.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Heh, so I was getting ready to pack it in... 30 had faded.. 20 was nil. I gathered and took the trash out for trash pickup.. cleaned a few dishes.. and I figured what the heck.. take one more listen on 20. They were there with a nice signal! I fired up the amp.. jumped in there and got em' within 10 or 15 mins. I saw my call flash on DXA! ATNO!!!! #310/314!!
2 ATNO's in one day!! VK9CK and VK0EK!!
This calls for... the ATNO Zebra!
(http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp30/k0yq/zebra_zpsolaagrsw.gif)
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In the log on 30. Really weak on my doublet here.
https://clyp.it/c2ygg1ob (https://clyp.it/c2ygg1ob)
I saw WO7R scroll by on the cycle before me.
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There's a lot of chatter on the NCDXC reflector. It looks like the West Coast is making great progress tonight. I also saw lots of W6's flash by on the DXA.
Strangely 40m has been the weakest of all bands so far. I wonder if Spit Bay will help me with the signal strength...
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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well Rich you can be proud of the crew they have lived up to their word. in the log on 20m cw very happyand a great signal and he is working lots of vk's.
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well Rich you can be proud of the crew they have lived up to their word. in the log on 20m cw very happyand a great signal and he is working lots of vk's.
Me too :) Now I can relax knowing I don't have to wait another 17 years to try :)
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Well, you have to have been an early contributor to get this, but not only did I make my 20m CW QSO tonight, it was confirmed on LOTW around 1/2 hour later. It may have even been sooner still had I uploaded quicker. And, remember, I'm in Arizona. Signal was strong enough.
For "the rest of us", they appear to be uploading to Clublog, albeit on a more relaxed schedule, but the promises they made about secure logging and (in my case) quick confirmation all seem to be coming true. You make the QSO, you're going to get credit for it.
Yes, I know satellites allow amazing things and maybe the satellite is not always "visible" to the team or something, but the fact that this can happen at all from one of the most remote places on earth is still astonishing. I can remember making that "one QSO" to Peter I and waiting months and months before that precious card finally came in the mail. So much for the anguish and second-guessing of the old days. No more "did I really do it, did I get excited and screw up the logging."
We are so spoiled...but it does relieve a lot of stress to know "it's all over" at least in the ATNO sense of it.
PS, take a moment (as I did not) to familiarize yourself with the DXA3.org website. Be on it while in the pileup. It is not quite real time. In my case, it took three minutes for my QSO to "flow by" and for that brief time it looked real time enough that I did have a very brief spasm of doubt. If you are pretty sure of your QSO, wait a few ticks and it will fly by.
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For "the rest of us", they appear to be uploading to Clublog, albeit on a more relaxed schedule
Right now, it's whenever I feel like doing it manually, which is not real often... I have a ticket open with ClubLog to fix a problem with the API access. After that, we'll be automatically uploading all QSOs to ClubLog as well.
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Quote from: VK3MEG on Today at 07:01:27 PM
well Rich you can be proud of the crew they have lived up to their word. in the log on 20m cw very happyand a great signal and he is working lots of vk's.
Me too Smiley Now I can relax knowing I don't have to wait another 17 years to try Smiley
great to hear jarred i saw your call sign scroll past on my decoder then saw you in the log. it was a good time for vk :)
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30 faded out to nothing, not hearing much on 20.
It seems I hear them best so far on 30m between 0130 - 0330.
Ditto! They were LOUD here 0200Z to almost 0500Z on 30M. Just could not find the right
spot.
Nothing heard here this AM 1230Z
73, Gene AF3Y
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Well, you have to have been an early contributor to get this, but not only did I make my 20m CW QSO tonight, it was confirmed on LOTW around 1/2 hour later. ....
Made my 20M CW contact at 04:43 last might. I'm on DXA3 and Club log, but haven't made it yet to LOTW. I think I contributed in April last year. Anxiously awaiting LOTW totals to increase by 1.....!
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There's a lot of chatter on the NCDXC reflector. It looks like the West Coast is making great progress tonight. I also saw lots of W6's flash by on the DXA.
Strangely 40m has been the weakest of all bands so far. I wonder if Spit Bay will help me with the signal strength...
73,
Jonathan W6GX
40 has been awful, I saw many stations in Cal and Wash go by and mostly east of the Mississippi River but nothing between the Mississippi and the Rockies at all. Big Ben is killing us on 40.
-
...
2 ATNO's in one day!! VK9CK and VK0EK!!
This calls for... the ATNO Zebra!
2 ATNO's in one day is definitely a dancing zebra moment, congrats!
John VE8EV
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...
2 ATNO's in one day!! VK9CK and VK0EK!!
This calls for... the ATNO Zebra!
2 ATNO's in one day is definitely a dancing zebra moment, congrats!
John VE8EV
Thanks! That doesn't happen too often at 300+
I still want to complete my moxon if I get time over the weekend and try it on an upper band to see if I can work them on a higher band. If not, I am really happy with my one QSO! I like the fact they had full build plans for a moxon on their vk0ek "how to work us" page. They really have a good site! One of the best dxpedition sites I've seen..
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They really have a good site! One of the best dxpedition sites I've seen..
Ditto, kudos to KY6R, & the IT support team, nicely done.
Rich KB8GAE
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Made my 20M CW contact at 04:43 last might. I'm on DXA3 and Club log, but haven't made it yet to LOTW. I think I contributed in April last year. Anxiously awaiting LOTW totals to increase by 1.....!
Hey Roger,
I don't show you on the donor list. Did you donate online or at a convention?
73,
Mike
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Made my 20M CW contact at 04:43 last might. I'm on DXA3 and Club log, but haven't made it yet to LOTW. I think I contributed in April last year. Anxiously awaiting LOTW totals to increase by 1.....!
Hey Roger,
I don't show you on the donor list. Did you donate online or at a convention?
73,
Mike
Oops!
Just did via the website. Evidently, when I thought I donated early, I just requested the newsletter early!
Nice operation. waiting for 80 meters later on down the line. Enjoying listening to the pileups now!
73!
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Just did via the website. Evidently, when I thought I donated early, I just requested the newsletter early!
I just checked the database. You should be a happy man in about, oh, 10 minutes. ;)
Thanks for your support!
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Regarding the wind/wx site being used:
https://www.windyty.com/?2016-03-30-12,-53.000,73.500,5 (https://www.windyty.com/?2016-03-30-12,-53.000,73.500,5)
There's a time scale across the bottom of the page, is this their local time, UTC, your local or ???
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I ordered a mug and also donated today! ;D
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I ordered a mug and also donated today! ;D
But alas, you didn't put your callsign. :P I fixed that for ya. Thanks for the support.
Just a reminder to all, if you don't fill in the callsign at the top of the form, you don't get the LoTW goodies. ;D
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Surely they could be on a more productive band than 80m this early in the game, are they running QRP to thin out the pile ups??
Compared to the VP8's this is a bit of a shambles, at least K5P had progation to blame for being so weak,
Trevor
EI2GLB
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I ordered a mug and also donated today! ;D
But alas, you didn't put your callsign. :P I fixed that for ya. Thanks for the support.
Just a reminder to all, if you don't fill in the callsign at the top of the form, you don't get the LoTW goodies. ;D
Thanks! Yes, I completely forgot that ;D Thanks for fixing that 8) I'm glad to be able to help the teams out when I can :)
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running 80, 40 and 30 CW for EU...
good rate from the DXA updates...
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Big place is EU we still have 3 hours of daylight left here so no hope of working them on those bands,
running 80, 40 and 30 CW for EU...
good rate from the DXA updates...
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I'm really hoping I'm wrong, but I'm starting to see another static-fest á la K5P. Sigh...........
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Just did via the website. Evidently, when I thought I donated early, I just requested the newsletter early!
I just checked the database. You should be a happy man in about, oh, 10 minutes. ;)
Thanks for your support!
There it is....! Very, very happy! Thanks for the update!
Update....Heard is #324.....3C7A will make it #325....... ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I am at a loss as to why they are not running a station 24/7 on 20M?
They say they are hearing nothing but so what! I go to 20m at night and most of the time I hear nothing until some DX stations calls CQ and suddenly people from all over the world are coming out to make a contact. So far this has been one great DXpedition for those with good 30 and 40m beams and lve on the west coast. The EU is getting their usual trough full of contacts hence no complaints from them and JA seems to be fine. East coast, Midwest and SA etc and anyone that does not have 30m antenna is pretty much out of the loop.
73s
Rob
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I am at a loss as to why they are not running a station 24/7 on 20M?
They say they are hearing nothing but so what! I go to 20m at night and most of the time I hear nothing..........
73s
Rob
First, go to this URL
http://vk0ek.org/propagation/
and enter your grid locator. It will give you propagation from your area to Heard, Freq vs time of day....LP and SP. It is pretty accurate, similar to most prop. programs. Better than just a wild guess.
Here in N.Texas last night, I could her a number of East Coast and Midwest stations working them on 20M CW near midnight local Dallas. I made my 20M CW contact at 04:43 UTC (local Dallas at 11:43 PM).
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Purchased the large mug last night, I put my call in the Paypal notes, was that the correct place?
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
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Purchased the large mug last night, I put my call in the Paypal notes, was that the correct place?
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
Hi Henry,
No, the field up top where you would search for QSOs is where to put it. I don't see a record of your order. Please open a ticket with your paypal email address and we can look into it.
73,
Mike
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Hi Mike,
TNX for the quick reply, I think my paypal account is under my old call "ki6bu@cox.net"
I did receive an e-mail this morning from the supplier thanking me for my order.
If you still can't find it I'll check it when I get home from work.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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Hi Mike,
TNX for the quick reply, I think my paypal account is under my old call "ki6bu@cox.net"
I did receive an e-mail this morning from the supplier thanking me for my order.
Hi Harry,
Thanks for your support. I've onboarded you for the insta-LoTW.
Also, for you ClubLog stats junkies, we're now doing automatic uploads, delayed by three hours.
73,
Mike
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I am at a loss as to why they are not running a station 24/7 on 20M?
They say they are hearing nothing but so what! I go to 20m at night and most of the time I hear nothing until some DX stations calls CQ and suddenly people from all over the world are coming out to make a contact. So far this has been one great DXpedition for those with good 30 and 40m beams and lve on the west coast. The EU is getting their usual trough full of contacts hence no complaints from them and JA seems to be fine. East coast, Midwest and SA etc and anyone that does not have 30m antenna is pretty much out of the loop.
73s
Rob
I don;t want to gripe at you, but jeez. Its day 3 and it hasn't been a chore. They hear very well. I took me all of about two minutes to work them with my 80 meter quad tuned up for 30 meters. No yagis here.
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Just got him on 20M CW....! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
SP...150 degrees from Dallas.....
Congratulation Roger.
Obie N5VYS
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Just got him on 20M CW....! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
SP...150 degrees from Dallas.....
Congratulation Roger.
Obie N5VYS
Thanks!
Waiting for 80M CW. I worked Amsterdam Island on 80 when the greyline was swooping over them and Dallas! What a thrill to hear them come up out of the noise with a big signal! I was waiting with the ACOM all warmed up! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I like to study DXpedition strategy. I gather information from the successes of other groups.
Normally a DXpedition starts out on the highest band possible whether there is propagation on 10, 12 or 15 meters, then implements the low bands. 80/160 are usually the last to be on the air.
VK0EK has a unique strategy. Its day 3 and they are mostly on 30,40 and 80 with a brief bit on 20 CW last night. They have made 6000 contacts. 5150 on CW, 627 on SSB and 225 on Digi.
They have been weak but quite workable on the US West Coast. At around sunset, they are long path and at our sunrise they are short path.
DXA says they will be on 40 RTTY tonight.
Good luck to all!
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They did get on 20M last night and I was able to snag them on that band. I think more than anything, propagation is dictating their operating habits. With the SFI running around 87, the higher frequencies, to put it mildly, have just been crappy :) So I can understand them wanting to put more time into the low bands rather than putting too much emphasis on 10, 12, 15, and 17 meters. Hopefully the solar flux will creep up a bit but it doesn't look hopeful looking at the data on SolarHam.com.
John K7KB
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Zero copy so far from them on any band here in NTX. This time of year SR/SS is too early/late for us to have much propagation to them on 30/40m. VOACAP from my QTH shows at best a ~60% chance 0300-0500 on 20m and 1300-1400 on 17m. Still lots of QRV time left but...conditions are likely only to get more difficult as spring waxes onward. I'm worried that I'll be missing this one just like the big VU7 expedition a few years back.
Looking at the predictions for FT/J, it's telling me that 12m(!) is my best chance for a QSO. Given the current SFI, that fills me with confidence about getting them for an ATNO as well ::)
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Well I did work 3B9FR and FH/F6BEE just the other morning on 20 & 17 meters respectively. So that tells me that hope is still there for a FT/J contact :)
John K7KB
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Lots of static.......... nothing else here in Florida. We are inundated with thunder/lightning and more forecast..
Want to see why I have no confidence on this one? Throw EL98nw in the prop predictor on the web site and add my 31' vertical.. I wont give up, but chance looks somewhere between poor and slim on this one.
I had NO problems with Glorioso or Tromelin, so perhaps Juan de Nova will be a better chance.
73, Gene, AF3Y
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With the SFI running around 87, the higher frequencies, to put it mildly, have just been crappy
This. Unless things improve, probably this.
I had far too easy a time working them, especially for so early in a "major" DXpedition. Vocap prediction was right on, in terms of when to try and what band, and I was grateful for reasonably strong signals.
Others I know also talked about fairly easy contacts. A buddy (not me) got them on 30, right when his propagation knowledge said so, but he said they were weak; yet he did it on the first or second call.
It seems that this is going to be about what you have for a station (I think I am going to kiss my 70 foot tower and Force 12 6BA about now) far more than it is about pileup tricks.
I've done this a handful of times. Big, important DX that seems to be available only above 50 feet or only for those with some sort of "gain" and a billion ground radials.
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They were one-call easy on 30 last night on my 40 meter doublet in California. But they were far from loud; in fact, if they had sent anything other than my call I would not have been able to make it out.
The operator on the other end sent me an email this morning apologizing for not greeting me. I thanked him, because if he had sent more I most likely would not have realized he was even talking to me, it was that far down in the noise. :)
Many other guys around here worked him about the same time I did. I think they all reported getting into the log in one or two calls. I did hear him CQing from time to time. But you had to dig deep for it if you didn't have gain.
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Just got him on 20M CW....! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
SP...150 degrees from Dallas.....
Congratulation Roger.
Obie N5VYS
Thanks!
Waiting for 80M CW. I worked Amsterdam Island on 80 when the greyline was swooping over them and Dallas! What a thrill to hear them come up out of the noise with a big signal! I was waiting with the ACOM all warmed up! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I could hear them on the mobile 559, but could not bust through all you 2 kw types. I did get FT5Z from the mobile on 40M SSB.
Now VK0 from the mobile on 80M would be a nice catch ! I likely have to wait some time for the pile ups to ebb.
73 N5UD /M
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Just got him on 20M CW....! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
SP...150 degrees from Dallas.....
Congratulation Roger.
Obie N5VYS
Thanks!
Waiting for 80M CW. I worked Amsterdam Island on 80 when the greyline was swooping over them and Dallas! What a thrill to hear them come up out of the noise with a big signal! I was waiting with the ACOM all warmed up! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I could hear them on the mobile 559, but could not bust through all you 2 kw types. I did get FT5Z from the mobile on 40M SSB.
Now VK0 from the mobile on 80M would be a nice catch ! I likely have to wait some time for the pile ups to ebb.
73 N5UD /M
David, only running a measly ::) 800 watts from the Acom!
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well as for the support tickets wow. i donated just b4 they landed on heard not big but a show of faith. then i read about auto upload for donors even small ones. so i go to their site see the support button grab a ticket fill in my details 5 mins later i have a reply you cant beat that again great work team vk0ek. i did note to them i was dissapointed there were no souvenirs for out side the Us many others manage this i was dissapointed.
cheers
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Want to see why I have no confidence on this one? Throw EL98nw in the prop predictor on the web site and add my 31' vertical.. I wont give up, but chance looks somewhere between poor and slim on this one.
I worked them on 30 meters with 200 watts and a dipole at 0645Z (2345 PDST). VOACAP on the DX Summit.fi cluster was 0% for both "basic" AND "super" at that time. I would be down a lot of ATNOS if contacts when VOACAP at 5% and less hadn't been made.
Not a criticism of VOACAP; just an observation that day to day and hour to hour reality can be rather different.
Ken W7NUW
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Want to see why I have no confidence on this one? Throw EL98nw in the prop predictor on the web site and add my 31' vertical.. I wont give up, but chance looks somewhere between poor and slim on this one.
I worked them on 30 meters with 200 watts and a dipole at 0645Z (2345 PDST). VOACAP on the DX Summit.fi cluster was 0% for both "basic" AND "super" at that time. I would be down a lot of ATNOS if contacts when VOACAP at 5% and less hadn't been made.
Not a criticism of VOACAP; just an observation that day to day and hour to hour reality can be rather different.
Ken W7NUW
I have experienced the same thing - propagation forecast tools actually stink on the "lower" bands.
If we planned around such tools - we would have not bothered on 40M or lower for West Coast. But then I looked at what I think might be the best propagation tool out there:
DX Atlas
Your radio
73 es gud luck
Rich
KY6R
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I was trying hard on 20m and for the life of me I couldn't crack the pile up. Then it occurred to me, I needed to try a different beam heading. I turned the beam five degrees and bingo ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
With your 18 element 20M monobander - 5 degrees of separation makes you Kevin Bacon.
Just kidding my friend. Visalia is going to be awesome. I am providing several VK0EK souvenir items as Top Band dinner gifts.
73,
Rich
KY6R
P.S - you only have ONE Hy Tower?
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DXA comment sez they are running 2 stations tonight. Did I read it wrong, or was that some other expedition that was going to have 4 or 5 stations active, 24 hours a day?
If they don't fire up 30M again, I doubt if I will get the Q. Great 30M signal last nite, but could not break the pile. They were strong here 0230 - 0430Z. And 30 is the ONLY band heard here.
73, Gene AF3Y
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Zero copy so far from them on any band here in NTX. This time of year SR/SS is too early/late for us to have much propagation to them on 30/40m.
Scott, their signal on 30m didn't start peaking for me (wire vertical running up a tree) until shortly after midnight, Wednesday evening.
Peaked was a 539, but it was enough. They were still about that at 06:00z, 5 hours after their sun up.
40m, on the other hand, not a peep.
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I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
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I don't agree with you too often Chris but this time I do,
I haven't donated to this trip as I read some articles by the organizer and I didn't like his approach but that is my personal opinion, I will give something at OQRS time,
Trevor
EI2GLB
I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
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I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
I made the decision. We had such an outpouring of people who wanted to support us and asked if they could get LOTW early if they donated and I said yes. Because this DXpedition is so extremely expensive, I decided not to turn anyone away - and was hopeful that those who donated earlier would understand and support this decision.
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I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
I can agree with that. While I could not get around to donating early this time.. I did donate "cash" via paypal (better late than never) as well as picked up a mug.. because.. why not? I'm not expecting a live or early LoTW confirm.. I'm fine getting it whenever. The guys who bucked up early truly deserve that. I know my QSO is good, and that's all that matters. The LoTW confirms and QSL cards can come later.
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80M !
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I've been patiently waiting for the last four hours for them to come up on 20M CW, but I haven't heard anything yet despite it being almost an hour after their local sunrise. >:(
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I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
I made the decision. We had such an outpouring of people who wanted to support us and asked if they could get LOTW early if they donated and I said yes. Because this DXpedition is so extremely expensive, I decided not to turn anyone away - and was hopeful that those who donated earlier would understand and support this decision.
Understood and makes sense Rich. You can't please everyone no matter what you do. :D
73,
Bob
K6UJ
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Hi Rich,
If the boys come up on 20m from 0400z to about 0930z they can work So Cal and the rest of the South West.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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They started on 14034 at about 0249z, but nothing showing on DXA now for 30 minutes.
Tor
N4OGW
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DQRM and STATIC.
I MUST BE AN IDIOT.
Good Night.
73, Gene AF3Y
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He's there on 20M CW, but nothing on DXA -- still showing 30M CW and 40M digi.
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Same thing over here Gene.
I suggest you look at the club log statistics, it's an eye opener.
73s
Rob
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They started on 14034 at about 0249z, but nothing showing on DXA now for 30 minutes.
Tor
N4OGW
RR DXA3 about 15min behind at present, not showing any 20m Qs.
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Yeah, same problem here; no 20m DXA and I know I have a good Q. DXA seems overwhelmed.
Missed them on 80 thanks to insane powerline noise on my end; still steamed over that. Serious cash money to whoever fixes that problem!
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20m IS a SLIM.
OR...........DXA is kaput(like other things) ;D
Gene AF3Y
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80M !
Nice! How much did you pay Rich for that QSO ;D
What time was your contact? I was away this evening.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I see spots on 40m RTTY but I hear nothing. And K0RS worked them on 80m. I think there's a conspiracy going on!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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20m IS a SLIM.
OR...........DXA is kaput(like other things) ;D
Heading is right for Heard, but still not on DXA. ???
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The op on 20M is Vadym - he's the real deal
Rich
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There are a lot of guys working VK0EK at 14.034 right now, but DXA is not showing them active on 20 meters. Lots of speculation about it being a slim.
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Ho hum, haven't even hrd a single dit all evening..................
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DXA now showing 30 & 15cw.
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Got about 60% print, sometimes, on 40m RTTY earlier.
Faint on whoever the 20m op was/is. Not even that now.
30m not near as strong (relative term) as the other night.
15m........................ha ha ha.
When are they going to Spit Bay?
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There are a lot of guys working VK0EK at 14.034 right now, but DXA is not showing them active on 20 meters. Lots of speculation about it being a slim.
he's the real deal - I'm trying to see why no DXA (uggh and double uggh)
^%$#@#$
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Ho hum, haven't even hrd a single dit all evening..................
You'd better get some better antennas my friend. I had a good 40M RTTY QSO and it was passed my best time here in MA. I was competing with all of North America.
If anybody would've told me my first two QSOs with Heard Island would be 30 meter CW and 40 Meter RTTY I would've told them they were crazy. Welcome to Funky Town.
I hope my 20 meter CW QSO was good but if not there's still a long, long way to go.. That Op is a world class CW man. Seems like a waste of talent to be pretending. He belongs on DXpeditions. Hope Rich is right. Beam heading was spot on here.
73,
Chris NU1O
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There are a lot of guys working VK0EK at 14.034 right now, but DXA is not showing them active on 20 meters. Lots of speculation about it being a slim.
he's the real deal - I'm trying to see why no DXA (uggh and double uggh)
^%$#@#$
My 40M RTTY never showed on DXA but I had a LoTW confirmation within 15 minutes. You guys still have some kinks to work out.
73,
Chris NU1O
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I hope they get this show firing on all cylinders soon, now only 2 weeks left, I hav'nt heard them
& I do have an antenna. Dan WG5G.
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If anybody would've told me my first two QSOs with Heard Island would be 30 meter CW and 40 Meter RTTY I would've told them they were crazy. Welcome to Funky Town.
73,
Chris NU1O
Chris, with just my dipole I figure my best chance is on 30 where perhaps less people have aluminum in the air and theoretically are running 200w. If someone told me my first QSO with Heard Island would be on their first night active on 20 cw, I would have told them they were crazy as I just have a dipole and a few hundred watts. I always figure there are many more people out there with tribanders & more of various sizes. Congrats on your QSOs! (Speaking of rtty my one and only tromelin QSO was RTTY... Go figure 8) )
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Ho hum, haven't even hrd a single dit all evening..................
You'd better get some better antennas my friend. I had a good 40M RTTY QSO and it was passed my best time here in MA. I was competing with all of North America.
If anybody would've told me my first two QSOs with Heard Island would be 30 meter CW and 40 Meter RTTY I would've told them they were crazy. Welcome to Funky Town.
I hope my 20 meter CW QSO was good but if not there's still a long, long way to go.. That Op is a world class CW man. Seems like a waste of talent to be pretending. He belongs on DXpeditions. Hope Rich is right. Beam heading was spot on here.
73,
Chris NU1O
Agree 100% re antennas, however for various reasons that's not going to happen except perhaps on the receive side (loops etc).
It was similar with VK0IR but I got them in the end :)
Just now starting to hear something on 30m . . .
73
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Tony, N5UD, worked them on 30m cw a bit ago /m.
And, as sometimes happens, they left the /m off when they logged it. :P
Congrats on the mobile qso, Tony.
73, Tom
N5MOA
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I think I worked him on 20M, but the log->DXA link is down and I can't confirm... :(
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So far, it sure looks like P5 might be an easier chance for us 20-17-15 Meter SSB & CW guys in NA than Heard.
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IN case everyone who worked them on 20m isn't glued to the DXA screen:
"3/26/2016 @ 04:37: We have a local network problem here at VK0EK - the 20 m computer is not sending QSOs to DXA just now. Don't worry, the Q's are being logged and will be uploaded to DXA when we re-establish connectivity."
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If anybody would've told me my first two QSOs with Heard Island would be 30 meter CW and 40 Meter RTTY I would've told them they were crazy. Welcome to Funky Town.
73,
Chris NU1O
Chris, with just my dipole I figure my best chance is on 30 where perhaps less people have aluminum in the air and theoretically are running 200w. If someone told me my first QSO with Heard Island would be on their first night active on 20 cw, I would have told them they were crazy as I just have a dipole and a few hundred watts. I always figure there are many more people out there with tribanders & more of various sizes. Congrats on your QSOs! (Speaking of rtty my one and only tromelin QSO was RTTY... Go figure 8) )
I've been a fan of 30 meters since I was first licensed. Worldwide DX is possible with a wire antenna and 100W. It's a small band and no SSB here in the USA but it's right between what many consider the two best DX bands -- 20 and 40 meters.
Congrats on your 20M QSO. Let's hope he's the real McCoy.
73,
Chris NU1O
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So far, it sure looks like P5 might be an easier chance for us 20-17-15 Meter SSB & CW guys in NA than Heard.
20m CW was fairly easy tonight in NJ. Amp was just shy of a kW and 3 elements at 70 feet. Just about 5 minutes in the pileup from the first dit to bingo. The pile was about 4 or 5 kHz wide at most. P5 will be just a tad more difficult.
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The pileup isn't too bad from here in NorCal, but I can barely hear VK0EK. He's way down in the noise and I have the gain way up, the filters narrow, and audio peaking set to the max but can barely make out most of his CW. I'm pretty sure I heard him come back with my call sign, but it may have been my ears playing tricks on me.
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Not just not on DXA but also not on LoTW yet -- the horror :o --so I guess they're having some LAN issues with that particular computer.
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30m op cq'n a lot
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Not just not on DXA but also not on LoTW yet -- the horror :o --so I guess they're having some LAN issues with that particular computer.
I'll only volunteer for a Penguin Lite DXpedition from now on ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
NO COMPUTERS
NO SATELLITE
NO AMPLIFIERS
NO ANTENNAS
NO RADIOS
I mean - Penguin Extra Lite (Ale) . . .
:D ;) ;D
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Spit Bay - Spit Bay - Spit Bay the crowd chants ;D
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
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Not just not on DXA but also not on LoTW yet -- the horror :o --so I guess they're having some LAN issues with that particular computer.
I'll only volunteer for a Penguin Lite DXpedition from now on ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
NO COMPUTERS
NO SATELLITE
NO AMPLIFIERS
NO ANTENNAS
NO RADIOS
I mean - Penguin Extra Lite (Ale) . . .
:D ;) ;D
(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/theeverythingw/images/5/52/Opus.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20131202055300)
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Not just not on DXA but also not on LoTW yet -- the horror :o --so I guess they're having some LAN issues with that particular computer.
I'll only volunteer for a Penguin Lite DXpedition from now on ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
NO COMPUTERS
NO SATELLITE
NO AMPLIFIERS
NO ANTENNAS
NO RADIOS
I mean - Penguin Extra Lite (Ale) . . .
:D ;) ;D
(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/theeverythingw/images/5/52/Opus.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20131202055300)
Love It!
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20m was easy ? Sure helps to be in the skip zone. Not much more than a dit every now and then in east Texas on my mobile. Did work them on 30M CW and.....in the QRM etc excitement... the /m was left off.
Heard them on 80M, but no way I could break that nonsense pile up.
73 and GLTA
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Send a few dits and dahs to one of the most remote places in the world. Confirmed on LoTW 16 minutes later. Really cool.
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Worked *someone* @ 0300Z.
Station was on 14.034, signing VK0EK working down. My Q was at 0300Z.
Good CW Op. Direction looked correct (LP). Sounded legit.
Hope it was the real VK0EK!! ;D
73,
Al, K6RIM
_______________________________________________________________
There are a lot of guys working VK0EK at 14.034 right now, but DXA is not showing them active on 20 meters. Lots of speculation about it being a slim.
he's the real deal - I'm trying to see why no DXA (uggh and double uggh)
^%$#@#$
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Worked *someone* @ 0300Z.
Station was on 14.034, signing VK0EK working down. My Q was at 0300Z.
Good CW Op. Direction looked correct (LP). Sounded legit.
Hope it was the real VK0EK!! ;D
73,
Al, K6RIM
_______________________________________________________________
There are a lot of guys working VK0EK at 14.034 right now, but DXA is not showing them active on 20 meters. Lots of speculation about it being a slim.
he's the real deal - I'm trying to see why no DXA (uggh and double uggh)
^%$#@#$
now sure ... did u see it on dxa??
worked someone also dn - thought i saw my qso on dxa then it disppeared
the dx then sending dn5 but not working anyone
then sends VK0EK up but not up!
sounds suspect
17m ssb in log legit though!
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[insert dancing zebra]
/W lagavulin 16
30min window on 10m cw, worked and confirmed. Missing the agonizing wait for log update ;D
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Just some observations from last night:
The 80m window here was about 30~45 min which coincided with the grey line passing over both my QTH and Heard. Watching DXA, it was obvious that guys with better antennas than mine, both the east and west of me, could hear them much longer than I did.
30m was interesting as they were peaking at 30~45 deg over the north pole rather than short path. This also coincided with the grey line. I realize that not many guys have rotatable antennas on 30m, but it's nevertheless interesting as it demonstrates how variable propagation from that part of world can be. If you're not hearing them well on 20m don't be afraid to experiment with antenna position. Heard Island is near enough equidistant in all directions from most of the USA that the path that supports propagation is the path that supports propagation regardless of what your bearing charts say. (edit@1230Z: Listening to them working JAs this morning on 30m and it appears the best beam heading is SW, 225 deg. Honest S7.)
Don't expect spectacularly better propagation from Spit. I could be wrong, in fact I hope I am, but I'll bet signals will be similar. It appears no 160m operation is planned from Spit, which is too bad. That's probably the band that would benefit most from operations there, at least for the western USA. 160 is noisy here this morning as another storm moves out. I don't expect them to show on 160 today anyway as they seem to be entrenched on 12 and 15. Too bad those bands likely won't hold out on the DX end until they open here. I think 10 and 12m may well be impossible from here unless those bands stay open much later than one would expect on the Heard end.
They are hearing amazingly well. I was shocked to bust the pile last night on 80m as stations were calling from all geographical areas and I am not an 80m big gun (quarter wave vertical only).
DXA is a neat tool, but is available here only about 10% of the time. Fortunately it was up when I worked them on 80 and I was able to confirm the QSO within minutes.
I recall VK0IR as being louder and more available than this expedition, which is interesting as the flux during VK0IR was only in the 70s. Go figure.
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Can hear him faintly on 30m for the first time this morning @1250z, but working all JA.
Now 1330, faded away a while ago. Opening didn't last long here - 30 min tops. Hope maybe they'll put the JAs on hold next time to allow for the short Midwest NA opening.
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Workable on 30 right now on my vertical in Carson City, NV. I do have a good radial system and elevation above the City, but I'm still a bit surprised. Rich was right about that morning "West Coast" path.
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Anyone know the plans for 20M SSB?
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Anyone know the plans for 20M SSB?
...and 20m RTTY
Marvin VE3VEE
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They were on 20 m SSB for some time yesterday. But I didn't bother looking, as I have them on CW.
They were on 40 m RY yesterday and day before. But I'm not hearing them on 40 m. At all. Propagation predictions indicate they should be loud on 40 m all night. Not even weakly heard here.
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I'll be looking for them on 20m CW. So far I've missed them-- probably because I went to bed too early. :)
My guess is that they are avoiding the FOC CW contest, so I'll be looking for them late tonight.
73,
Chuck NI0C
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Nice signal now on 40 CW, and in the log!
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Anyone know the plans for 20M SSB?
There was an update, only WARC SSB this weekend due to WPX (If memory serves correct).
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I hope they get this show firing on all cylinders soon, now only 2 weeks left, I hav'nt heard them
& I do have an antenna. Dan WG5G.
I'm also patiently awaiting!
Obie N5VYS
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I hope they get this show firing on all cylinders soon, now only 2 weeks left, I hav'nt heard them
& I do have an antenna. Dan WG5G.
I'm also patiently awaiting!
Obie N5VYS
Still looking here too.
(http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp30/k0yq/bloom-county-underwear_zpsiezjo3nn.jpg)
I'm going to focus on 30M as that seems to be my best bet to just get into the log. I greatly appreciate informative posts like K0RS and will keep trying different paths.
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[insert dancing zebra]
/W lagavulin 16
30min window on 10m cw, worked and confirmed. Missing the agonizing wait for log update ;D
Congrats Hannu and to all others too. It's such a glorious feeling getting off the schnide as they say. I hate that countdown to QRT timer on the DXA page. It's already making me nervous. Ha.
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WOW! Great signals on 160 and 80 m too. Worked very quickly. That's the Low Bands taken care of in about 15 minutes flat!
Now it's 2 am here, and I can't sleep...
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WOW! Great signals on 160 and 80 m too. Worked very quickly. That's the Low Bands taken care of in about 15 minutes flat!
Now it's 2 am here, and I can't sleep...
You guys in VK/ZL and the guys in ZS are probably the closest with significant ham populations. You guys should be able to work them off the back of their beam.
73,
Chris NU1O
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Is DXA failing to load fully for anyone else??
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For others still looking for missing 20M CW QSOs, below is the response to my help ticket when asked about my missing QSO on 14.034 @ 03:31 26 March 2016:
"Hi,
It has come to light that the 20m QSOs at that time are most likely lost in a laptop technical problem. We are sorry about this and need you to work us again on 20m." Bummer :(
Thankfully, another QSO on 30 is confirmed on LoTW.
GL to all
W9YE
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Is DXA failing to load fully for anyone else??
The site seems to be having trouble serving the number of visitors it's experiencing.
I am working with the developer on a solution, stay tuned.
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You guys should be able to work them off the back of their beam.
That's not my experience so far. 40 and 30 m have been really strange. At times when the bands should be open, they have been very weak or non-existent. I'm guessing their 4-square arrays have great back and side rejection.
The high bands will likely be very difficult off the back of their beams. If they beam towards JA, we might stand a chance, off beam, but when a large pile of strong callers is on the front of the beam, as they will have with Europe and Japan, anyone here without a beam will not be heard, and a well-equipped station will struggle.
However, even this early in the expedition, they do seem to be giving everyone a go. Next week, hopefully the pileups will ease somewhat, and they will be able to work the more difficult paths. It's a great team of operators, and I'm over the moon with what I have worked so far (160-17 m). 322 entities worked now, and eleventy-one on 160 m!
On DXA, I have been having trouble loading it using IE10. Tonight, I tried it again with Chrome, and it worked perfectly.
73 es GL,
Luke VK3HJ
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For others still looking for missing 20M CW QSOs, below is the response to my help ticket when asked about my missing QSO on 14.034 @ 03:31 26 March 2016:
"Hi,
It has come to light that the 20m QSOs at that time are most likely lost in a laptop technical problem. We are sorry about this and need you to work us again on 20m." Bummer :(
Thankfully, another QSO on 30 is confirmed on LoTW.
GL to all
W9YE
I hope to get the N1MM+ log from that crapped out laptop and see if I can recover the QSO's. Luckily I have an exact replica and even have a special database tool for SQL Lite - which is the database that N1MM+ writes to.
Wish me luck - my QSO is in there too!
But I plan to rework them tonight on 20M. No worries here - I have solid Q's on 30 and 40M anyway . .
73,
Rich
KY6R
P.S - *&^% happens and we knew it would - but we are as prepared as you can be. Fingers crossed. I'll earn my pay if I can recover this hour or so of 20M Q's - at least we caught the problem - ironically when I just made a killer Q- oh well
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Just some observations from last night:
The 80m window here was about 30~45 min which coincided with the grey line passing over both my QTH and Heard. Watching DXA, it was obvious that guys with better antennas than mine, both the east and west of me, could hear them much longer than I did.
30m was interesting as they were peaking at 30~45 deg over the north pole rather than short path. This also coincided with the grey line. I realize that not many guys have rotatable antennas on 30m, but it's nevertheless interesting as it demonstrates how variable propagation from that part of world can be. If you're not hearing them well on 20m don't be afraid to experiment with antenna position. Heard Island is near enough equidistant in all directions from most of the USA that the path that supports propagation is the path that supports propagation regardless of what your bearing charts say. (edit@1230Z: Listening to them working JAs this morning on 30m and it appears the best beam heading is SW, 225 deg. Honest S7.)
Don't expect spectacularly better propagation from Spit. I could be wrong, in fact I hope I am, but I'll bet signals will be similar. It appears no 160m operation is planned from Spit, which is too bad. That's probably the band that would benefit most from operations there, at least for the western USA. 160 is noisy here this morning as another storm moves out. I don't expect them to show on 160 today anyway as they seem to be entrenched on 12 and 15. Too bad those bands likely won't hold out on the DX end until they open here. I think 10 and 12m may well be impossible from here unless those bands stay open much later than one would expect on the Heard end.
They are hearing amazingly well. I was shocked to bust the pile last night on 80m as stations were calling from all geographical areas and I am not an 80m big gun (quarter wave vertical only).
DXA is a neat tool, but is available here only about 10% of the time. Fortunately it was up when I worked them on 80 and I was able to confirm the QSO within minutes.
I recall VK0IR as being louder and more available than this expedition, which is interesting as the flux during VK0IR was only in the 70s. Go figure.
Superb post - I copied it and sent it directly to the team. These kinds of posts are very valuable - thanks so much - it helps us a lot!
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OK, Rich. Keeping fingers crossed that the missing Qs can be recovered, especially those for whom it may be their only QSO so far. Thanks for trying.
73 de
Gavin W9YE
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Surely all qso's are stored locally on each laptop as well as sent across the LAN to DXA???
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Yes, N1MM+ saves a local copy of the log and it is very easy to export it and email it to the QSL Manager to be reviewed/repaired as needed.
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Is DXA failing to load fully for anyone else??
The site seems to be having trouble serving the number of visitors it's experiencing.
I am working with the developer on a solution, stay tuned.
Everyone, please switch to using http://dxa.vk0ek.org (http://dxa.vk0ek.org) instead of dxa3.org. Anyone who refreshes the console ought to get redirected to the new URL too.
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Just some observations from last night:
The 80m window here was about 30~45 min which coincided with the grey line passing over both my QTH and Heard. Watching DXA, it was obvious that guys with better antennas than mine, both the east and west of me, could hear them much longer than I did.
Don't expect spectacularly better propagation from Spit. I could be wrong, in fact I hope I am, but I'll bet signals will be similar. It appears no 160m operation is planned from Spit, which is too bad. That's probably the band that would benefit most from operations there, at least for the western USA. 160 is noisy here this morning as another storm moves out. I don't expect them to show on 160 today anyway as they seem to be entrenched on 12 and 15. Too bad those bands likely won't hold out on the DX end until they open here. I think 10 and 12m may well be impossible from here unless those bands stay open much later than one would expect on the Heard end.
I recall VK0IR as being louder and more available than this expedition, which is interesting as the flux during VK0IR was only in the 70s. Go figure.
VK0IR I agree was much stronger. Too far back to recall the Jim Smith operation. My 4 QSOs on IR were done over two days and I was done.
Now to VK0EK. 30M has been only band I have come close to Q5 copy. Last night on the mighty mobile HI-Q they were mostly just above background noise level, covered by crashes. However for what reason at 0400Z Their signal like jumped up by an S unit or so. I think they had been QRX. I heard their CQ and was one of the first back. Just missed the mobile designator.
80M agreed is a greyline affair. For me about 0030Z - 0115Z. I could copy them when no DQRM or lightning crashes. Enough signal where if in the clear I likely could make a Q.
Not looking for much in our area on 10 - 12M. But there is always hope. VK0IR had no Qs above 15M, and not many on 15M. Yet I managed a 15m Q. My 15M and 20M Q were 10 minutes apart at 2310Z FWIW.
I'll kind of be looking for 80M. 17M is likely the only other band fill I can work mobile.
30M looks like the key for a QSO.
73 N5UD mobile in Texas
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Is DXA failing to load fully for anyone else??
The site seems to be having trouble serving the number of visitors it's experiencing.
I am working with the developer on a solution, stay tuned.
You can shut it down for all I care. I've worked them on 4 bands. The 20 meter contacts from last night still haven't been sent to LoTW so of four contacts only one appeared on DXA.
I received LoTW credits in less than 15 minutes for the three contacts other than 20 meters. What's the need for DXA when it's possible to get LoTW in 15 minutes? Those who didn't donate pretrip will complain but they shouldn't have any say because they didn't donate when the money was needed the most.
I think it was either N6PSE or Gene Spinelli who stated you basically need an IT man on the trip when things get too complicated. I'd say we're at that point now. I'd use what the Italian team uses. No fancy map but they have virtually real time logging which is the most important thing because it really cuts down on duping.
73,
Chris NU1O
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You can shut it down for all I care. I've worked them on 4 bands. The 20 meter contacts from last night still haven't been sent to LoTW so of four contacts only one appeared on DXA.
No DXA = No LoTW. I agree the web part of DXA is heavy and awkward. But I rely on the back end to get the data for LoTW and ClubLog.
DXA on the island has been running fine. It's DXA on this side that wasn't properly set up to handle the load it was getting. A problem we have hopefully rectified now.
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For us simple antenna guys, to be clear. 30M and 80M are the only bands I have heard VK0IR. It seems the propagation has favored the coasts more so than the middle USA. I am not making that comparison to only my simple antenna.
Things will get better.
73 N5UD
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[/quote]
No DXA = No LoTW. I agree the web part of DXA is heavy and awkward. But I rely on the back end to get the data for LoTW and ClubLog.
DXA on the island has been running fine. It's DXA on this side that wasn't properly set up to handle the load it was getting. A problem we have hopefully rectified now.
[/quote]
I can not connect to DXA just this past minute.
N5UD
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I can not connect to DXA just this past minute.
Are you using the new URL? http://dxa.vk0ek.org (http://dxa.vk0ek.org)
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DXA working fine for me at the moment. Looks to be an improvement. Took awhile to load completely, but prolly a lot of users switching to the new URL. Using Chrome. Should add that my Wildblue satellite internet isn't particularly fast.
Eating my heart out watching the 160M Qs go by...
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Took awhile to load completely, but prolly a lot of users switching to the new URL.
Ironically, the new URL should get faster as more people switch over to it.
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whats the QSL situation with the dxped underway now
I saw a dontate button on the page but does that still open up LOTW uploads or now wait till end of dxped
was gonna grab a mug to my US forwarding address too - v cool :)
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I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
Sorry Chris, going to disagree with you on this one. I donate to the DX'pedition because I want to for supporting the team, not for the instant LOTW confirmations, nor do I worry about what someone else donates. If all they want to do is buy a T-shirt or buy a mug, then that's OK with me. It all goes to help support the expedition. I went ahead and bought one of the T-shirts last night because I thought it looked nice and will wear it with pride during our DX club meeting :)
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I can not connect to DXA just this past minute.
Are you using the new URL? http://dxa.vk0ek.org (http://dxa.vk0ek.org)
I was not aware of the new URL. Seems to work FB.
Thanks
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I've been keeping an eye on DXA this afternoon. We're currently serving the update file about 120 times per second. That implies 7200 active sessions, just for those who have switched over to the new URL. Not sure how many are still using dxa3.org.
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I've been keeping an eye on DXA this afternoon. We're currently serving the update file about 120 times per second. That implies 7200 active sessions, just for those who have switched over to the new URL. Not sure how many are still using dxa3.org.
Mike - its so much better - thanks a Million. Great job!
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Mike - its so much better - thanks a Million. Great job!
Do I get my free QSOs now?
I kid, I kid.
Sigh...
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Mike - its so much better - thanks a Million. Great job!
Do I get my free QSOs now?
I kid, I kid.
Sigh...
I see you worked them on 20M and 30M. Good job!
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I've been keeping an eye on DXA this afternoon. We're currently serving the update file about 120 times per second. That implies 7200 active sessions, just for those who have switched over to the new URL. Not sure how many are still using dxa3.org.
Mike - its so much better - thanks a Million. Great job!
Thank you both for all the work. You guys are great.
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Nothing on 30 or 20 last evening. I guess I will try, try again. But, when I only see 2 stations active, it does not get my blood pumping/hopes up. Granted, I probably would not hear another station or two, depending on band, but......... it might thin out the DQRM from the band (30M) that I could hear.
I heard 30 their first day there, about 3 hours....... that is it.
The daily thunderstorms have not helped either.... :(
73, Gene AF3Y
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I'm still listening, as a matter of fact , I have never stopped listening.
Nothing heard here in STX, at least at my station?
Obie N5VYS
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I've been keeping an eye on DXA this afternoon. We're currently serving the update file about 120 times per second. That implies 7200 active sessions, just for those who have switched over to the new URL. Not sure how many are still using dxa3.org.
Mike - its so much better - thanks a Million. Great job!
Thank you both for all the work. You guys are great.
Thanks - and look forward to sitting with you at the Visalia Top Band Dinner
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Zero SSB contacts in last 24 hours. Prior only about 8% of total contacts. NA very small % of total, so my guess is NA SSB is maybe 100 or so???
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I know there is more to it than I understand, but I'm curious why they are on 40 SSB with the contest going full blast and it is prime time for NA. Last night at the same time they went to RTTY on 40. I think my only real shot on 40 is CW, but maybe I'm missing something???
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They were just barely audible here on 30m for a 5 min window, and I managed to get through before it slammed shut. Did a very happy dance when I saw my call flash in the DXA screen.
ATNO #326/322
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I have no idea who made the decision so I'll direct my comment to Rich, KY6R, since he's the most public face of this trip, at least for me anyway.
Rich, KY6R, many of us donated $100 and up pretrip because these expeditions don't happen without considerable front money. I think it's a bad idea to start giving out LoTW confirmations for buying coffee mugs or T-shirts. It not only cheapens the accomplishment but it will probably change future behavior. First off, those are not true contributions. There is a cost for the products so only the profit is a contribution. This will not affect my donations to upcoming expeditions but in the future I think you will have some donors who'll say why should I donate $50 or $100 when I can buy a coffee mug or a T-shirt after I've made contact and save a lot of money.
73,
Chris NU1O
Sorry Chris, going to disagree with you on this one. I donate to the DX'pedition because I want to for supporting the team, not for the instant LOTW confirmations, nor do I worry about what someone else donates. If all they want to do is buy a T-shirt or buy a mug, then that's OK with me. It all goes to help support the expedition. I went ahead and bought one of the T-shirts last night because I thought it looked nice and will wear it with pride during our DX club meeting :)
First off, I expect people to disagree with me and I usually expect my opinion to be a minority viewpoint. I did not donate to get a LoTW confirmation. They offered that as an enticement. I donated pre-trip because if enough money is not raised pre-trip the expedition doesn't happen. That's why I donated.
Rich says he's being swamped by people who want to be part of this. My question to him would be where were all these folks when they were soliciting money the first time and this expedition was cancelled because there wasn't enough financial support from the amateur community?
Of course people want in now. There's a large group of amateurs who won't donate until they make a contact. They don't donate pre-trip but once they make a contact they want to join the team and then they want a quid pro quo. That large group has to be taught that these expeditions do not happen without pre-trip donations yet they were all just rewarded with early LoTW uploads for buying mugs or T--shirts. That sent the exact opposite message that needed to be sent.
73,
Chris NU1O
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They were just barely audible here on 30m for a 5 min window, and I managed to get through before it slammed shut. Did a very happy dance when I saw my call flash in the DXA screen.
ATNO #326/322
Congrats.
Same here, must be LSDXA window !
Not much more than modulated noise but enough !
Funny thing was, he came back first call, unbelievable, I was on 10114.
70w to Butternut vertical...........................
Now waiting for LoTW as icing on the cake ;D
73
(LOTW received already :) )
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There's a large group of amateurs who won't donate until they make a contact.
And most likely they will never donate in advance. If that means expeditions don't go, they will just sit around and b*!ch that nobody's going anywhere. In this case, enough funds were donated in advance to leave the dock, and we're making up what we can with late donations. Better for them to give $10 now than to give nothing later.
A little while ago there were 12,000 active sessions on DXA.
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Congrats.
Same here, must be LSDXA window !
Not much more than modulated noise but enough !
Funny thing was, he came back first call, unbelievable, I was on 10114.
70w to Butternut vertical...........................
Now waiting for LoTW as icing on the cake ;D
73
Congrats then to you as well. Called him on the same frequency as you did, so that must be the LSDXA frequency as well as window. Got my LOTW confirmation just now too.
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I've been keeping an eye on DXA this afternoon. We're currently serving the update file about 120 times per second. That implies 7200 active sessions, just for those who have switched over to the new URL. Not sure how many are still using dxa3.org.
Mike - its so much better - thanks a Million. Great job!
Thank you both for all the work. You guys are great.
Thanks - and look forward to sitting with you at the Visalia Top Band Dinner
You and Mike won't be paying for any drinks. :)
Can't wait!
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Amazing receive capabilities on their end. Just worked them on 30m (0117Z in SETX) and, as someone else said, if they'd sent anything other than my own callsign I wouldn't have been able to copy it. They were right at the noise level but they somehow copied me.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss102/ae5x/Radio/ears_zpscoeby5eu.jpg)
ATNO #323. "Viva CW" and thanks guys. Yeah, I ordered a coffee cup and then some.
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Pete W2IRT.. just heard your QSO on 80 several mins ago, congrats! They have some decent sigs there tonight. Big pileup!
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There's a large group of amateurs who won't donate until they make a contact.
And most likely they will never donate in advance. If that means expeditions don't go, they will just sit around and b*!ch that nobody's going anywhere. In this case, enough funds were donated in advance to leave the dock, and we're making up what we can with late donations. Better for them to give $10 now than to give nothing later.
A little while ago there were 12,000 active sessions on DXA.
The money wasn't all raised by the amateur community. Isn't it true that this is a partnership between the amateur radio community and the scientific community?
Most people who work VK0EK are going to want to a verification whether it's LoTW, a QSL, or both. Use OQRS for those who didn't contribute the required minimum pre-trip and raise the price to a level that covers the shortage. Charge $7.50 or $10 for a QSL and LoTW. For those who wanted early LoTW after the trip you could've have made them pay a premium instead of giving it away with a coffee mug. Those running these expeditions have all the leverage they need to insure mostly everybody contributes something that's fair.
As for DXA, I don't even know what those letters stand for. A PC is just a tool to me not unlike a hammer or a drill. I don't care how it works nor do I have any desire to learn how to write software. Most folks just want to work the expedition on as many bands as possible and get a timely verification. You IT nerds are the ones concerned with the technology. Your team could have just copied what the the Italians use and your audience would be content.
73,
Chris NU1O
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30 is fairly strong with very little pile up
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Your team could have just copied what the the Italians use and your audience would be content.
We can just follow in the footsteps of others or we can aspire to raise the bar. In my case, since I'm not going to the island, and I'm not part of the radio team, there is nothing I can do to affect the outcome of the radio operations. All I can do is the technology part, and I am trying to do things that haven't been done before within that scope.
I wish you could see all the feedback we've gotten from around the world. It's been gratifying how the fast LoTW confirmations have made so many people very happy. Sorry you are not among them.
73,
Mike
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Sorry you are not among them.
I'm among them. Many thanks.
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Pete W2IRT.. just heard your QSO on 80 several mins ago, congrats! They have some decent sigs there tonight. Big pileup!
Thanks! That made my week. I have no real chance of a 160 with them but I really wanted at least an 80. I had to re-configure my MFJ-1026 and use my K9AY as a sense antenna instead of the 20' vertical wire I'd been using before, meaning I was listening on the vee instead of the K9AY, but it was enough to let me hear them. My 80m powerline noise was S9+15dB without the noise canceller. Now let's see if I can nab 'em (again) on 20. This time with a working logger on their end.
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I am right behind you W2IRT. Great to get 80m as well and hope to rework 20m cw tonight.
I am not sure why there was no 40m tonight for NA. Maybe the ops are getting tired.
73 Mark N1UK
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Sorry you are not among them.
I'm among them. Many thanks.
I'm among them too. Great job !
73,
Bob
K6UJ
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I am right behind you W2IRT. Great to get 80m as well and hope to rework 20m cw tonight.
I am not sure why there was no 40m tonight for NA. Maybe the ops are getting tired.
73 Mark N1UK
I'm guessing antenna work as it's morning there. The sooner they get everything up the sooner they can send out the other group to Spit site ;D
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There's a large group of amateurs who won't donate until they make a contact.
And most likely they will never donate in advance. If that means expeditions don't go, they will just sit around and b*!ch that nobody's going anywhere. In this case, enough funds were donated in advance to leave the dock, and we're making up what we can with late donations. Better for them to give $10 now than to give nothing later.
A little while ago there were 12,000 active sessions on DXA.
The money wasn't all raised by the amateur community. Isn't it true that this is a partnership between the amateur radio community and the scientific community?
Most people who work VK0EK are going to want to a verification whether it's LoTW, a QSL, or both. Use OQRS for those who didn't contribute the required minimum pre-trip and raise the price to a level that covers the shortage. Charge $7.50 or $10 for a QSL and LoTW. For those who wanted early LoTW after the trip you could've have made them pay a premium instead of giving it away with a coffee mug. Those running these expeditions have all the leverage they need to insure mostly everybody contributes something that's fair.
As for DXA, I don't even know what those letters stand for. A PC is just a tool to me not unlike a hammer or a drill. I don't care how it works nor do I have any desire to learn how to write software. Most folks just want to work the expedition on as many bands as possible and get a timely verification. You IT nerds are the ones concerned with the technology. Your team could have just copied what the the Italians use and your audience would be content.
73,
Chris NU1O
Quit whining Chris. They are doing a fantastic job.
Your rants are ridiculous.
Bob
K6UJ
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Pete W2IRT.. just heard your QSO on 80 several mins ago, congrats! They have some decent sigs there tonight. Big pileup!
Thanks! That made my week. I have no real chance of a 160 with them but I really wanted at least an 80. I had to re-configure my MFJ-1026 and use my K9AY as a sense antenna instead of the 20' vertical wire I'd been using before, meaning I was listening on the vee instead of the K9AY, but it was enough to let me hear them. My 80m powerline noise was S9+15dB without the noise canceller. Now let's see if I can nab 'em (again) on 20. This time with a working logger on their end.
Wow, S9 + 15db powerline noise? To hear them through that is quite an accomplishment! This was the first time I even listened for them on 80 and was happy I could hear them. There was a wall to wall 10kc spread. This would be a real nice one to add on 80! I'll definitely keep listening for them during their greyline. Good luck on getting them on 20! I can see my 20cw is still there when I put my call in the log lookup, so I guess that's a good sign? I think I worked them the night before the logging problems..
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Nothing on 30 or 20 last evening. I guess I will try, try again. But, when I only see 2 stations active, it does not get my blood pumping/hopes up. Granted, I probably would not hear another station or two, depending on band, but......... it might thin out the DQRM from the band (30M) that I could hear.
I heard 30 their first day there, about 3 hours....... that is it.
The daily thunderstorms have not helped either.... :(
73, Gene AF3Y
gene just worked them again about 45 mins ago on 30M. The first QSO they missed /M. The 2nd 30M QSO was ESP for me. They can hear.
N5UD
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Pete W2IRT.. just heard your QSO on 80 several mins ago, congrats! They have some decent sigs there tonight. Big pileup!
Thanks! That made my week. I have no real chance of a 160 with them but I really wanted at least an 80. I had to re-configure my MFJ-1026 and use my K9AY as a sense antenna instead of the 20' vertical wire I'd been using before, meaning I was listening on the vee instead of the K9AY, but it was enough to let me hear them. My 80m powerline noise was S9+15dB without the noise canceller. Now let's see if I can nab 'em (again) on 20. This time with a working logger on their end.
Wow, S9 + 15db powerline noise? To hear them through that is quite an accomplishment! This was the first time I even listened for them on 80 and was happy I could hear them. There was a wall to wall 10kc spread. This would be a real nice one to add on 80! I'll definitely keep listening for them during their greyline. Good luck on getting them on 20! I can see my 20cw is still there when I put my call in the log lookup, so I guess that's a good sign? I think I worked them the night before the logging problems..
Yeah, my powerline noise is beyond belief, but with the help of the K3's RX antenna passthrough allowing my TX antenna's receive signal to go into the MFJ-1026, I was able to get the noise down to only S9, and enough to copy him. Last night I only heard him for about 5 minutes at the peak. I heard him for about 40-45 minutes tonight with the lower noise level. I have a reasonably-decent 80m TX antenna (inverted vee at 70 feet) and legal-limit power so that was never the issue. Receiving 80 and 160 are huge problems for me.
Waiting for them to fire up on 20 again. I really wish I didn't have to fight another pileup but so it goes.
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80M at my greyline was worse than last night. 2 minutes copy then jammers took over.
N5UD
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I thought I had donated to this one early, but it was my club that donated.
So, I made a donation last week. That was before the Shop was open. I have the receipt via PayPal, but don't see my name on the donor's page. I guess it is somewhere in the system.
No matter, my QSO appear in the log, so that's the main thing!
Looking forward to a chance at high bands later this afternoon.
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Nothing but NOISE here in Western PA.
Spotted on 20 & 30, but NADA.
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Rich,
Any insight on Spit Bay yet, Big Ben is really blocking us down here in the southwest.
You can really tell when they are on 20m, very very light if that.
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
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So, I made a donation last week. That was before the Shop was open. I have the receipt via PayPal, but don't see my name on the donor's page. I guess it is somewhere in the system.
Thanks for your support! Check your LoTW account here in about 10 minutes.
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DXA shows W2IRT just worked....LUCKY DEVIL !!!!
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Your team could have just copied what the the Italians use and your audience would be content.
We can just follow in the footsteps of others or we can aspire to raise the bar. In my case, since I'm not going to the island, and I'm not part of the radio team, there is nothing I can do to affect the outcome of the radio operations. All I can do is the technology part, and I am trying to do things that haven't been done before within that scope.
I wish you could see all the feedback we've gotten from around the world. It's been gratifying how the fast LoTW confirmations have made so many people very happy. Sorry you are not among them.
73,
Mike
Stop twisting my words. I offered constructive criticism. If you only wanted pats on the back you should've become a professional athlete or an actor.
There is a role for conservative tried and true methods. I'm very happy with my three QSOs and fast LoTW credits but I made a 4th QSO on 20 meters and it's missing. Luckily I have 2 weeks to work them again on 20 but if the expedition had ended and one of my QSOs was missing due to a computer SNAFU I would not be a happy camper.
Naturally people are happy. There hasn't been an expedition to Heard in 16 years. You'd be getting the same positive feedback if you'd opted for a less complicated interface.
Best Wishes.
Chris NU1O
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Nothing but NOISE here in Western PA.
Spotted on 20 & 30, but NADA.
I found the same thing when they were spotted on 20 at this hour. It wasn't until about 0500z that their signal peaked up and I was able to work them with little effort.
I do hear them in the mud on 20 now, but not a workable signal (already worked 20cw)
I don't think they are on 30 right now.. their last spot was at 0219 and no pileup heard (their dxa site indicates they are on the air on 30 but perhaps that part isn't updating.
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DXA shows W2IRT just worked....LUCKY DEVIL !!!!
That's not luck. He has very good antennas and he runs the legal limit.
73,
Chris NU1O
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Nothing but NOISE here in Western PA.
Spotted on 20 & 30, but NADA.
I found the same thing when they were spotted on 20 at this hour. It wasn't until about 0500z that their signal peaked up and I was able to work them with little effort.
I do hear them in the mud on 20 now, but not a workable signal (already worked 20cw)
Same thing in MS here- I am surprised at all the good signal reports from the east coast. I can just barely detect something is on 14034. 4 element monobander up 100 feet.
Tor
N4OGW
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Nothing but NOISE here in Western PA.
Spotted on 20 & 30, but NADA.
I found the same thing when they were spotted on 20 at this hour. It wasn't until about 0500z that their signal peaked up and I was able to work them with little effort.
I do hear them in the mud on 20 now, but not a workable signal (already worked 20cw)
I don't think they are on 30 right now.. their last spot was at 0219 and no pileup heard (their dxa site indicates they are on the air on 30 but perhaps that part isn't updating.
I was using the DXA info before.
Listened on 30m but heard nothing.
I'll keep an ear out on 20m for a few hours,
nothing else to do.
Tomorrows ham is already in the oven
and the honey & brown sugar are already put on.
It needs to bake for at least 3 more hours for the sugar
to melt properly, so that gives me lots of time to listen.
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DXA shows W2IRT just worked....LUCKY DEVIL !!!!
That's not luck. He has very good antennas and he runs the legal limit.
73,
Chris NU1O
One of these days, I have to go to someones house that HAS
decent antennas and an amp.
I have never done that.
All I have ever experienced was my 100w and
a vertical or my homemade wire doublet.
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Waiting for them to fire up on 20 again. I really wish I didn't have to fight another pileup but so it goes.
I worked them at 0328 UTC last night so it's a little early but so far they aren't as strong as last night.
73,
Chris NU1O
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DXA shows W2IRT just worked....LUCKY DEVIL !!!!
That's not luck. He has very good antennas and he runs the legal limit.
There's a degree of luck in there too, but I use every tool at my disposal to make my own luck. And it's really antennas, antennas, antennas! I also wasn't even using legal limit for this one. The pile wasn't particularly big, in comparison to what I was half expecting it to be given last night's fubar.
I screen-capped my confirmation, and it was quite fitting that the other call on the globe-map along with mine was Alex, VE3NEA, whose CW Skimmer software was what got me in the log this fast. It really is like shooting fish in a barrel.
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Waiting for them to fire up on 20 again. I really wish I didn't have to fight another pileup but so it goes.
I worked them at 0328 UTC last night so it's a little early but so far they aren't as strong as last night.
I worked them last night at 0313z. They're weak as dishwater to me tonight. S0, but no fades and no DQRM. The benefit is a bit smaller a pileup, which made it easier to pop 'em.
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Thanks for your support! Check your LoTW account here in about 10 minutes.
WOW! All there in LotW. Thanks Mike!
I feel like a spoilt brat now! Almost instant gratification. Not like the "Old Days" HI!
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That was a very short opening. Their signal has faded out and no QSO. Last night they got up to 559 here for a few minutes but they never moved the S-meter tonight. I really hope Rich is able to retrieve the data from that file.
73,
Chris NU1O
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Thanks for your support! Check your LoTW account here in about 10 minutes.
WOW! All there in LotW. Thanks Mike!
I feel like a spoilt brat now! Almost instant gratification. Not like the "Old Days" HI!
:)
I must have had a brain fade on this one
anyhow donated now too :)
I usually up front this but missed it for some reason!
:)
well done Luke :)
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I must have had a brain fade on this one
At the best of times your brain is flat. ZL4PLM is none other than a Pathetic Lying Muppet who has told slanderous lies that VK5EEE is interfering with VK0EK.
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You'd be getting the same positive feedback if you'd opted for a less complicated interface.
Just in point of fact, I had nothing to do with DXA until 10 o'clock this morning, when I stepped in to help fix the performance issues. My only contribution was adding the LoTW bridge. I agree that the web interface sucks, if that is what you are displeased with, but the back end is rock solid and that is what enables me to do the LoTW.
73,
Mike
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No contacts for me tonight. I was looking for them on 40m but unfortunately they decided not to get on 40m tonight. Didn't hear diddly squat on 80m plus the XYL came in to the shack right at my greyline looking to pick a fight with me :D
All is not lost though. To my surprise and delight 80m is open to the EU and I worked LZ9W for #158 on 80m ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I must have had a brain fade on this one
At the best of times your brain is flat. ZL4PLM is none other than a Pathetic Lying Muppet who has told slanderous lies that VK5EEE is interfering with VK0EK.
gosh is that all you can come up with
Jeezz after 17 years in the Navy not much worries me esp a wee school yard barky dog with no brains
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HELL HAS FROZEN OVER!
I am in the log for Heard Island on 30 cw.
Rich KB8GAE
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I must have had a brain fade on this one
At the best of times your brain is flat. ZL4PLM is none other than a Pathetic Lying Muppet who has told slanderous lies that VK5EEE is interfering with VK0EK.
Who left the NUT-HOUSE door open ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
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HELL HAS FROZEN OVER!
I am in the log for Heard Island on 30 cw.
Rich KB8GAE
congrats Rich
he hears well that's for sure ... just logged 15m too start of OC opening
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Rich,
Any insight on Spit Bay yet, Big Ben is really blocking us down here in the southwest.
You can really tell when they are on 20m, very very light if that.
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
Not yet - the original plan was after the first week - stay tuned to VK0EK.ORG.
They have 50 MPH winds and very heavy rain right now
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Rich,
Any insight on Spit Bay yet, Big Ben is really blocking us down here in the southwest.
You can really tell when they are on 20m, very very light if that.
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
Not yet - the original plan was after the first week - stay tuned to VK0EK.ORG.
They have 50 MPH winds and very heavy rain right now
quite amazed how well they are making it into ZL just now
the view was this would be a wash out till they moved but its been anything but ...
I thought we would have had to wait till they moved QTH but seems not!
nice sigs on 20 17 and 15 today
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VK0EK readable in NTX, 10116, qsx down.
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I had nothing better to do so I stuck around and their signal picked up slightly but still at or below ESP levels. I thought I might get lucky and hear my call on one of their peaks and that's what happened. That had to be the weakest station I've ever worked on CW. I'm still not sure if I actually heard my call, or I thought I heard my call, but it had to be the former because DXA says the QSO was good and it's already confirmed via LoTW.
N2RJ: I see you worked them about the same time as I. Congrats on your 20 meter CW QSO. They couldn't have been very strong at your QTH either.
73,
Chris NU1O
PS Their signal is now up to the level it was last night so you guys in the Northeast may want to give a try if you're not already doing so.
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congrats Rich
he hears well that's for sure ... just logged 15m too start of OC opening
Congrats to you, and thanks Simon.
I agree they have excellent ears.
WJ2O was at he key. He is a fb op that I have worked many a contest qso with.
Never heard VK0IR in 1997 and I am elated to have worked VK0EK.
I most likely won’t be around for the next activation.
73's Rich KB8GAE
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You'd be getting the same positive feedback if you'd opted for a less complicated interface.
Just in point of fact, I had nothing to do with DXA until 10 o'clock this morning, when I stepped in to help fix the performance issues. My only contribution was adding the LoTW bridge. I agree that the web interface sucks, if that is what you are displeased with, but the back end is rock solid and that is what enables me to do the LoTW.
73,
Mike
Yeah, it's nice to see who has just worked VK0EK but what's the price for adding that feature? If you're making things much more complicated then I think you're better off using something simpler which has been demonstrated to work reliably on previous expeditions. That's been my point all along and I think you may have missed it. I've never been on an expedition but that's also the opinion of either N6PSE or K5GS. One of them has stated they don't want things so complicated that an IT expert is needed on the trip.
With that I'm off to bed and all done with the discussion.
Happy Easter to all!
73,
Chris NU1O
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I'm just about ready to give up for the night. He's still active on 20M, but so weak that I can no longer copy any call signs, so what's the point?
I've been listening to the pileup on 30M, but I can't transmit there, but it's interesting watching the activity. I started CW Skimmer just to see what the overall pileup looked like across all 5-6 kHz of it. It's interesting--I have Skimmer set to flag 599's, and I see on every contact he makes at least four or five people respond with 599. I wonder if these guys just can't copy their own call sign, so send a 599 on every go-round "just in case", or if they just think they heard their call.
It's also interesting to see just how many people continue to transmit their call even when VK0EK's coming back to someone else. It's got to be at least a dozen or so. These idiots make it hard to find the guy VK0EK is actually working to try to establish a pattern.
Ah, well, I still have 14 more days to work these guys on CW, but failing that I won't be too disappointed as I have a VK0IR card on the wall.
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I've been listening to the pileup on 30M, but I can't transmit there, but it's interesting watching the activity. I started CW Skimmer just to see what the overall pileup looked like across all 5-6 kHz of it. It's interesting--I have Skimmer set to flag 599's, and I see on every contact he makes at least four or five people respond with 599. I wonder if these guys just can't copy their own call sign, so send a 599 on every go-round "just in case", or if they just think they heard their call.
It's also interesting to see just how many people continue to transmit their call even when VK0EK's coming back to someone else. It's got to be at least a dozen or so. These idiots make it hard to find the guy VK0EK is actually working to try to establish a pattern.
Hmm.. that is interesting on multiple people sending 599. You have to wonder if these extra people sending 599 are just randomly sending their calls and then 599's in hopes that maybe the dx station answers them (but they have no idea if they do?) Or perhaps well.. they hear the DX come back to a K2.. and their call starts with K2.. so they just answer 599 in hopes that maybe it was their call..
Yep, I observed the same as you. I am guessing there are at least 50-100 or more people that just keep calling and calling and calling and calling and calling.. they rarely stop and listen and they transmit when the DX is transmitting as though they are calling blindly. I figure some of these people might be amp people without full QSK.. or they don't run full QSK by choice.. but you have to stop and "come up for air" now and then to take a listen to see if they are coming back! I can't run full QSK with my amp (most of the time I run 100w in CW so that I can run full QSK), but when I do run the amp I'll send my call once or twice and then stop/listen for a while. The last thing I want to do is get out of synch with the DX. It does happen from time to time.. that's why I try to listen a lot more when running with some "heat". Liks you said, out of turn callers make it very hard to try to make out the pattern...
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I'm just about ready to give up for the night. He's still active on 20M, but so weak that I can no longer copy any call signs, so what's the point?
I've been listening to the pileup on 30M, but I can't transmit there, but it's interesting watching the activity. I started CW Skimmer just to see what the overall pileup looked like across all 5-6 kHz of it. It's interesting--I have Skimmer set to flag 599's, and I see on every contact he makes at least four or five people respond with 599. I wonder if these guys just can't copy their own call sign, so send a 599 on every go-round "just in case", or if they just think they heard their call.
It's also interesting to see just how many people continue to transmit their call even when VK0EK's coming back to someone else. It's got to be at least a dozen or so. These idiots make it hard to find the guy VK0EK is actually working to try to establish a pattern.
Ah, well, I still have 14 more days to work these guys on CW, but failing that I won't be too disappointed as I have a VK0IR card on the wall.
Some are just clueless but I've decided some are truly unethical or, simply, cheats. More than a few times I've heard a guy trying to complete his Q but another station right on top of him is sending his call and 599, trying to "poach" a Q. Pretty pathetic. Had a few calls written down during the VP8s show.
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One last check for him on long path before I park the antennas for the night... Wow, he's strong on LP! I keep trying a few more times, and bang! Got him! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Here's mud in your eye, Big Ben :D
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30m is the only band I have been able to hear them on at any level above guessing.
In the mobile a bit ago on 30m, the previous 7-8 he worked were all pretty close to 1kc down. He also seems to be cq'n a lot.
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I'm thankfully off the schnide - was up and down on 30M and had a clean QSO down exactly 1 on a peak. Dipole was aimed abt 160 degrees and signal was a little fluttery tonight. I agree with others that they seem to hear really well.
Thanks to K0RS and to all for the tips and thanks to W6GX for the help with the 30M dipole. It worked. :)
Happy Easter everyone.
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My perseverance and a good VK0EK CW op paid off tonight with an ATNO on 30 meter CW here in NW Florida. I was in and out of the shack Saturday night hoping to work VK0EK on 20 or 30 meter CW. With no success, I decided to try 30 meters again around midnight (~0500Z) before going to bed. Starting at about 1215Z I thought I heard VK0EK come back to me about five times, but in none of the transmissions could I copy my complete call. (I don't consider it a valid two-way QSO unless I can completely copy the other station's call and and my call.) Although the VK0EK op seemed very patient with me by repeatedly sending what I'm pretty sure was my call, I was unable to confirm my call and he eventually moved on. However, I hung in there and called again making successful contact with VK0EK about five minutes later (with me getting a good copy of my call). My thanks to the VK0EK op who didn't give up on me. I used ~90 watts into a doublet dipole so it's a good bet that I wasn't booming into Heard Island.
Chuck, WA4IIF
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I checked out 12 m SSB just to see if I could hear them, and they were loud!
Problem was, the pileup of JA was so unruly, and constantly calling, just like you hear from the other side of the continent.
I did sneak a QSO at the bottom of the pileup eventually, and then the signal went from S9 to nothing. I am guessing the op was fed up with the bad behaviour, and turned the beam.
Now seriously, the signal went from loud to nothing. I don't think the propagation dropped out.
On 15 m CW they have been good all afternoon into dark now, but the pileup is crazy and huge. I'm saving a couple of slots for a QRP opportunity.
I would expect to hear them on 10 m, if they turned the beam to us. I am hearing them on 15 and 12 m despite the propagation predictions showing no chance.
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the pileup of JA was so unruly
That's the first time I've ever heard of JA's being unruly. They seem to have a reputation for being the most disciplined ops in a pile-up.
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They were much weaker on 80 last night than the night before. But #241 on 80 is in the log.
The night before, the balun on my 80m vertical was failing. If I sent my call more than twice, the VSWR would rise and trip out the amp. So yesterday morning, I had to drag the soldering iron and other tools out, lower the 80m vertical and make/build some sort of "balun." I used a Budwig center insulator, and I had some ~ 1.0" square ferrite halves that our club did a bulk purchase on many years ago. Modified the Budwig so there are some extra holes in the plastic near the pigtails for strain relief. Wrapped the antenna wire through the holes and wrapped it around each pigtail. Soldered. Reattached the coax, and used about 7 ferrites. Taped well,
I guess it worked, since the VSWR is now constant.
I will replace the "balun" at a later date.
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It's sunrise on the West Coast and DXA shows them QRV only on 160 meters working JA. Another missed opportunity....
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It's sunrise on the West Coast and DXA shows them QRV only on 160 meters. Another missed opportunity....
For several hours, DXA was showing them working 5 stations in parallel. That was a nice change! Now they are just on a single band.
Marvin VE3VEE
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It's sunrise on the West Coast and DXA shows them QRV only on 160 meters. Another missed opportunity....
Exactly. 160m is gonna be tough from here. It's just getting light here before nightfall on Heard. Maybe they can be persuaded to try 160 about an hour earlier. I don't know if the band will be open yet on the Heard end, but it's the only way the Midwest will have a shot. (It snowed last night so I didn't sleep with the window open so couldn't smell the salt air off the ocean.) The only other chance is my evening, their morning. Greyline is slightly better, but there's that east coast thing. (No, I can't smell that ocean!)
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What are the other 13 guys doing?
Gene AF3Y
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A 14 man DXpedition should be able to have 6-7 stations QRV at all times (assuming there is propagation) Right now at W6 sunrise, they have one station QRV on 160 meters. What are the other 13 guys doing?
Perhaps, but that presumes hardware is available and all members are qualified to run pileups. Reading thru the bios of the the team members it appears some were selected for skills other than operational. I hate to be too negative early in the expedition. The operation gets better every day and there's lots of time left. I'm sure willing to give them a chance. No arguing that the CW ops are excellent and they are hearing spectacularly well. Hopefully they are figuring it out day by day. They have a 160m specialist along and just getting the message to them about what certain areas require should yield results. For a bunch of guys that I (mostly) have never heard of before, they are doing a pretty damn good job.
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I'm with you Paul -
I hope Spit Bay will yield a more aggressive approach.
A 24/7 20m setup would be nice.
We shall see how this "drama" unfolds after the contest.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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Well, speaking selfishly, I got my 20m CW QSO. All else is gravy. I must confess that being "in the log", once, has kind of dulled my appetite.
Just getting to Heard is an accomplishment nowadays. Wasn't this one delayed a year? As was K5P?
We may not see this for many years to come. The Bureaucrats may matter more to our success than the operators...meanwhile, there was a station on 40, maybe still there, but my fellow west coast operators again need to figure out how "split" works.
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A 14 man DXpedition should be able to have 6-7 stations QRV at all times (assuming there is propagation) Right now at W6 sunrise, they have one station QRV on 160 meters. What are the other 13 guys doing?
Perhaps, but that presumes hardware is available and all members are qualified to run pileups. Reading thru the bios of the the team members it appears some were selected for skills other than operational. I hate to be too negative early in the expedition. The operation gets better every day and there's lots of time left. I'm sure willing to give them a chance. No arguing that the CW ops are excellent and they are hearing spectacularly well. Hopefully they are figuring it out day by day. They have a 160m specialist along and just getting the message to them about what certain areas require should yield results. For a bunch of guys that I (mostly) have never heard of before, they are doing a pretty damn good job.
You said it ;D
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I hope Spit Bay will yield a more aggressive approach.
A 24/7 20m setup would be nice.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
Jeezo Peezo, Five stations on the air simultaneously this morning. Almost 17K 18K 24K QSOs in the log so far. Seems pretty "aggressive" to me.
Incidentally, NO 160M activity planned form Spit. That could change I suppose.
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Anyway, guys, cheer up. The Europa operation will start in a couple of days. As AE5X pointed out in the Europa thread, that means many operators are going to have to choose their pileup. Heard should be easier.
I know I spent a lot of time yesterday in the E4 pileup. Amazingly enough, there is actually a lot else going on while Heard is active.
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Maybe Rich could ask the team why the shut down HF so early in the day everyday, as everyone keeps saying why do they not have a station on 20m 24/7 and work 17m longer into the evening/night
5pm local here we have another 4 hours of daylight and the only bands they are on are 160/80m where there will be no hope for hours,
Trevor
EI2GLB
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Five stations on the air simultaneously this morning.
The only one I could hear a peep out of was 20m LP, and that was very, very weak. I'm hoping the Spit Bay location and/or the sun co-operating a bit will improve their signal this direction.
If it wasn't for 30m, I'd still be trying for my next new one.
I'm thankful for that. And if it turns out that's my only qso, so be it. It's not my place to gripe at the team, they went, I didn't.
73, Tom
N5MOA
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One 2mte FM Q logged to club log with Antarctica ;D ;D
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That's the first time I've ever heard of JA's being unruly. They seem to have a reputation for being the most disciplined ops in a pile-up.
No, I've seen it happen at times with most of the recent Top Ten type DXpeditions. I can see the spectrum across the QSX. Here, we can always hear/see the pileups from Japan.
Most of the time, they are exemplary in their DXing, that's for sure. I always have enjoyed working JA pileups. It's as if they line up to call. Very easy to get in the log. Not today.
Today on 12 m phone, the JAs were getting as over-enthusiastic with their calling as some of the worst EU pileups. Constant calling, out of turn calling. The op had to tell everyone to QRX several times in the quarter hour or so I was in there. After a while, I think he gave up and turned the beam!
I've also seen it on the 30 m CW pileups. Of course, some of the behaviour from all parts of the world has also been less than first class, as observed, and noted by comments online. Imagine the pressure the ops on Heard are under! They are really doing a first class job to get so many in the log already.
In a few days, the FT4JA team will be on air. Be prepared for more craziness! A non-DXer must really be scratching their head and wondering why we go into the maelstrom, for fun, or something...
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The VK0EK op on 12m ssb this morning was pretty laid back and in control. A pleasure to listen to and eventually work.
Mark N1UK
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The VK0EK op on 12m ssb this morning was pretty laid back and in control. A pleasure to listen to and eventually work.
Mark N1UK
did you know that if you take your computer mouse and put arrow on the call that was just worked that shows on map you can see what band op made the contact on ? And if you put the arrow or cursor on the band you can see who the VK0EK op is ?
I am totally amazed with this DXA3 .
VK0EK is the Greatest Show on Earth running right now and I can see better than ever in my life - This is a fun time to be dxing . Sure beats how we worked dxepeditions in the 70's and 80's IMHO.
Not to forget DX Atlas - that is really great dxing tool
73 JIM
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did you know that if you take your computer mouse and put arrow on the call that was just worked that shows on map you can see what band op made the contact on ? And if you put the arrow or cursor on the band you can see who the VK0EK op is ?
I am totally amazed with this DXA3.
Hey thanks for the tip. I didn't know about it. I saw a lot of people I know work them but didn't know what band it was on.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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One 2mte FM Q logged to club log with Antarctica ;D ;D
A VK0EK to VK0EK QSO perhaps? ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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One 2mte FM Q logged to club log with Antarctica ;D ;D
A VK0EK to VK0EK QSO perhaps? ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
possibly Atlas to Spit???
cool stuff
Ray
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Possibly Tent 1 to Tent 2 ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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Possibly Tent 1 to Tent 2 ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
Yes. It was between AE0EE and K2ARB.
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Doing well, just hit 17,000 Qs.
Looking at clublog, 22% NA, 53% EU, 18% AS and 45% uniques overall.
Those shelters look top drawer, will they use one on Spit ?
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Possibly Tent 1 to Tent 2 ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
Yes. It was between AE0EE and K2ARB.
What call signs did they use? I did a Clublog Log Search for VK0EK & VK0EK, but it didn't find a match. ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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I have found it, LOL... It was a QSO between VK0EK and VK0/AE0EE ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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I have found it, LOL... It was a QSO between VK0EK and VK0/AE0EE ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
the most rare and unique of the rare and unique!
Ray
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More info for the team, finally heard them last nite on 30 mtrs at 0450z using my 40 mtr dipole,
did not work them, then abt 0600z they were finally heard/wked on 20 mtrs in Houston & Austin, Texas rst 529, they need to keep a cw stn on 20 mtrs during their daytime/ our nighttime seems to be the most productive, sigs too weak for ssb, stick with cw so everyone has a chance at ATNO, there are many lil pistols out there that would like 1 qso, just my 2 cents, Dan WG5G.
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I think there' a bug on DXA. I moused over several calls shown on the world map. It seems the bands shown with their calls are bands that are not active at the moment. So I don't know if one should trust the mouse-over band data at the moment.
UT7CR 15m CW
ZZ3ZX 12m SSB
IK1TAZ 17m CW
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Has the date of the Spit operation been announced? Looked, couldn't find.
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morning grey line approach in here got up early 3 am and not a peep from them to early to play wpx so back to bed :( 40m station just closed only 160,80m and 30m :( itslookign like 30m is their money band we were hearing them here @ noon yesterday on 30m on my 40m delta loop
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I decided to go for broke last night and stayed up until 4:30am just to see if any magic might happen.
I saw them activate 30/20/17/12m and it was interesting that every once in awhile at around 08:00 to 09:00z there signal would come up for a few seconds and then fade. Almost like a beam being turned and passed me on its rotation. I did see one or two Midwest stations make it in the log during that period. I am just baffled as to why they don't have an op on 20m SSB 24/7 ??
There signal does come in and out on 20 and many people could work them during those periods.
73s
Rob
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It is interesting that they are operating differently than most recent dxpeditions have. But looking at the numbers, they are still averaging upwards of about 6000 QSO's per day, roughly the same rates as VP8STI.
We'll see what (if anything) changes when they go to Spit but at the current rates they're certainly doing a respectable job. Of course it's a given that exactly how respectable probably depends on whether you're already in the log or not. I bet there's a lot of guys kicking themselves for never getting around to putting up a decent antenna for 30m (or learning CW for that matter)...
73
John VE8EV
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More info for the team, finally heard them last nite on 30 mtrs at 0450z using my 40 mtr dipole,
did not work them, then abt 0600z they were finally heard/wked on 20 mtrs in Houston & Austin, Texas rst 529, they need to keep a cw stn on 20 mtrs during their daytime/ our nighttime seems to be the most productive, sigs too weak for ssb, stick with cw so everyone has a chance at ATNO, there are many lil pistols out there that would like 1 qso, just my 2 cents, Dan WG5G.
Here in DFW they popped out of the noise for a little bit on 20mtr late, snagged a Q at 0637Z. He stuck with me until completion, QSB caused mni repeats, 329/339 at best. They certainly hear very well. 73, congrats Paul
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I decided to go for broke last night and stayed up until 4:30am just to see if any magic might happen.
I saw them activate 30/20/17/12m and it was interesting that every once in awhile at around 08:00 to 09:00z there signal would come up for a few seconds and then fade. Almost like a beam being turned and passed me on its rotation. I did see one or two Midwest stations make it in the log during that period. I am just baffled as to why they don't have an op on 20m SSB 24/7 ??
There signal does come in and out on 20 and many people could work them during those periods.
73s
Rob
Do you have a 30M antenna up ? You should work them on 30M say 0100 - 0600. I have worked them twice from the mobile on 30M First Q left off /M so we did a second q that was right. Plus I think K0RS is right in saying the 30M signal is over the north pole in central/southwest US.
N5UD
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I decided to go for broke last night and stayed up until 4:30am just to see if any magic might happen.
I saw them activate 30/20/17/12m and it was interesting that every once in awhile at around 08:00 to 09:00z there signal would come up for a few seconds and then fade. Almost like a beam being turned and passed me on its rotation. I did see one or two Midwest stations make it in the log during that period. I am just baffled as to why they don't have an op on 20m SSB 24/7 ??
There signal does come in and out on 20 and many people could work them during those periods.
73s
Rob
As per their updates, they will only be on WARC Bands SSB until the WPX ends then resume all bands...
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Hi,
CW QSO's: 14286, SSB QSO's: 2343
More mode "balance" would be nice.
73,
John
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14 ops.
These will be split between operating/sleeping/ and keeping the damn thing going.
Remember there is no power grid, so someone has to haul fuel from the boat, get it up to the site and keep the gennies going.
Food, lets pop into the drive through, yep that is a few thousand K's away.
Sleep, most important.
They have to be fit enough at the end to take it all down, pack it all up and take it away again.
Plus,it is a fearsome place to be, we sailed past there many years go, the wx is terrible.
They are doing the best they can, from the backside of the world.
Cheers gavin
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Hi,
CW QSO's: 14286, SSB QSO's: 2343
More mode "balance" would be nice.
73,
John
Yes, exactly. What's the strategy for the thousands of SSB ops missing out? Is the "Spit" activity on HF bands with emphasis on SSB to counter the higher CW ratio currently taking place from this low band QTH?
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Per VK0EK website, as of 26 March 2135Z the NA West Coast has made >28% of the NA QSOs. This percentage is far in excess of the population of the West Coast relative to the remainder of NA.
It is also despite the likelihood that VK0EK has not been beaming toward NA West because of the known blockage of the nearby volcano.
I suspect the reason for this is the almost entirely seawater path from NA West. Even fairly high takeoff angles (many "bounces") are effective given the near perfect reflectivity of the ocean surface. From my location near Seattle (CN87vr) there is NO land on the great circle short path to Heard Island.
73, Ken W7NUW
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Hi,
CW QSO's: 14286, SSB QSO's: 2343
More mode "balance" would be nice.
73,
John
John:
Another reason for the imbalance of modes might not only because of contest weekend, but all the overall band conditions. Last couple days in my neck of the woods, not much other than CW would get thru....
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Hi,
CW QSO's: 14286, SSB QSO's: 2343
More mode "balance" would be nice.
73,
John
Yes, exactly. What's the strategy for the thousands of SSB ops missing out? Is the "Spit" activity on HF bands with emphasis on SSB to counter the higher CW ratio currently taking place from this low band QTH?
Spit Bay op is primarily to fill in coverage gaps caused by Big Ben.
http://vk0ek.org/the-plan/
73
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Question, what's the legal power in VK? 400w? I think VK9CK guys used 400 as that was their legal limit? VK0EK using OM 2000's ;)
https://vk0ek.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/img_4559_1024.jpg
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I have looked at clublog stats for 1997 VK0IR operation. Lower SFI then. Just not much of a match as far as NA is concerned.
Link below ...maybe...else you can search for them.
https://secure.clublog.org/charts/?c=VK0IR#r
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
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Many of the VK0EK team members are scientists of some sort so I will not be surprised if HAM radio operation from Heard island is not their #1 priority. Many will be disappointed how this DXpedition is conducted. The expectations are always high among the HAM radio community when it comes to this kind of high profile operations. In any case, I think that we should not expect VK0EK to be in the same league as the recent VP8's and the forthcoming FT4JA activations.
73 Dragan K0AP
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It would be nice to hear them for more then just two or three seconds every now and then.
That might enhance the window of opportunity here.
I have waited a long time for this one! Was there a discussion of a dedicated 20M station ?
Obie N5VYS
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I have waited a long time for this one! Was there a discussion of a dedicated 20M station ?
Obie N5VYS
Obie, several people here on the forum have suggested it. All we can do is hope. The WPX contest finishes in about an hour. I'm hoping they will go on 20m SSB (or RTTY) tonight.
Marvin VE3VEE
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
Paul, maybe you can catch the next flight over there and straighten them out.
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It would be nice to hear them for more then just two or three seconds every now and then.
That might enhance the window of opportunity here.
I have waited a long time for this one! Was there a discussion of a dedicated 20M station ?
Obie N5VYS
Why don't you work them on 30M like the rest of us Texans ?
You know better get a Q for ATNO than not.
N5UD
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
Paul good job on south islands. S Georgia better sig than Sandwich. I made 5 bands from the mobile. 4 of those were done in 2 hours of mobile operating !
So far VK0EK not stacking up with VK0IR.
73 N5UD
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Here in DFW they popped out of the noise for a little bit on 20mtr late, snagged a Q at 0637Z. He stuck with me until completion, QSB caused mni repeats, 329/339 at best. They certainly hear very well. 73, congrats Paul
This is how I heard VP8STI/SGI. I managed two QSO each, considering myself lucky!
With VK0EK, the shoe is on the other foot. Having a ball!
My best wishes of good propagation to those still needing their first QSO.
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It would be nice to hear them for more then just two or three seconds every now and then.
That might enhance the window of opportunity here.
I have waited a long time for this one! Was there a discussion of a dedicated 20M station ?
Obie N5VYS
Why don't you work them on 30M like the rest of us Texans ?
You know better get a Q for ATNO than not.
N5UD
You guys are going to drive me to drinking or make me string up a 30M antenna.
I think I will do the 30M antenna. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Bob
K6UJ
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
I'd have expected more Q's to go in tandem with the hype given to this DXped beforehand and now, but give benefit of doubt until after CQ WPX. Still many days remaining on the island.
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Question, what's the legal power in VK? 400w? I think VK9CK guys used 400 as that was their legal limit? VK0EK using OM 2000's ;)
https://vk0ek.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/img_4559_1024.jpg
Yes, 400 watts.
Strictly speaking, it is 120 watts average for CW and RTTY, and 400 watts PEP.
The same question was asked about the German Lord Howe Island DXpedition a few years ago.
As DXers, we don't complain too loudly when we can hear them!
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It would be nice to hear them for more then just two or three seconds every now and then.
That might enhance the window of opportunity here.
I have waited a long time for this one! Was there a discussion of a dedicated 20M station ?
Obie N5VYS
Why don't you work them on 30M like the rest of us Texans ?
You know better get a Q for ATNO than not.
N5UD
You guys are going to drive me to drinking or make me string up a 30M antenna.
I think I will do the 30M antenna. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Bob
K6UJ
They have made more 30m qsos with NA, even broken down by zone, than any other band.
Obie, what Tony said.
Bob, you do still have about 3 hours of daylight left.......... :P
73, Tom
N5MOA
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You'd be getting the same positive feedback if you'd opted for a less complicated interface.
Just in point of fact, I had nothing to do with DXA until 10 o'clock this morning, when I stepped in to help fix the performance issues. My only contribution was adding the LoTW bridge. I agree that the web interface sucks, if that is what you are displeased with, but the back end is rock solid and that is what enables me to do the LoTW.
73,
Mike
Yeah, it's nice to see who has just worked VK0EK but what's the price for adding that feature? If you're making things much more complicated then I think you're better off using something simpler which has been demonstrated to work reliably on previous expeditions. That's been my point all along and I think you may have missed it. I've never been on an expedition but that's also the opinion of either N6PSE or K5GS. One of them has stated they don't want things so complicated that an IT expert is needed on the trip.
With that I'm off to bed and all done with the discussion.
Happy Easter to all!
73,
Chris NU1O
Chris,
For a man that by his own admission only has a superficial understanding of computer systems you are sure
critical of IT support. :D I think the point you are trying to make is lets stay with the old tried and true systems that work. If that reasoning was used years ago we would all be still using a DOS operating system, no we would all be using Comodore 64 computers. ;D What I think you don't see is this:
This is the most technically advanced DXpedition yet. They have raised the bar for future DXpeditions.
Yes there will be issues as we continue to infuse technical advances in DXpeditions. But so what,
its just going to get better and we reap the benefits ! Lets embrace the change and give some encouragement !
thanks for the Happy Easter greeting
Happy Easter to you too !
Bob
K6UJ
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
I'd have expected more Q's to go in tandem with the hype given to this DXped beforehand and now, but give benefit of doubt until after CQ WPX. Still many days remaining on the island.
There's twelve ops including Dr Bob and team Dr etc.
http://heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_team.html
Not knowing what their troubles and challenges etc have been, I'll reserve judgement.
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They had a comment on DXA yesterday that they were waiting for contest to be over. That would explain lack of 20/15/10 SSB. Might see some operation this evening.
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
I'd have expected more Q's to go in tandem with the hype given to this DXped beforehand and now, but give benefit of doubt until after CQ WPX. Still many days remaining on the island.
There's twelve ops including Dr Bob and team Dr etc.
http://heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_team.html
Not knowing what their troubles and challenges etc have been, I'll reserve judgement.
I won't be judging at all.
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When I was QRV as 8P9RY earlier this month, I made a point of uploading QSOs to LoTW after each operating session. Not many DXers need 8P, but it was easy to do and I figured a few entity-band or entity-mode chasers would appreciate it.
Today, I worked VK0EK on three needed entity-bands (12m, 15m, 80m). Each time, I received an LoTW confirmation within 15 minutes of the QSO. It doesn't matter that I understand every step of the process by which my QSOs were confirmed. To have QSOs with a station on a rare Antarctic island be confirmed within 15 minutes just blew me away.
Outstanding work, guys!
73,
Dave, AA6YQ
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I have Heard on 20 SSB, so I've been waiting for the pileups to die down--worked them pretty easily last night on 30 CW with 200 watts to my 12M collinear that also resonates on 30M.
Zack W1VT
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Per DXA, "having fun on low bands tonight". 160-30. Contest is over. No joy.
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As of now, they have made 18000 contacts, divided by 14 Operators is 1285.7 contacts, divided by 4 days of operating is 321.4 contacts per team member. DXA currently shows one station QRV on 30 meters.
Is this strategy achieving their goals?
100% agree with you Paul.
Operating on a limited basis like this is just beyond me. So far they only have 7519 unique contacts :o A few of the guys I have talked to have worked them on 30 and 40CW already and most of them have not even heard a signal yet!
I think problem number one was that they left too late in the year, if they had been over there in early February it would have made a huge difference to the other half of the USA, SA Caribbean etc.
Anyway I am waiting to see if they make changes, I sure hope they don't stick to this current plan much longer, they have just about exhausted most of the super stations with good enough antennas on 30m and 40m CW and the volume of candidates gets slimmer as they go down on to 80m and 160m.
73s
Rob
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FWIW,
I heard them the first night on 30M at about 0330z and I was amazed how loud they were (on my 100' long ladder line dipole N/S up 50'). Easily S7 in Maryland. No joy after 20 min, so I went to bed.
So I KNEW it was going to be 30 for me (and 200 watts levels the playing field) and their prop program said 0100-0600 was "S7". I started listening at 0100 the next evening, barely audible (but working NA), so I left to do other stuff. By 0200 better, but still too weak to easily make out their replies, so I left again. By 0300 they were the loud S7 I had expected and had them nailed at about 0340. I kept listening, by 0400 they were weaker.
It was an ATNO for me, I think 30 is THE band for East coast. They were spotted on 20 from 0200-0400, I never heard a peep. An 80M antenna and tuner is fine on 30M.
Paul
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Really strong sigs on 40 but all the nut cases are out in full force this evening.. WOW.
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Really strong sigs on 40 but all the nut cases are out in full force this evening.. WOW.
Yup. The Op kept changing his TX freq. but the nut cases just follow along....
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Anyway I am waiting to see if they make changes, I sure hope they don't stick to this current plan much longer, they have just about exhausted most of the super stations with good enough antennas on 30m and 40m CW and the volume of candidates gets slimmer as they go down on to 80m and 160m.
I never thought a 1/4w wire up a tree or a mobile antenna was a "super station" for 30m. Just need to be there at the right time. They are workable, on 30m at least.
I don't know what their plan is, still 13+ days to go.
Really strong sigs on 40 but all the nut cases are out in full force this evening.. WOW.
Not real strong here, strong enough. But yeah, plus 2 on the nut cases.
It was an ATNO for me, I think 30 is THE band for East coast. They were spotted on 20 from 0200-0400, I never heard a peep. An 80M antenna and tuner is fine on 30M.
Congrats on the new one, Paul.
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Let's see: 18526 contacts, 2343 of them SSB. Am I missing something here?
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Let's see: 18526 contacts, 2343 of them SSB. Am I missing something here?
I don't think you are missing anything: CW is better for weak signals.
Paul
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Really strong sigs on 40 but all the nut cases are out in full force this evening.. WOW.
Yup. The Op kept changing his TX freq. but the nut cases just follow along....
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Gotta love the challenges of pileups. DQRM'ers.. 0. KB2FCV...1 (added 40m for new band) :)
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Really strong sigs on 40 but all the nut cases are out in full force this evening.. WOW.
Yup. The Op kept changing his TX freq. but the nut cases just follow along....
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Gotta love the challenges of pileups. DQRM'ers.. 0. KB2FCV...1 (added 40m for new band) :)
Congrats James! I QSY'ed to 80m and I couldn't believe how loud he was. The problem is the pileup it's most unruly I've ever seen. At this point I'm not sure if I should stay on 80m or QSY to 40m :-\
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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The pileup is big but its clear that a lot of people don't hear him well and are calling in the blind.
I finally got a good track on him and landed him - thanks in part to a tuner-upper which caused the pileup to partially die down and allowed me to call in the clear.
Their signal also peaked - its sunrise right now and there was some nice signal enhancement.
So, 3 bands down. Now for the high bands which have been very elusive to me thus far.
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Gotta love the challenges of pileups. DQRM'ers.. 0. KB2FCV...1 (added 40m for new band) :)
Congrats, James.
High fives all around. Just added 40m cw for a new band myself. My super inverted-L came through.
The pileup never stops calling.
Congrats James! I QSY'ed to 80m and I couldn't believe how loud he was. The problem is the pileup it's most unruly I've ever seen. At this point I'm not sure if I should stay on 80m or QSY to 40m :-\
80m sounds pretty tame compared to 40m to me. 40m is just plain silly stupid.
Course I can't hear VK0 or most of the pile up on 80m, so you may have a point.
30m after midnight is soooo much calmer.
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Gotta love the challenges of pileups. DQRM'ers.. 0. KB2FCV...1 (added 40m for new band) :)
Congrats, James.
High fives all around. Just added 40m cw for a new band myself. My super inverted-L came through.
The pileup never stops calling.
Congrats James! I QSY'ed to 80m and I couldn't believe how loud he was. The problem is the pileup it's most unruly I've ever seen. At this point I'm not sure if I should stay on 80m or QSY to 40m :-\
80m sounds pretty tame compared to 40m to me. 40m is just plain silly stupid.
Course I can't hear VK0 or most of the pile up on 80m, so you may have a point.
30m after midnight is soooo much calmer.
Thanks everyone! Yep, the pileup on 40m was simply ridiculous. As you guys observed, they were well aware of the dqrm so they kept jumping around a little. I snuck in there after a long spout of DQRM. I heard them come back to me, sent our reports and I was done (saw my call on dxa a moment or two later!).
80 they have some strong sigs but they are starting to fade a bit so I think I will spend my next round on 80m tomorrow night or the next night. I'd really love to add 80.. always love adding to that band.
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I just might have been their first 20m SSB QSO tonight. Their web page is not yet showing 20m TCVR is on, but they are calling CQ on 14.190 listening 5 down. Not too strong, but certainly workable on 1st call.
Marvin VE3VEE
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ok, just a stupid question.....
they have been S9 from 2330 through now 0232 in OK
they were never more than static with the exception of 10 - 15 min a few nights ago.
did they just discover they could change the direction of the 40 4 square??? ;D ;D ;D
They were truly loud until just a few minutes ago and disappeared...
Just curious....
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I just might have been their first 20m SSB QSO tonight. Their web page is not yet showing 20m TCVR is on, but they are calling CQ on 14.190 listening 5 down. Not too strong, but certainly workable on 1st call.
Marvin VE3VEE
I was sitting on 190/185. I don't hear them, but you were the first one I heard calling someone.
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ok, just a stupid question.....
they have been S9 from 2330 through now 0232 in OK
they were never more than static with the exception of 10 - 15 min a few nights ago.
did they just discover they could change the direction of the 40 4 square??? ;D ;D ;D
They were truly loud until just a few minutes ago and disappeared...
Just curious....
First night I've heard them well. Still the same 539 they have been the last couple of hours here.
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Around 0200Z, 30M now not active. Switched to 20M SSB............ WTF?
Gene AF3Y
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I just might have been their first 20m SSB QSO tonight. Their web page is not yet showing 20m TCVR is on, but they are calling CQ on 14.190 listening 5 down. Not too strong, but certainly workable on 1st call.
Marvin VE3VEE
I was sitting on 190/185. I don't hear them, but you were the first one I heard calling someone.
I was sitting there for only about 10 minutes with RX at 14.190 and TX at 14.185. I came there because it was already past their sunrise and their 160m station was already QRT. I knew sooner or later they would turn 20m station on. When I heard them starting to call CQ, they were readability 3 and signal strength zero on my s-meter. Now 15 minutes later, they are a bit stronger, yet still s-zero on my s-meter, but now they are readability 5. LoTW confirmation just arrived. ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
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I went to 20m after working them on 40m, and seeing the info on DXA about ssb.
I still don't hear them.
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30M is back now..... 80M gone........
Gene
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Around 0200Z, 30M now not active. Switched to 20M SSB............ WTF?
Gene AF3Y
Back on 30m
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How many nights now... calling & calling on 30m and nada? Tonight, 3 calls and in the log! Woo-hoo! ATNO!!! :D
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I just might have been their first 20m SSB QSO tonight. Their web page is not yet showing 20m TCVR is on, but they are calling CQ on 14.190 listening 5 down. Not too strong, but certainly workable on 1st call.
Marvin VE3VEE
I was sitting on 190/185. I don't hear them, but you were the first one I heard calling someone.
I was sitting there for only about 10 minutes with RX at 14.190 and TX at 14.185. I came there because it was already past their sunrise and their 160m station was already QRT. I knew sooner or later they would turn 20m station on. When I heard them starting to call CQ, they were readability 3 and signal strength zero on my s-meter. Now 15 minutes later, they are a bit stronger, yet still s-zero on my s-meter, but now they are readability 5. LoTW confirmation just arrived. ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
There is a signal on 14.190 but there's no way can I work a signal that weak while they're using SSB. I also thought they'd use 20 meter SSB tonight since the contest is over. Last night I worked them at 0357 but I didn't stick around after the QSO. The previous night's QSO, which is lost in some file, was made at 0317 UTC. The propagation charts show an opening to 0700 but the best time for my location is between 0300 to 0500 UTC.
73,
Chris NU1O
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ok, just a stupid question.....
they have been S9 from 2330 through now 0232 in OK
they were never more than static with the exception of 10 - 15 min a few nights ago.
did they just discover they could change the direction of the 40 4 square??? ;D ;D ;D
They were truly loud until just a few minutes ago and disappeared...
Just curious....
I don’t know if it is propagation or some other factor.
On March 22nd I worked ZL/ZS9HI/MM who was running 100 watts to a Hustler vertical when they were within about 100 miles of Heard Island and they were S7.
I couldn’t copy VK0EK on 40 till tonight when they were S5.
A lot of people will be happy if 40 keeps working as good as it did tonight.
Rich KB8GAE
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Couldn't hear them. Posts said 7016.0 but nothing heard but a riot down to 7010. Try again tomorrow.
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I can hear them nearly everywhere there is propagation to. Popped 'em on 20 SSB and now headed to bed. I hoped to hear 'em on topband but they went QRT before I was able to.
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ok, just a stupid question.....
they have been S9 from 2330 through now 0232 in OK
they were never more than static with the exception of 10 - 15 min a few nights ago.
did they just discover they could change the direction of the 40 4 square??? ;D ;D ;D
They were truly loud until just a few minutes ago and disappeared...
Just curious....
I don’t know if it is propagation or some other factor.
On March 22nd I worked ZL/ZS9HI/MM who was running 100 watts to a Hustler vertical when they were within about 100 miles of Heard Island and they were S7.
I couldn’t copy VK0EK on 40 till tonight when they were S5.
A lot of people will be happy if 40 keeps working as good as it did tonight.
Rich KB8GAE
Verticals with a handful of radials work really, really well when they are immediately adjacent to salt water (less than 1/4 wavelength from it).
Verticals with a handful of radials work just like verticals with a handful of radials when they are greater than 1/4L from salt water.
I think the SFI has dropped since they were /MM, but if they only have a few radials under each vertical, it could explain why they seem to hear better than they are being heard given that they appear to be a bit inland from the beach.
73, Dave
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whats the plan for moving to Spit Bay??
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Rich,
You can let the boys know we in the southwest can hear them cqing on 20m cw @0650z off the back of their yagi
and behind Big Ben. Window is open till 0930z.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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I just might have been their first 20m SSB QSO tonight. Their web page is not yet showing 20m TCVR is on, but they are calling CQ on 14.190 listening 5 down. Not too strong, but certainly workable on 1st call.
Marvin VE3VEE
I was sitting on 190/185. I don't hear them, but you were the first one I heard calling someone.
I was sitting there for only about 10 minutes with RX at 14.190 and TX at 14.185. I came there because it was already past their sunrise and their 160m station was already QRT. I knew sooner or later they would turn 20m station on. When I heard them starting to call CQ, they were readability 3 and signal strength zero on my s-meter. Now 15 minutes later, they are a bit stronger, yet still s-zero on my s-meter, but now they are readability 5. LoTW confirmation just arrived. ;D ;D ;D
Marvin VE3VEE
Congrats Marvin:
I knew I should have stayed here in the shack instead of watching TV with the boss. I guess you win some and loose some. Oh well the new week is upon us and will eventually get them on other modes.
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Thanks Mike,
I'm sure you will get them on other modes, too. You've done well so far.
Marvin VE3VEE
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Rich,
You can let the boys know we in the southwest can hear them cqing on 20m cw @0650z off the back of their yagi
and behind Big Ben. Window is open till 0930z.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
Henry,
I just worked them at 1011Z on 20CW. Very weak and in and out but finally made it thru :D
I should go to bed its 3:20 in the morning but I'm too happy :D
Bob
K6UJ
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congrats!
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Big signal on 40 yesterday afternoon, actually hung on until several hours after sundown. But..... with the LARGE assortment of pigfarmers and drunks having fun, I was unable to get through.
Nothing heard on 30 :(, even after staying up til 2 AM, setting my phone to wake me at 4:30 AM and back here in the shack.
Oh well, maybe after Juan de Nova is QRV...... ::)
73, Gene AF3Y
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Big signal on 40 yesterday afternoon, actually hung on until several hours after sundown. But..... with the LARGE assortment of pigfarmers and drunks having fun, I was unable to get through.
Nothing heard on 30 :(, even after staying up til 2 AM, setting my phone to wake me at 4:30 AM and back here in the shack.
Oh well, maybe after Juan de Nova is QRV...... ::)
73, Gene AF3Y
gotta Kp of 4 this arvo Gene
they been weak all day here all bands
should get better next days
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So far I haven't heard a single damned peep out of them above 20m. At least nothing workable. I easily worked them twice (thank you log snafu) on CW but 20 SSB has been dead silent. Not a prayer for 15, 17 and 12 to me it would seem. First time in a decade that I've been shut out this badly (and that was Kergulen). 15 I've at least heard them, but not a whisper on 17 or 12 so far to an 85' Yagi.
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This morning as NA was building up the SSB op on 15 decided to QRX for coffee and said he was coming back to work Europe? However I heard that they had antenna issues.
We have a limited window to NA, and EU gets them a lot more. Not sure why they would do that. ???
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Couldn't hear them. Posts said 7016.0 but nothing heard but a riot down to 7010. Try again tomorrow.
He was anywhere from16.09 to 16.5 depending on QRM.
And let me tell you, the QRM was as bad as I've ever heard EVER!
I think he came back to me two or three times but I could never complete a QSL.
Ray
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Rich,
You can let the boys know we in the southwest can hear them cqing on 20m cw @0650z off the back of their yagi
and behind Big Ben. Window is open till 0930z.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
Congrats - very pleased to see how well West and Central US are doing - much better than expected.
Henry,
I just worked them at 1011Z on 20CW. Very weak and in and out but finally made it thru :D
I should go to bed its 3:20 in the morning but I'm too happy :D
Bob
K6UJ
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Rich,
You can let the boys know we in the southwest can hear them cqing on 20m cw @0650z off the back of their yagi
and behind Big Ben. Window is open till 0930z.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
Will do - thanks!
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whats the plan for moving to Spit Bay??
I'll post on VK0EK.ORG as soon as I know. I should know soon.
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I think the team is doing a great job.
I don't think the weak signals are all due to bad propagation. Bands like 17m, 20m, 30m and 40m are pretty indestructible with midrange solar flux and midrange A and K. Band conditions are not bad.
I have heard some good signals on the lower bands. But their 30m operation is probably non ideal for EC NA.
They are running EU during some of the best 30m times for NA. They should try to move the antenna to NA around 2100 UTC. My hunch is that the antenna is on EU until just before or after SR and by then the MUF in much of NA is too low to support good propagation. Its OK for the SE and West but not enough for much of the rest. I have heard them working Asia mid morning 1300 or 1400 UTC with good signals on 30m as well. That's fine as AS needs a chance too.
I think they should switch to the mid HF bands after the high bands like 12m and 15m fade around 1300UTC. This is the best time for 20m and 17m band operation, but they seem to be hammering EU on the few low bands that are active at that time.
Maybe the trip to Spit should be reconsidered based on the success into West Coast NA from the current location. The disruption to operations will make even fewer operators available during the relocation. Will it be worth the effort?
Anyhow it is easy to armchair quarterback and guess what is non optimum. Here is a shout out to the tenacity and hard work of the VK0EK team.
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Maybe the trip to Spit should be reconsidered based on the success into West Coast NA from the current location. The disruption to operations will make even fewer operators available during the relocation. Will it be worth the effort?
IMHO, I think a lot of guys in the central US would disagree with that....
Ray
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DXA is stuck again!
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Got them on 15! They were strong here. Hoping to get 17 and 12 and I am done.
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VK0 signals down here have been pitiful. The strongest on TS-480 S-meter has been 30M S3-5. Two of my 3 QSOs have literally been ESP on my receive.
Now you NA big guns need to step up to the plate. Some EU guys have worked them on all 9 bands. One EU station has 12 QSOs.
QRX for EU. Or is it QRX EU ?
73 N5UD
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So far I haven't heard a single damned peep out of them above 20m. At least nothing workable. I easily worked them twice (thank you log snafu) on CW but 20 SSB has been dead silent W2IRT
I still haven't been able to repeat my "lost" 20m cw qso. Yesterday they were very weak at midnight and I went to bed. This morning I got up at 1AM and they were on 20m ssb but nh at this qth. Also nh on 17m as well, so back to bed.
On the bright side I was able to bag them on 15m cw and 12m ssb yesterday morning.
They have been workable this morning during our very short 15m ssb window but the op (NP4IW) has been taking nearly 100% Europeans. Maybe he could be asked to listen for NA during this short 15m window 11:30 to 13:00 GMT.
13.01 and he has faded away on 15m. That is the high bands done until tomorrow morning. - local time.
73 Mark N1UK
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Yes. My experience exactly. A few whispers and that was that.
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zip here on any band so far this morning.
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zip here on any band so far this morning.
GM Tom, sounds like the usual for us. ZIP or ESP.
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GM Tony. You were in the right place/right time for your 12m qso the other day.
Guess I shouldn't have slept in that morning. :)
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After WPX last night right after 0000Z, I was hearing VK0EK just fine on 40M CW. QRM from kilocycle kops berating each other was extreme. VK0EK had to repeat responses 2, 3, 4 5 times before completing a QSO. Then they took a break and when they came back their signal was much weaker?
VK0EK were also very audible at same time on 80M, with zero QRM from the kilocycle kops, but I had a lot of QRM from thunderstorms to my west and did not make a try. I know some locals with modest antenna systems did get them on 80M. I was just too tired after WPX!
I'm kind of hoping that with WPX over, as VK0EK goes back to phone on the non-WARC bands, that the kilocycle kops will move back to phone too.
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I listened 2nd nite they were on 30 meters peaked 599++ worked with 25 watts
160 clearly readable with new broadside phased Beverage 350' X 600 feet long at my sun set .
In fact out of 3 Beverage that one is clear winner so far. Can hear them on 80 last nite S5 but could not work with 100 watts with my vertical T.
last nite peaked S9 on 2el 40 meters only workable when band went out and very few could hear them, the advantage of a beam. At 0330z I switched to broadside Beverage and could clearly hear them cq'n with few takers up to 0345z this is way pass their sun rise. Probably best signal so far with longer window opening.
Today on 15 meters - very small window opening as usual to east coast - best I could copy them was S3 and this is with 4 wide spaced el at 70 feet. This is bad propagation - Every one around me working them on 15 - spot lite propagation is my 2 cents and every one better op than me .
The wind will change hang in there.
They are great ops and they will work every one is my belief
High bands are not good - Can not hear them on 17 nor 12 nor 10 meters at any time so far.
20 meters has been best signal at their Sun rise but window is really small and signal so far when i listened about s 3 . Will wait till the wind changes and sends their RF to me before I try calling on 20 .
So far I would think 30 meter band is best band to work them on and they did right by starting out on 40 / 30 for better of us is my 2 cents
73 JIM
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I still haven't been able to repeat my "lost" 20m cw qso.
I had a "lost" 30M QSO too. Several locals heard VK0EK come back to me and work me, I knew it was really them, but nada in DXA3 or Clublog. When after 24 hours it still hadn't shown up on either DXA3 or Clublog I felt justified in duping them.
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I still haven't been able to repeat my "lost" 20m cw qso.
I had a "lost" 30M QSO too. Several locals heard VK0EK come back to me and work me, I knew it was really them, but nada in DXA3 or Clublog. When after 24 hours it still hadn't shown up on either DXA3 or Clublog I felt justified in duping them.
if my qso did not show up 5 min after I called I would work them again . Is that not the whole point of DXA3 ? To confirm you worked them and not some one else with a like call or they got your call wrong ? Also To stop duping and show people who they are actually working and when ?
Amazing technology ! I can see who they are working even when I can not hear them > cool !
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Five minutes is probably too short. They've had glitches and delays.
Fifteen or twenty? That's probably soon enough given DXA3.org.
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if my qso did not show up 5 min after I called I would work them again . Is that not the whole point of DXA3
At the time DXA wasn't working, so what to do and it was local midnight by then.
FYI it took over 30 mins for my 15m ssb qso to show on DXA this morning. I didn't time it and it could have been as long as an hour max.
Mark N1UK
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FYI it took over 30 mins for my 15m ssb qso to show on DXA this morning. I didn't time it and it could have been as long as an hour max.
Just spoke to Pete, the DXA guy. There was a brief outage on the DXA origin this morning and it's still catching back up with updates from the island. Right now DXA is about 15 minutes behind, should be back to normal before much longer.
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OK tnx fer the update.
Mark N1UK
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FYI it took over 30 mins for my 15m ssb qso to show on DXA this morning. I didn't time it and it could have been as long as an hour max.
Just spoke to Pete, the DXA guy. There was a brief outage on the DXA origin this morning and it's still catching back up with updates from the island. Right now DXA is about 15 minutes behind, should be back to normal before much longer.
thanks for info - clearly my advice is wrong - proves i am as dumb as box of rocks some times
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Five minutes is probably too short. They've had glitches and delays.
Fifteen or twenty? That's probably soon enough given DXA3.org.
20 minutes? That's way too soon.
Given, not just DXA3's past history of IT woes, but other woes of other DXpeditions who do custom IT solutions... I feel I was pushing the envelope to dupe them after 24 hours. That QSO could still show up weeks later and I will feel bad FOREVER about duping them when it was perfectly clear not just to me, but to other locals who E-mailed me congratulations when they heard me make the first QSO just fine.
A couple of the locals chided me for duping VK0EK, when they had heard me make the first one the previous night.
VK0EK deserves credit for acknowledging the IT problems, and letting me make the dupe. I have had other DXpeditions who never resolved their IT problems for the first QSO, and they sent me "QSO B4" when I tried to dupe them, and to this day that's empty band slot for me.
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It was a beautiful spring morning north of Seattle. I stumbled out of the house and trudged toward the broken down garden shed that houses Radio Free Camano, AKA W7WQ. Checking dxa3 revealed VK0EK pounding out one Q after another on 30 meters. I tuned my 40M dipole through a Drake MN2000 and put full power, 50 blistering watts, and gave him a buzz. After making the Q I intently watched for W7WQ to appear on the map. The several minutes seemed like hours. Suddenly, there I was. I've only been on the hunt for Heard Island for about 50 years. ATNO! I can die a happy man.
THE END
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Well reading this forum and actual operating. The VK0 sig into NA is coming across salt water whether it is EC or WC. Or it is sometimes over the North pole as pointed by K0RS. Also as one 7 pointed out. Easy to work from WC.
Now just for fun I listened for them on 80M twice. DQRM here in the middle was awful. I wrote callers and QSOs. Then checked them back home on QRZ.
Stations way north of me with modest antennas can WORK VK0EK. I can barely hear him. What was even more amazing was hearing W7's in Washington state work them and it was just sundown here in east Texas. Washington is still well in daylight. The signal on 80M did not come from short path south.
Awful frustrating how the skip is working and being in a dead zone. I only need VK0H 80,17, and 10 so I won't be QRMing many folks.
Well tomorrow is another day.
73 N5UD
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To N5UD, Tony you hit the nail on the head, I'm almost 600 miles due south of you & having a devil of a time just hearing them - WE IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL US NEED SPIT BAY TO HAVE A CHANCE AT 1 QSO. WG5G
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Stations way north of me with modest antennas can WORK VK0EK. I can barely hear him. What was even more amazing was hearing W7's in Washington state work them and it was just sundown here in east Texas. Washington is still well in daylight. The signal on 80M did not come from short path south.
Unless they are within 30 minutes or so of their sunset, they aren't working VK0 on 80m from W7. They are using an east coast remote.
I have directional antennas on the low bands, and from here (northeast MS) I am 100% sure they are coming in short path at their sunrise.
Tor
N4OGW
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It would help if the SSN would go up more. It is still about 23. Anyone have an idea
or has seen predictions, if it will rise during this dxpedition ? If I remember correctly when they
first started up it was around 80 something and I could hear them much better on 20CW late at night.
Been following them every night and since the SSN is down to 23 they have been barely a whisper on 20CW
late at night. I know there is other factors involved but I'm sure a raise in the SSN would help.
I finally managed a contact this morning at 3:20 AM (our time) they were painfully weak and in and out
but I kept trying and finally made it. It was extremely rough copy and I was a very happy camper when my call appeared on DXA. ! :D
Bob
K6UJ
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I finally managed a contact this morning at 3:20 AM (our time) they were painfully weak and in and out
but I kept trying and finally made it. It was extremely rough copy and I was a very happy camper when my call appeared on DXA. ! :D
Bob
K6UJ
Congrats Bob!
Suddenly, there I was. I've only been on the hunt for Heard Island for about 50 years. ATNO! I can die a happy man.
THE END
Congrats!! After 50 years that has to be quite the sweet taste of success!!
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"W4" just posted a 160 M spot to the cluster???
Team member??
Strange stuff
Ray
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"W4" just posted a 160 M spot to the cluster???
Team member??
Strange stuff
Ray
Yes I seen that spot at 1841z. He lives in the Memphis suburbs. Must be a busted spot or he is running one of those European Remote stations.. Although he is not in the log on any band/mode so probably a fake spot...
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They were only a whisper early this morning on 20M in STX.
Obie N5VYS
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I know most here seem to ignore my posts, but can anyone work out why they are so weak on the higher bands,
I worked FT4XU a few weeks back and he only had 50w to a dipole up 8ft high,
And the solar numbers were no better,
For a DXpedition that has had so much planning there whole approach has been world class and now the operating seems very below par so far,
Thanks
Trevor
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Say Obie, don't you have a 30 or 40M antenna ? From our dead spot, 30M is where the action is.
I am going to listen to 80M later. Likely another effort in futility from here.
73 Tony N5UD
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Say Obie, don't you have a 30 or 40M antenna ? From our dead spot, 30M is where the action is.
I did hear them pretty loud on 40M CW last night but the antics/DQRM would have befuddled Freud and every other head shrink to ever claim the profession.
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I know most here seem to ignore my posts, but can anyone work out why they are so weak on the higher bands,
They seem to be working Europe quite well on the high bands.
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Big place Europe they are not making it this far west, at least not as far as I can hear,
The Southern EU guys are having a ball as they do on all DXpeditions as they seem to be in the sweet spot for all DX,
Trevor
EI2GLB
I know most here seem to ignore my posts, but can anyone work out why they are so weak on the higher bands,
They seem to be working Europe quite well on the high bands.
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Big place Europe they are not making it this far west, at least not as far as I can hear,
The Southern EU guys are having a ball as they do on all DXpeditions as they seem to be in the sweet spot for all DX,
Trevor
EI2GLB
I can't count the number of times I thought a higher band was dead, or dying out, only to have a station from Sicily come booming in. The Italian Peninsula itself has a big advantage over you guys at higher latitudes in Europe. That's my guess as to what's at play.
73,
Chris NU1O
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I wish they'd try 20 SSB tonight. The band seems to be in very good shape.
73,
Chris NU1O
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So many nut cases transmiting on top of VK0EK on 7016. I think that for many people passing a mental evaluation test should become a hard requirement before allowing them to get on the air.
73 Dragan K0AP
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with the band plan between FT4JA and VK0EK all the dumb ass cops sending up up up up will put the lids onto FT's sending freq and the DN DN DN guys on FT's freq will send the lids to VK)....
a trip to the psycho ward for sure....
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I wish they'd try 20 SSB tonight. The band seems to be in very good shape.
73,
Chris NU1O
Hi,
The contest has ended but there does not seem to be a big change in the CW to SSB imbalance, or the bands and mode used CW QSO's:19455 SSB QSO's: 4241
Please do not suggest that I go to 30m CW. There are some of us that are working toward the ALL SSB, not the MIXED mode awards.
73,
John
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I'm hearing a couple of familiar calls work 'em on 20m ssb.
Don't hear anything of VK0EK.
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Worked them tonight here in NJ on 40m ssb. They were very weak and under a central American group on 7085 (lsn 7165). They were so weak that there were few callers, and the callers were being courteous letting qsos complete. Antenna is homebrew 2el vertical wire towards vk0.
They first started out on 7090, big SA, CARIB and Central American net there. An HK came on and implored them to move but the net control refused.
May be better to work in between the 5 kc points down there.
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Not tonite....... Nope, I wont do that again. Last nite was enough.
Both 40 and 30 are SO weak here tonite, that the slightest noise covers them up, and the DQRMers just lay in wait for them to transmit. I wont waste another evening of rest and sleep for that bunch of assholes.
I am obviously in some kind of dead zone, as I have not heard them yet, on any band above a 339, and that is giving them some...
I know my vertical sucks, but I have worked every other expedition since 2006, and there are others with a LOT of metal in the air that are not hearing them either. (I did not work BS7H, as I did not even try. Was new then, with a no radials Comet CHA350B, or something like that......)
Think I will catch up on my sleep tonite. GL to all.
73, Gene AF3Y
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Just for the hell of it, before I shut everything down, to make sure things are OK here, I worked the 3B9 with 50 watts, on the first call on 30M. AND... He was a solid 599 on the vertical. (Maybe I will be able to get the Juan de Nova guys anyway 8))
Everything IS working OK here, just NOT able to hear Heard. >:(
73, Gene AF3Y
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I took a break to watch "Better Call Saul" and then saw them spotted on 20 meter SSB. A ham in the next town found them first and then I called on his frequency. One call and BINGO.
I may try for a 17 meter QSO but I have all three modes and 4 bands which I think is pretty damn good seeing as I don't have dedicated antennas for 160, 80, 17, or 12.
Good signal tonight from Heard Island on 20 meters. Go get 'em!
73,
Chris NU1O
PS Just received LoTW.
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Say Obie, don't you have a 30 or 40M antenna ? From our dead spot, 30M is where the action is.
I am going to listen to 80M later. Likely another effort in futility from here.
73 Tony N5UD
Yes I do Tony. But they are not much help when the signals are come in at my noise floor. Maybe tonight the night?
Obie N5VYS
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I know most here seem to ignore my posts, but can anyone work out why they are so weak on the higher bands,
I worked FT4XU a few weeks back and he only had 50w to a dipole up 8ft high,
And the solar numbers were no better,
For a DXpedition that has had so much planning there whole approach has been world class and now the operating seems very below par so far,
Thanks
Trevor
Trevor,
I have been asking myself the same question. The Propagation forecasts I use, Voacap and K6TU, predict
S6 and S7 from 20 up to 15 meters from my location. I only have heard them on 20 meters CW so far and they were barely above the noise level. The money band seems to be 30M and I dont have an antenna up
for 30M (naturally) ;D So why are they so weak on the upper bands ? I think the low SSN number (23)
we have now would be part of the reason but as you said FT4XU was workable with his marginal set up. For me on the west coast Mawson Peak blocks propagation and I'm sure is another reason for me. When the have op from Spit later, it should be better. I did manage a contact in the wee hours of the morning (3:00AM) on 20M CW but it was really rough, he was in and out barely readable and I imagine I was too. I made it thru on a wing and a prayer and was overjoyed to see my call show up on the DXA screen :D My plan now is to string up a dipole for 30M and join the fray. I dont know where you are in regards to the two operating locations on the Island but maybe you will fare better when they start op from Spit. Do you have an antenna for 30M ?
Bob
K6UJ
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Gotta be quick or they turn the beam!
I was twice lucky. One minute strong, the next, gone, but working another area.
Propagation predictions don't help either.
These are definitely down side of peak conditions. Timing and luck play their part.
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Paul,
I noticed an op got dyslexic with your call when he logged you tonight.
Saw it on the screen.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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Tony, I'm quite jealous. He never made it above my noise on 20 tonight. Never once.
So far this operation has been a massive disappointment for me. Decent signals (with QRM, of course) on 30 and 40 but ESP or nothing at all above that. I worked them on 15 CW on a pure fluke, never above readability 1. Still no joy on SSB. Even with 12 days left I'm not convinced I'll be able to work them anywhere on phone if prop stays as it is and they don't make a massive effort for North America on SSB. I spent 4 hours chasing them from dawn onwards this morning and it was a wasteland.
One op about 100 miles from me is boasting and bragging about how easy it is. Yeah, with his 4/4/4 stacks on 100-ft. plus towers on a mountaintop with no noise. Seriously, a--hats like that make my blood boil. If you've got a superstation you've given up the right to boast as far as I'm concerned.
From a guy who usually works everybody on 7, 8 or 9 bands in the first 10 days of virtually every operation in the last 11 years, using just a single modest tribander, a shorty-40, a tiny WARC antenna and simple lowband wires this is a shocker and a very crushing disappointment. I'm cringing at the thought of having to do it all again for FT4. At least for them I got TO4E on 15 phone already, so the easier CW QSOs will make it a bit less painful.
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Hi Henry-NM6V, yes I called VK0EK on 14.190 right when they started up. The Op was Dr. Arliss-W7XU who was one of two Docs on our VP8 trip. A great guy and a great operator. We had a brief chit chat but then I saw N6PES go flying by on DXA. Oh-No! I opened a help desk ticket and they said they would fix it. I hope so, my first and only SSB contact.
I know we all have our frustrations, but lets not forget that these guys paid a lot of money to go on the trip and believe me, 12 days on the Braveheart is not anything like a Royal Caribbean Cruise!
These guys are working hard and putting in the time. Yes there are warts and flaws in certain aspects of the Operation. No operation is perfect. I'm hoping that Spit Point brings further success for those not yet in the log and I am appreciative for all of the effort that the VK0EK team is making.
My thanks!
Paul N6PSE
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I know most here seem to ignore my posts, but can anyone work out why they are so weak on the higher bands,
I worked FT4XU a few weeks back and he only had 50w to a dipole up 8ft high,
And the solar numbers were no better,
For a DXpedition that has had so much planning there whole approach has been world class and now the operating seems very below par so far,
Thanks
Trevor
Trevor,
I have been asking myself the same question. The Propagation forecasts I use, Voacap and K6TU, predict
S6 and S7 from 20 up to 15 meters from my location. I only have heard them on 20 meters CW so far and they were barely above the noise level. The money band seems to be 30M and I dont have an antenna up
for 30M (naturally) ;D So why are they so weak on the upper bands ? I think the low SSN number (23)
we have now would be part of the reason but as you said FT4XU was workable with his marginal set up. For me on the west coast Mawson Peak blocks propagation and I'm sure is another reason for me. When the have op from Spit later, it should be better. I did manage a contact in the wee hours of the morning (3:00AM) on 20M CW but it was really rough, he was in and out barely readable and I imagine I was too. I made it thru on a wing and a prayer and was overjoyed to see my call show up on the DXA screen :D My plan now is to string up a dipole for 30M and join the fray. I dont know where you are in regards to the two operating locations on the Island but maybe you will fare better when they start op from Spit. Do you have an antenna for 30M ?
Bob
K6UJ
Hi Bob
Yes I have a rotary dipole that covers 40 and 30m I have a 30m QSO so the pressure is off but I would of course like some more slots,
Looking at the picture I am guessing that there is some blockage to this part of EU
if you look at the line to EU I would be in the thin section that crosses land and there looks to be some high ground in the path,
Also I was was reading some info written by someone a lot wiser than I ever will be and he said that a take off angle of under 5 deg is required to make it to this part of the world reliably and that a tribander on a 20 or 30ft mast will have a toa well over 30deg, He is a firm believer in using verticals at the high water mark and not low tribanders which the American lead DXpeditions seem to love, Its a shame K5P did such a poor job using verticals, it's going to be even harder to convince people of the benefits of simple verticals placed at or in the waters edge,
(https://vk0ek.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/world_coverage.png)
Best of luck in your chase Bob, I'm not giving up yet I hopefully will get a few more Q's
Trevor
EI2GLB
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Paul,
I saw your cluster spot then a moment later the error.
A group of very hardy guys there. I hope the weather improves so they can make the move to Spit Bay.
Looking forward to meeting you in Visalia next month and your talk on your recent trip.
Cheers,
Henry NM6V
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Hi Henry-NM6V, yes I called VK0EK on 14.190 right when they started up. The Op was Dr. Arliss-W7XU who was one of two Docs on our VP8 trip. A great guy and a great operator. We had a brief chit chat but then I saw N6PES go flying by on DXA. Oh-No! I opened a help desk ticket and they said they would fix it. I hope so, my first and only SSB contact.
Paul,
Check Club Log.
73,
Mike
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Wow, awesome service!
Thanks Mike, Rich and the entire "back office" team,
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0445Z, VK0EK audible in NTX 10116.
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Wow, awesome service!
Thanks Mike, Rich and the entire "back office" team,
Cheers - and Tim, M0URX Loves Freshdesk - it really helps the QSL Managers job a ton. Great bunch down in the trenches here - ;D
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RE: VK0EK Now QRV
« Reply #530 on: Today at 05:57:53 PM »
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Quote from: N6PSE on Today at 04:15:41 PM
Wow, awesome service!
Thanks Mike, Rich and the entire "back office" team,
Cheers - and Tim, M0URX Loves Freshdesk - it really helps the QSL Managers job a ton. Great bunch down in the trenches here - Grin
the help desk is awesome i has issues after i donated fixed in 30 mins.
btw worked 20m ssb and 15m ssb 40 min apart very happy if i hear them on 40m it would be nice but they are never looking vk on our grey line always eu :(
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Congrats to all who got the qso, with this little video. I can totally relate. ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1VyT113pdg
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If you look at the stats, it kind of tells you what they are dealing with (as of this posting, of course):
26482 total Qs
20941 CW
Clearly, the team is working with what it has, but for that very reason, it has been CW heavy from day one. Plug in your paddles, folks!
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One op about 100 miles from me is boasting and bragging about how easy it is. Yeah, with his 4/4/4 stacks on 100-ft. plus towers on a mountaintop with no noise. Seriously, a--hats like that make my blood boil. If you've got a superstation you've given up the right to boast as far as I'm concerned.
He has every right to brag, just as you do repeatedly for other entities that are easier for you, including working unnecessary greenies.
Don't hate the player.
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saddest thing to night was hearing vk0ek 5/7 ring my elmer to come over and get them on ssb. vk0 didn't hear us they didnt hear an one. strange he must have been listening somewhere else. :(
my elmer will be back
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Congrats to all who got the qso with this little video. I can totally relate. ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1VyT113pdg
Me too. That's what it's all about. The universal language of DXing. :)
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One op about 100 miles from me is boasting and bragging about how easy it is. Yeah, with his 4/4/4 stacks on 100-ft. plus towers on a mountaintop with no noise. Seriously, a--hats like that make my blood boil. If you've got a superstation you've given up the right to boast as far as I'm concerned.
He has every right to brag, just as you do repeatedly for other entities that are easier for you, including working unnecessary greenies.
Don't hate the player.
There's a huge difference here Ria. In terms of DXers and contesters--as opposed to hams in general--I'm a very average station, or maybe just a small notch above, and I daresay you and most others here are likewise. A tower with a tribander, simple wires for 80 and 160, small Yagis for 6, 40 and WARC and an amp that (barely) makes legal limit. I've got a bit more power on my end; you've got a lot more height but for the most part, that's the same class. And for a DXer in the serious hunt for #1HR and 3000 in the Challenge that's pretty much entry level.
What most of us here accomplish is skill based combined with a modest set of equipment. It's not skill when you can hear what nobody else on the continent can hear, fire up the Amp Of Size™ and ragchew with the DX whenever you want. When most of us here bag a hard-to-catch trophy by skill or luck it's thrilling.
He's got every right to work whatever he wants, but bragging that you can do what maybe .00001% of other hams can do makes you look like a +#@+waffle. We see K3LR's and W3LPL's and K3WW's world-beating scores in 3830 but you don't see them tooting their own horns on the cluster. I love hearing stories of average hams with wires or simple tribanders making a nice score of a rare one. But when you've poured high-6 or low-7 figures into a station that essentially makes propagation you only come off as a bully when you brag about it. I look at Chas, K3WW's station and this other person's station being in similar classes. One is in the Contesting Hall of Fame the other gets eyerolls within the same organization.
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0445Z, VK0EK audible in NTX 10116.
Audible ? Paul he was clearly workable at 0200Z over here in the piney woods. At 0300Z the signal was holding above the noise and usually the QRM. Now it was true I was out in the pickup in a fairly quiet location.
The sad story. Just not coming in here on most bands. If they do, its only for a FEW minutes. 80M has gotten worse here over the past 3 days. I was in super quiet location before SS. With preamp on, S3 was my noise floor. Pretty low for around here on 80M. I hear guys calling in W7 land and it is not even SS here. Not to mention the usual EC and upper midwest. The same story the previous SS. What ?
20M SSB, not a peep. 40M CW weak, but mostly readable. I packed it in at 0330Z.
Clearly different areas of USA are getting different paths at the same time. It looks to me mostly, if you are not near salt water, or way up north. There is little propagation to Heard. The paths have been nil in the Texas area.
We need an operation from Spit.
N5UD
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One op about 100 miles from me is boasting and bragging about how easy it is. Yeah, with his 4/4/4 stacks on 100-ft. plus towers on a mountaintop with no noise. Seriously, a--hats like that make my blood boil. If you've got a superstation you've given up the right to boast as far as I'm concerned.
He has every right to brag, just as you do repeatedly for other entities that are easier for you, including working unnecessary greenies.
Don't hate the player.
There's a huge difference here Ria. In terms of DXers and contesters--as opposed to hams in general--I'm a very average station, or maybe just a small notch above, and I daresay you and most others here are likewise. A tower with a tribander, simple wires for 80 and 160, small Yagis for 6, 40 and WARC and an amp that (barely) makes legal limit. I've got a bit more power on my end; you've got a lot more height but for the most part, that's the same class. And for a DXer in the serious hunt for #1HR and 3000 in the Challenge that's pretty much entry level.
What most of us here accomplish is skill based combined with a modest set of equipment. It's not skill when you can hear what nobody else on the continent can hear, fire up the Amp Of Size™ and ragchew with the DX whenever you want. When most of us here bag a hard-to-catch trophy by skill or luck it's thrilling.
He's got every right to work whatever he wants, but bragging that you can do what maybe .00001% of other hams can do makes you look like a +#@+waffle. We see K3LR's and W3LPL's and K3WW's world-beating scores in 3830 but you don't see them tooting their own horns on the cluster. I love hearing stories of average hams with wires or simple tribanders making a nice score of a rare one. But when you've poured high-6 or low-7 figures into a station that essentially makes propagation you only come off as a bully when you brag about it. I look at Chas, K3WW's station and this other person's station being in similar classes. One is in the Contesting Hall of Fame the other gets eyerolls within the same organization.
What? I heard them. They were loud here. I worked them on phone and the higher band slots before you did. You have a big hill in front of you. I have a better location and a (moderately) better antenna system (including 30m, 40m, 80m, 160m and receive antennas). It is what it is. We report what we hear. We brag about what we work. No big deal.
In any case, (this is the last post on this subject), nothing is wrong with bragging. Just ignore him and move on. Yes, he can do better. You've bragged endlessly about a lot of things that a lot of people with lesser equipment cannot do. No big deal. Just live and let live. He's not harming anyone. I feel sorry for him given his health problems too, and I kind of admire the spirit of fighting it out.
You may call your station average, but a C31XR on a 70 foot tower with a K3 and legal limit amp is much more than most hams have.
Cluster spots? Turn on your rig and LISTEN. The cluster is a clue, not an exact road map.
The op in question isn't liked by everyone but attacking him behind his back is not fair to him. I am supporting his bragging because it is entertaining and I know my station and my limitations. He is a colorful character once you get to know the personality.
Finally, IT'S JUST A HOBBY. Don't take it so personal.
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Heard them this morning on 12. Loud here but worked EU. Then worked NA when they started fading out. I heard one friend (N2WKS) get in though. Since I am back at work tomorrow I may try in the morning before I go but that is pretty much it for me until the weekend.
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Heard them this morning on 12. Loud here but worked EU. Then worked NA when they started fading out. I heard one friend (N2WKS) get in though. Since I am back at work tomorrow I may try in the morning before I go but that is pretty much it for me until the weekend.
Not a whisper here thanks to Mount Doom immediately to my east. Zev is on the other side of it and has a very clean shot east.
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I'm a very average station, or maybe just a small notch above, and I daresay you and most others here are likewise. A tower with a tribander, simple wires for 80 and 160, small Yagis for 6, 40 and WARC and an amp that (barely) makes legal limit.
I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
I consider my set-up above average; wire antennas that I can manage to get up 50 feet and a 400 watt amp. Both you and I are only a few more from Honor Roll, but I suspect you will get to #1 before I do with such a nice station.
This is meant only to ENCOURAGE the average guy, I worked VK0EK on the second day on 30M, it will only get easier. I did it using my all-band dipole, but they were almost as loud on my 80M vertical.
paul
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After failing to make any contacts on Sunday I was ready for another round last night. And of course all the knuckleheads came out and decided to party on 40m. Try as I might I couldn't break the pileup on 40m. Then I realized I was on my 80m vertical :D Big Gun's curse I guess. I switched over to the 40m beam and bingo! My beam heading on 40m? 19 degrees beaming over the north pole and over Iran. Then I saw N0UN scroll across the DXA. I took a listen on 20m SSB and he was loud and begging! A couple calls later I got a new mode. My beam heading on 20m was 35 beaming over the EU.
I took a screen shot of the greyline map at my sunrise today. Kinda interesting but so far I hear nothing on any bands over the perfect greyline :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag371/pdlpsher/d2e9c515-1f60-4bc1-a8d8-5c6f1501ac40_zps05ot5m2s.jpg~original)
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It's not skill when you can hear what nobody else on the continent can hear,
It's a skill called station-building.
I've got one precious QSO myself and it was precisely because I have had the fortune -- and skill -- to invest in an above average station. In my case, that's a Force 12 6BA at about 65 feet and a nice Alpha amp as an after-burner. But, I also studied just enough VOCAP to guess, successfully, when Mother Nature was going to give me a good enough path. Without that, nothing else would have mattered. With it, I got in the log when few were able to.
Still don't hear them very much. I've had a couple shots at 40 CW, but haven't cashed in.
When it worked, it was the second day for my one (and maybe only) QSO, but I felt very good about it. I have an above average station and paid attention to conditions. You very likely have better pileup skills (I have heard you beat me out more than once), but sometimes, it's having the station that will get you there.
As the sunspots turn down, I expect to see more troublesome DXpeds, not less.
Study your VOCAP, my friends. The openings are not all that long even without Mount Doom in the way.
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I'm a very average station, or maybe just a small notch above, and I daresay you and most others here are likewise. A tower with a tribander, simple wires for 80 and 160, small Yagis for 6, 40 and WARC and an amp that (barely) makes legal limit.
I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
I consider my set-up above average; wire antennas that I can manage to get up 50 feet and a 400 watt amp. Both you and I are only a few more from Honor Roll, but I suspect you will get to #1 before I do with such a nice station.
This is meant only to ENCOURAGE the average guy, I worked VK0EK on the second day on 30M, it will only get easier. I did it using my all-band dipole, but they were almost as loud on my 80M vertical.
paul
You lucky 2s and 3s should move out here to the, er, west coast in Colorado. Average takes on a whole entirely new meaning. :)
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After failing to make any contacts on Sunday I was ready for another round last night. And of course all the knuckleheads came out and decided to party on 40m. Try as I might I couldn't break the pileup on 40m. Then I realized I was on my 80m vertical :D Big Gun's curse I guess. I switched over to the 40m beam and bingo! My beam heading on 40m? 19 degrees beaming over the north pole and over Iran. Then I saw N0UN scroll across the DXA. I took a listen on 20m SSB and he was loud and begging! A couple calls later I got a new mode. My beam heading on 20m was 35 beaming over the EU.
I took a screen shot of the greyline map at my sunrise today. Kinda interesting but so far I hear nothing on any bands over the perfect greyline :D
Congrats, Jonathan. So far SSB hasn't been possible for me so colour me green with envy <grin>. Because it's near antipodal it's possible to get signals from odd directions. For my experience with Heard that hasn't been the case, however. Every opening they're only audible on short path, despite firing into 1000' of granite. I have a clean LP shot to Heard but have never copied a single dit via that route.
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You lucky 2s and 3s should move out here to the, er, west coast in Colorado. Average takes on a whole entirely new meaning. :)
Yeah, CO would be painful for me, that's for sure. Maybe a better shot at P5 from there but that's about it. Real west coast may be skunked to Mt. Athos but at least that one is on a few times a year, unlike east coast for P5, BS7 and other ultra-rare Asian entities.
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Hey Rich, finally got to try out the DXA system. Works great! The latency was abt 1 to 2 minutes. Fantastic!
73 Randy AJ7G
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You lucky 2s and 3s should move out here to the, er, west coast in Colorado. Average takes on a whole entirely new meaning. :)
Yeah, CO would be painful for me, that's for sure. Maybe a better shot at P5 from there but that's about it. Real west coast may be skunked to Mt. Athos but at least that one is on a few times a year, unlike east coast for P5, BS7 and other ultra-rare Asian entities.
W2UP moved from PA to Denver a few years ago. He was an accomplished contester back in PA. Since you can't really have too much fun contesting from CO he's now having fun building up his DXCC Challenge points by working the Pacific on 80m and 160m, ones that he couldn't work from PA. Him and I are often in the same 160m pileups as we both need the same stuff. He also does a little bit of contesting at K0RF so it's not all doom and gloom for transplanted Coloradoans. But somehow I have the feeling that once you have DX'ed from Colorado you would never want to come here :D
Those true West Coasters in CA have a secret weapon on working rare DX but they won't admit it on eHam ;) And no I'm not talking about remoting.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
For hard-core DXers, I disagree. Average stations aren't necessarily DXers. In terms of active hams in this country, I agree that that puts me in the top 10% (not the top 1% by any stretch of the imagination). But in terms of active DXers that's a very different animal.
I'm not talking about the guy who's amazed when he works 200 or 250. I'm talking about the big leagues; guys and gals who are not just actively pursuing #1HR, 3000+ Challenge points and 5B-WAZ, but who've done it or are within a handful of the top. With very, very few exceptions, a low wire and 100W ain't going to cut it. I'll tell you this much, I'm humbled every contest when I'm fighting it out for multipliers. You may think a C31XR at 70' with 1500W is top-gun but I get beat like a rented mule by almost everybody on the U.S. East Coast that has a contest-grade station. As it should be, I may add, given their investment.
This is meant only to ENCOURAGE the average guy, I worked VK0EK on the second day on 30M, it will only get easier. I did it using my all-band dipole, but they were almost as loud on my 80M vertical.
That's absolutely amazing and I agree that it should encourage average guys. As I said, I love hearing stories here of how we got lucky that one time and bagged the prize against the odds and that's a very big reason why I post, myself. A good friend here has a 30' high Hexbeam and an Alpha on a smaller lot than me but he beat me on 80m to Heard and regularly works the same stuff I do, so it can absolutely be done without the 70 footer and the C31XR--to which I say CONGRATS!
My irritation at this other chap is because I see it as rubbing our noses in it, and that's a very different animal. A class issue really; like the guy in the Rolls driving courteously in the right lane vs the BMW 3-series stockbroker tailgating you in the left lane when you're already doing 20 over the limit.
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I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
For hard-core DXers, I disagree. Average stations aren't necessarily DXers. In terms of active hams in this country, I agree that that puts me in the top 10% (not the top 1% by any stretch of the imagination). But in terms of active DXers that's a very different animal.
I did mean for DXers. I would be shocked if 50% of the people who frequent this DXing forum have beam antennas.
paul
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0445Z, VK0EK audible in NTX 10116.
Audible ? Paul he was clearly workable at 0200Z over here in the piney woods. At 0300Z the signal was holding above the noise and usually the QRM. Now it was true I was out in the pickup in a fairly quiet location.
We need an operation from Spit.
N5UD
I have a high noise level, power lines are close plus all the other suburban crap. I'd left my receiver on 40m most of the evening but heard zilch so moved up to 30m.
339 is about the best I've copied so far tho' they were a bit better on 40cw the first night they came up on that band.
For VK0IR I heard about nothing for the first week then got them on 20 ssb & cw in quick succession.
On the positive side, FT4JA should be pretty easy from here ;D
73
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I'm talking about the big leagues; guys and gals who are not just actively pursuing #1HR, 3000+ Challenge points and 5B-WAZ, but who've done it or are within a handful of the top.
I keep the stats for my DX club, which is better than average as such clubs go. We have something like 40 honor rollers and many #1s too.
But, 3000 in the challenge? That's one per cent territory, period. In fact, probably closer to 1/10 of one per cent. That's not only not for everyone, that is for nearly no one as you have to have a substantial score on 6m (very hard from AZ) as well as 160. A lot of very fine DXers don't bother with those bands at all from here. Perhaps everyone and his dog does it from the east coast, but there are other places to live in the US, you know.
Interests vary; we have a lot of Honor Rollers who have no interest in 5BWAZ at all. I find that strange, but the numbers don't lie.
So, I don't know, quite, what you are getting at in terms of demographics. I think if you really do include all of that stuff as either worked or realistic, then you are talking about "one per cent" of DXers or less however you care to measure it.
And, I'm sorry, the bulk of our membership are not Honor Rollers. I'd like to think all of them would get there someday, but I suspect many will not if for no other reason than they live in HOA land, a particularly obnoxious plague in Arizona where, it seems, every darn development has one.
Anyway, I'd say "Honor Roll" covers probably ten per cent of all DXers. By that I mean, DXers serious enough to attend regular DX club meetings, turn in numbers to whomever in the club records such things, show up for antenna parties, etc. That's "serious" enough for me.
So, I'm not at all clear what demographic you are talking about.
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I'll tell you this much, I'm humbled every contest when I'm fighting it out for multipliers. You may think a C31XR at 70' with 1500W is top-gun but I get beat like a rented mule by almost everybody on the U.S. East Coast that has a contest-grade station. As it should be, I may add, given their investment.
There's an even finer distinction to be had: contest stations built for DX (typically means 200 feet stacks to pound into EU and JA on every band) vs contest stations built for domestic contests (antennas much much lower).
It is a joy to work from a station with a 200 foot stack. For example I worked many many Foundation-class VK's (limited to 10W) on 40M phone each morning in WPX this past weekend. For many of them I was the first US East Coast station they had ever worked. There's a couple foundation-class guys who get onto CW that I can work from my home station, but so many more foundation-class guys on SSB.
Oh, yeah, with a 200 foot stack 40M becomes a daylight band to EU :-).
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I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
For hard-core DXers, I disagree. Average stations aren't necessarily DXers. In terms of active hams in this country, I agree that that puts me in the top 10% (not the top 1% by any stretch of the imagination). But in terms of active DXers that's a very different animal.
I did mean for DXers. I would be shocked if 50% of the people who frequent this DXing forum have beam antennas.
There are DXers and there are DXers. There's a big difference between the guy who goes after and is satisfied with one QSO from every entity he can hear (and shrugs when he misses a Peter-1 or Bouvet) vs folks who are in the thick of it for every entity on 9 or 10 bands and 3 modes. DX Lifers. The latter is what I'm discussing. I agree that wires and <500W are very common for casual operators but any DX Lifer has probably got at the very least a tribander or SteppIR class antenna between 40 and 80' up, 1k or 1500W and a contest-grade radio from any generation (Mark V, FT-990, IC-781 and 756 Pro-2/Pro-3 all the way up to K3s and FTDX 5000s).
If you take that class and those below it, I think it's great to gently pat yourself on the back in public when you snatch a rare one from edge. It's an entirely different thing when you can do it anytime you want just by turning on the gear and making a couple of calls between sips of coffee and catching up on your Twitter feed. I'm guessing that mid-level guys (and those who are trying their best to be there) probably don't want to hear the 200' stack guys saying how easy this or that ultra rare one is or see their cluster brags "59 very loud to <state>". Very loud to a 50' tribander probably means "easily workable" to a 30' Hexbeamer and "I've got a pretty good shot" to the vertical operator or dipoler. On the other hand, "59 VERY LOUD" to a guy with 4/4/4 on a mountain top means the tribander guy might have a good shot, the Hexbeamer might hear something and the dipoler will be frustrated listening to the noise. That's what I mean by rubbing noses into it.
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Peter, just say you're jealous and call it a day.
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Oh, yeah, with a 200 foot stack 40M becomes a daylight band to EU :-).
Oh, they're a daylight band here too. I can work them early afternoon here. In fact I did that with great success one year in ARRL DX SSB.
-
Oh, yeah, with a 200 foot stack 40M becomes a daylight band to EU :-).
Oh, they're a daylight band here too. I can work them early afternoon here. In fact I did that with great success one year in ARRL DX SSB.
I meant, when both ends are in broad daylight!
It doesn't always take a stack, sometimes when I'm at home (no 40M stack at home! No 40M beam!) CQ'ing on 40M in the morning (hour or more after sunrise) and I get spotted by reversebeacon skimmers in EU.
And of course 40M/80M open to VK6 from here a lot when both ends are in broad daylight (but presumably most of the path is dark). I suspect a substantial number of VK0 40M QSO's with western/midwestern USA are when both ends are in broad daylight too.
-
We need an operation from Spit.
N5UD
[/quote]
I have a high noise level, power lines are close plus all the other suburban crap. I'd left my receiver on 40m most of the evening but heard zilch so moved up to 30m.
339 is about the best I've copied so far tho' they were a bit better on 40cw the first night they came up on that band.
For VK0IR I heard about nothing for the first week then got them on 20 ssb & cw in quick succession.
I got 15M and 20M 10 minutes apart on VK0IR. Friday morning before work first QSO was 40M. The next 2 were Saturday at sunset. Then my last was 6 hours later. That was all I wanted.
On the positive side, FT4JA should be pretty easy from here ;D
73
[/quote]
I suspected the city noise was the problem. That's why I pointed out my low noise. In town the static is terrible for sure.
I if you can hear anything of them on 30M ? Then you have enough signal to work them. 30M has been better over here every night than 40M.
73
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I don't think they have a plan, really. I don't have any Qs myself, but the general majority doesn't either. The big guns are snagging a few here and there but by and large seems there's propagation to here and there whenever.. They say they are gonna go to SSB tonight (pick a day) .. they don't. I haven't really heard them here as I haven't really tried. I've heard others out West and down South snag them but I haven't wasted my time on them.
Happy Hunting!
73' Tom N3ZC
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I don't think they have a plan, really. I don't have any Qs myself, but the general majority doesn't either. The big guns are snagging a few here and there but by and large seems there's propagation to here and there Whenevert hey say they are gonna go to SSB tonight (pick a day) .. they don't. I haven't really heard them here as I haven't really tried. I've heard others out West and down South snag them but I haven't wasted my time on them.
Happy Hunting!
73' Tom N3ZC
I don't know how you can say they don't have a plan and then say you haven't really heard them because you haven't tried.
They said they'd be on SSB after the WPX contest and they were. I made my first SSB contact last night on 20 meters.
73,
Chris NU1O
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Oh, yeah, with a 200 foot stack 40M becomes a daylight band to EU :-).
Until I put up a tower and a beam I thought 20M always closed at sunset. Afterwards I found out it's a 24 hour band.
-
Trevor EI2GLB - looks like you worked them on 17M - congrats. Haven't heard a peep above 20M here in CO.
-
I don't have any Qs myself, but the general majority doesn't either. The big guns are snagging a few here and there but by and large seems there's propagation to here and there whenever..
I don't see how you can say that. They're up to nearly 10,000 uniques, and I strongly doubt there's 10,000 big guns in the world.
-
Oh, yeah, with a 200 foot stack 40M becomes a daylight band to EU :-).
Oh, they're a daylight band here too. I can work them early afternoon here. In fact I did that with great success one year in ARRL DX SSB.
I meant, when both ends are in broad daylight!
It doesn't always take a stack, sometimes when I'm at home (no 40M stack at home! No 40M beam!) CQ'ing on 40M in the morning (hour or more after sunrise) and I get spotted by reversebeacon skimmers in EU.
And of course 40M/80M open to VK6 from here a lot when both ends are in broad daylight (but presumably most of the path is dark). I suspect a substantial number of VK0 40M QSO's with western/midwestern USA are when both ends are in broad daylight too.
I've regularly heard and worked Italy, Spain, France between 12-3PM Eastern. The stuff I hear here sometimes surprises even me. I don't have a stack but I have 3 full sized elements and decent drop offs where it matters.
-
I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
For hard-core DXers, I disagree. Average stations aren't necessarily DXers. In terms of active hams in this country, I agree that that puts me in the top 10% (not the top 1% by any stretch of the imagination). But in terms of active DXers that's a very different animal.
I did mean for DXers. I would be shocked if 50% of the people who frequent this DXing forum have beam antennas.
There are DXers and there are DXers. There's a big difference between the guy who goes after and is satisfied with one QSO from every entity he can hear (and shrugs when he misses a Peter-1 or Bouvet) vs folks who are in the thick of it for every entity on 9 or 10 bands and 3 modes. DX Lifers. The latter is what I'm discussing.
I'm a "DX Lifer" but I've little interest in wkng a DXPedition on all bands & modes, many of mine were a single QSO. My Challenge points are simply fallout from regular activity.
-
On the other hand, "59 VERY LOUD" to a guy with 4/4/4 on a mountain top means the tribander guy might have a good shot, the Hexbeamer might hear something and the dipoler will be frustrated listening to the noise. That's what I mean by rubbing noses into it.
Peter, this is not the case with VK0. If the 4/4/4 stack hears it, the tribander ham at 65ft is sitting around, gazing at the stars, as the RF shoots right over head into
OHIO or shoots across the pond into W1/W2. ;D
The prop conditions are changing by the day. To add, the thunderstorms and static crashes make it harder. yesterday, 80m was heard at like 7pm EST. Where as
the day before it was not as good. 40m Cw yesterday was hard. There was no copy on 40m ssb.
Since the VK0 signal is not as strong, the ops might do better with a bit slower CW.
Now, please tell me where do the jammers come from? I noticed that as soon as the spots show up, the jammers descend. Has been incredibly hard and
frustrating trying to Rx amidst the weak signal, prop conditions, atmospheric disturbances and then you toss in the sadistic jammers, making it almost impossible.
Esp to catch the 80m grayline peaks.
I am still sitting around debating about the prop condition versus antenna choice theory. The FT4 signals will give us a basis to compare and reason the prop theory.
73
krish
w4vku
-
Yes I was very very lucky, I got home from night shift and they were a lot weaker this morning than yesterday there was virtually no one calling them, the were in and out of my noise thankfully I found the right qrg when they were on a peak, he sent EI2GL twice but thankfully he got it right on the 3rd try and I got in the log,
And when I say peak i mean 2 or 3 db above my noise with the 20dB pre amp switched on in the flex,
Last night shift tonight so I will have more time to hunt them Looks like there is a window around 12z on 15m I see some G's reporting good signals at that time,
I'm very surprised how poor 20m has been, Not a single EI has worked them on 20m last time I checked,
Trevor
EI2GLB
Trevor EI2GLB - looks like you worked them on 17M - congrats. Haven't heard a peep above 20M here in CO.
-
I sent a message to the VK0 people and told them the southwest of the U.S. will not get a chance to work them on 80 or 160 because they are on those bands at bad times for the southwest. I can't hear them on their sunset because we are in daylight until 0140z. By then they have moved to a higher freq. I have seen no attempt on their part to listen on 80 or 160 around 1300z which is about our sunrise. I was told by K2CUB that they have to sleep sometime too. My interpretation of that statement is basically screw you.
-
I'm very surprised how poor 20m has been, Not a single EI has worked them on 20m last time I checked,
Trevor
EI2GLB
20M is not poor here Trevor. For some reasons when we can hear them they QSY to low bands. Never seen them on 20M around our SS. To be honest SWL`em twice on 14Mhz - early in the morning via LP but JA wall was huge and last Monday around 16:00 utc but they stopped operation there quick.
-
I was told by K2CUB that they have to sleep sometime too. My interpretation of that statement is basically screw you.
Hi Art,
I reviewed K2CUB's response to you and I think your interpretation is a bit harsh. ;)
I will make sure your request gets passed to the team on the island.
73,
Mike
-
I sent a message to the VK0 people and told them the southwest of the U.S. will not get a chance to work them on 80 or 160 because they are on those bands at bad times for the southwest. I can't hear them on their sunset because we are in daylight until 0140z. By then they have moved to a higher freq. I have seen no attempt on their part to listen on 80 or 160 around 1300z which is about our sunrise. I was told by K2CUB that they have to sleep sometime too. My interpretation of that statement is basically screw you.
I am in touch with the team and will ask for low bands on West Coast - where they have missed our SR a lot.
Remember, I'm an avid Top Bander and want a chance too -
So I'll get on that.
73,
Rich
KY6R
-
I am in touch with the team and will ask for low bands on West Coast - where they have missed our SR a lot.
Remember, I'm an avid Top Bander and want a chance too -
So I'll get on that.
Thanks Rich. Please also ask him not to wait too long after their SS. If you could please send them the following pic. that shows the perfect greyline to Colorado ;D
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag371/pdlpsher/d2e9c515-1f60-4bc1-a8d8-5c6f1501ac40_zps05ot5m2s.jpg~original)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
-
I am in touch with the team and will ask for low bands on West Coast - where they have missed our SR a lot.
Remember, I'm an avid Top Bander and want a chance too -
So I'll get on that.
Thanks Rich. Please also ask him not to wait too long after their SS. If you could please send them the following pic. that shows the perfect greyline to Colorado ;D
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag371/pdlpsher/d2e9c515-1f60-4bc1-a8d8-5c6f1501ac40_zps05ot5m2s.jpg~original)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Will do - thanks,
Rich
-
I sent a message to the VK0 people and told them the southwest of the U.S. will not get a chance to work them on 80 or 160 because they are on those bands at bad times for the southwest. I can't hear them on their sunset because we are in daylight until 0140z. By then they have moved to a higher freq. I have seen no attempt on their part to listen on 80 or 160 around 1300z which is about our sunrise. I was told by K2CUB that they have to sleep sometime too. My interpretation of that statement is basically screw you.
I am in touch with the team and will ask for low bands on West Coast - where they have missed our SR a lot.
Remember, I'm an avid Top Bander and want a chance too -
So I'll get on that.
73,
Rich
KY6R
When are they going to Spit ? This is a dead spot over here most of the time on all bands but 30M ?
Look at all the Texas area posters. The current (QTH) signal stinks !
GL 73 N5UD
-
I sent a message to the VK0 people and told them the southwest of the U.S. will not get a chance to work them on 80 or 160 because they are on those bands at bad times for the southwest. I can't hear them on their sunset because we are in daylight until 0140z. By then they have moved to a higher freq. I have seen no attempt on their part to listen on 80 or 160 around 1300z which is about our sunrise. I was told by K2CUB that they have to sleep sometime too. My interpretation of that statement is basically screw you.
I am in touch with the team and will ask for low bands on West Coast - where they have missed our SR a lot.
Remember, I'm an avid Top Bander and want a chance too -
So I'll get on that.
73,
Rich
KY6R
When are they going to Spit ? This is a dead spot over here most of the time on all bands but 30M ?
Look at all the Texas area posters. The current (QTH) signal stinks !
GL 73 N5UD
Yea!
Obie N5VYS
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well 4th morning grey line no copy of them here in vk3 on 40 Rich our grey line for the east coast of vk is 19:00 - 2100 we are hearing eu fine just not vk0.i'm not a big gun only wire antennas but vk0 isnt that far away from us.
cheers
-
4 to 1 ratio CW v SSB.
Consider that some solo DXpedition ops can make over 1500 SSB QSOs daily, a team making just over 5K SSB QSOs after 1 week is a little bewildering. Condx are not that bad.
Is there a plan to ramp up the SSB tally?
-
I would bet such a set-up puts you in the top 1%, not average. I don't think the average DXer has a tower at all (and uses wire antennas/a vertical for all band) and I think the "average" DXer does not own an amplifier.
For hard-core DXers, I disagree. Average stations aren't necessarily DXers. In terms of active hams in this country, I agree that that puts me in the top 10% (not the top 1% by any stretch of the imagination). But in terms of active DXers that's a very different animal.
I did mean for DXers. I would be shocked if 50% of the people who frequent this DXing forum have beam antennas.
There are DXers and there are DXers. There's a big difference between the guy who goes after and is satisfied with one QSO from every entity he can hear (and shrugs when he misses a Peter-1 or Bouvet) vs folks who are in the thick of it for every entity on 9 or 10 bands and 3 modes. DX Lifers. The latter is what I'm discussing. I agree that wires and <500W are very common for casual operators but any DX Lifer has probably got at the very least a tribander or SteppIR class antenna between 40 and 80' up, 1k or 1500W and a contest-grade radio from any generation (Mark V, FT-990, IC-781 and 756 Pro-2/Pro-3 all the way up to K3s and FTDX 5000s).
If you take that class and those below it, I think it's great to gently pat yourself on the back in public when you snatch a rare one from edge. It's an entirely different thing when you can do it anytime you want just by turning on the gear and making a couple of calls between sips of coffee and catching up on your Twitter feed. I'm guessing that mid-level guys (and those who are trying their best to be there) probably don't want to hear the 200' stack guys saying how easy this or that ultra rare one is or see their cluster brags "59 very loud to <state>". Very loud to a 50' tribander probably means "easily workable" to a 30' Hexbeamer and "I've got a pretty good shot" to the vertical operator or dipoler. On the other hand, "59 VERY LOUD" to a guy with 4/4/4 on a mountain top means the tribander guy might have a good shot, the Hexbeamer might hear something and the dipoler will be frustrated listening to the noise. That's what I mean by rubbing noses into it.
I wouldn't even call myself a casual DXer. If I hear them I'll give it my best. Gotta hear them first. I don't have a bunch of aluminum up in the air just fiberglass tubes. I actually "heard" BS7H" on the SteppIR Big IR I had at the time but no amp. Now I have a modest setup and an amp (probably need another rig (the 746 Pro gettin' old). I remember hearing entities when no one else around me could. I'm not wasting much time on them when theres no method to their madness :)
-
4 to 1 ratio CW v SSB.
Consider that some solo DXpedition ops can make over 1500 SSB QSOs daily, a team making just over 5K SSB QSOs after 1 week is a little bewildering. Condx are not that bad.
Is there a plan to ramp up the SSB tally?
Yes
-
This is a dead spot over here most of the time on all bands but 30M ?
Look at all the Texas area posters. The current (QTH) signal stinks !
GL 73 N5UD
Yep.
-
4 to 1 ratio CW v SSB.
Consider that some solo DXpedition ops can make over 1500 SSB QSOs daily, a team making just over 5K SSB QSOs after 1 week is a little bewildering. Condx are not that bad.
Is there a plan to ramp up the SSB tally?
I kind of like them on CW. Easier to work by far. I am thinking weak signals to many parts of the world are why they haven't gone on phone much.
Also the fact that they are concentrating on low bands and 30m is their "money band" means that it will be CW weighted.
-
From latest blurb on their blog:
"You invested in this project and we take (YOU) the DXer very seriously"
But are you really? There's some serious DXers just waiting on 1 SSB QSO even if they already have 5 CW slots.
-
We digi ops know nobody takes us seriously. ;D
-
4 to 1 ratio CW v SSB.
Consider that some solo DXpedition ops can make over 1500 SSB QSOs daily, a team making just over 5K SSB QSOs after 1 week is a little bewildering. Condx are not that bad.
Is there a plan to ramp up the SSB tally?
Yes
And what might that plan be?
-
4 to 1 ratio CW v SSB.
Consider that some solo DXpedition ops can make over 1500 SSB QSOs daily, a team making just over 5K SSB QSOs after 1 week is a little bewildering. Condx are not that bad.
Is there a plan to ramp up the SSB tally?
I am about to give up on this one. This will be the first DXpedition that I needed and did not get!
I wasted most of my weekend and in all have spent more time listening to static with this Dxpedition than any other since I took up the Hobby. At least with VP8 I could hear them from time to time and the OPs worked their butts off to keep bands open even during what some might consider odd times and in the end it worked. These guys are sticking to some plan that is beyond me. Take last night, they were on 7.090 and I could hear them for the first time since day one when Jonathan made it in on 30m, but on 40m as luck would have it some South American Hams were having a net on the Frequency and refused to move. Even VK0EK could hear them and knew that they were on a occupied frequency. It took them almost 40 minutes to finally get some sort of permission to move down 5 and get out of the area the Net was on. Off course Murphy decided to Kick me in the Jewels because as soon as they moved within 5 minutes they faded.
Now I know how the Game works, every one bitches and moans when they don't have a contact, and everyone thinks the Dxpedition is the best thing on the planet when they finally get into the log. So I am trying NOT to let my statements be tainted by my lack of a contact, but instead let the statistical records on Clublog speak to whats going on. Has anyone looked at the Unique contact stats? Has anyone been looking at the QSO distribution pattern?
Anyway, Rant off. Good luck to all. It's back to work for me, which means it will be next weekend before I get as chance to try for them again at optimal times.
73s
Rob
-
probably need another rig (the 746 Pro gettin' old)
N3ZC, a better antenna would benefit most people more than a newer TCVR. It may be less expensive, too.
Marvin VE3VEE
-
I don't have 5 CW contacts I don't have any contacts as I cannot use my fingers to work the Begali on CW as I had an illness over the past few years (wasn't any good at it (CW) t anyway) I can only do SSB. That's why I'm looking for them on SSB. I never was an ALL BAND, ALL MODE, op.
Not complaining just looking for 1 contact..period. :)
73'
Tom N3ZC
-
Hey Rob, you are not hearing them on 30M ?
I have ehard them on 30M every night.
Tony N5UD
-
I don't have 5 CW contacts I don't have any contacts as I cannot use my fingers to work the Begali on CW as I had an illness over the past few years (wasn't any good at it (CW) t anyway) I can only do SSB. That's why I'm looking for them on SSB. I never was an ALL BAND, ALL MODE, op.
All you need to send is your call sign and "TU 5NN". You can program a memory keyer to do that.
-
We digi ops know nobody takes us seriously. ;D
no sh*t!
-
Now I know how the Game works, every one bitches and moans when they don't have a contact, and everyone thinks the Dxpedition is the best thing on the planet when they finally get into the log. So I am trying NOT to let my statements be tainted by my lack of a contact, but instead let the statistical records on Clublog speak to whats going on. Has anyone looked at the Unique contact stats? Has anyone been looking at the QSO distribution pattern?
Anyway, Rant off. Good luck to all. It's back to work for me, which means it will be next weekend before I get as chance to try for them again at optimal times.
73s
Rob
i was proudly an ssb only op till the end of 2015 when i realized i'm getting up in the numbers and things are going to get tougher. i'm also a little pistol. so i learnt how to use keyboard sending and a decoder and guess what i have 6 countries on cw that i never heard on ssb. you dont need to be a wiz on the begali or send and rx @ 30 wpm. but you need to use you shack pc similar to rtty which btw i havent truly mastered yet. and gues what cw isnt that bad i stil use a decoder i can send a cq and my call with the begali and i understand quite a bit of cw with out the decoder. but that just comes with time. also you can start from the begininng again in a new mode i'm @ 159 worked cw 108 confirmed. it fills in the gaps when the rare dx is not around. i worked vk0ek on cw first then i could relax and ssb came easily ( actually they were hard but the pressure wasnt on)
cheers
-
I've actually done that. My memory is messed up (short term) and I actually have to think about the code which is no good. I'm surprised I haven't fried the amp while manually tuning it. I usually use the band switch settings so I don't forget something.
73'
Tom N3ZC
-
I don't have 5 CW contacts I don't have any contacts as I cannot use my fingers to work the Begali on CW as I had an illness over the past few years (wasn't any good at it (CW) t anyway) I can only do SSB.
My advice is to get an electronic keyer or pc keyer software and program two macros. One macro to send your callsign and the second to send your report. The F1 and F2 keys can be used to send the macros.
Load CWGET on your pc for the decode. After a while you will get quite good at hearing your own callsign come back to and won't need the decode software very much.
Now enjoy your cw dxped contacts.
73 Mark N1UK
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I am about to give up on this one. This will be the first DXpedition that I needed and did not get!
I wasted most of my weekend and in all have spent more time listening to static with this Dxpedition than any other since I took up the Hobby. At least with VP8 I could hear them from time to time and the OPs worked their butts off to keep bands open even during what some might consider odd times and in the end it worked.
Now I know how the Game works, every one bitches and moans when they don't have a contact, and everyone thinks the Dxpedition is the best thing on the planet when they finally get into the log. So I am trying NOT to let my statements be tainted by my lack of a contact, but instead let the statistical records on Clublog speak to whats going on. Has anyone looked at the Unique contact stats? Has anyone been looking at the QSO distribution pattern?
73s
Rob
You are NOT alone Rob....... :(
73, Gene AF3Y
-
Just worked them on 30m. They were very weak but they heard my puny 100w + wire loop. They hear VERY well. Kind of slow right now, if you can even hear a whisper from them give it a shot.
Glad to be in the log. GL everyone.
-
Hey, for grins, I know my equipment works just had a long chat with VK3TJK with 52W on 20M SSB...Band very quiet :)
All is not lost LOL..
Tom N3ZC
-
The DXA system is remarkable... 30m already confirmed in LOTW, 15 minutes later.
-
Hey, for grins, I know my equipment works just had a long chat with VK3TJK with 52W on 20M SSB...Band very quiet Smiley
All is not lost LOL..
Tom N3ZC
:) yeah vk3tjk with his 5 elements @ 100 '
-
Hey why is their not at least one station on 20-12 looking for NA ? It is nearing our sundown across NA.
N5UD
-
Sunset at 7:28 here :)
-
4 to 1 ratio CW v SSB.
Consider that some solo DXpedition ops can make over 1500 SSB QSOs daily, a team making just over 5K SSB QSOs after 1 week is a little bewildering. Condx are not that bad.
Is there a plan to ramp up the SSB tally?
I am about to give up on this one. This will be the first DXpedition that I needed and did not get!
I wasted most of my weekend and in all have spent more time listening to static with this Dxpedition than any other since I took up the Hobby. At least with VP8 I could hear them from time to time and the OPs worked their butts off to keep bands open even during what some might consider odd times and in the end it worked. These guys are sticking to some plan that is beyond me. Take last night, they were on 7.090 and I could hear them for the first time since day one when Jonathan made it in on 30m, but on 40m as luck would have it some South American Hams were having a net on the Frequency and refused to move. Even VK0EK could hear them and knew that they were on a occupied frequency. It took them almost 40 minutes to finally get some sort of permission to move down 5 and get out of the area the Net was on. Off course Murphy decided to Kick me in the Jewels because as soon as they moved within 5 minutes they faded.
Now I know how the Game works, every one bitches and moans when they don't have a contact, and everyone thinks the Dxpedition is the best thing on the planet when they finally get into the log. So I am trying NOT to let my statements be tainted by my lack of a contact, but instead let the statistical records on Clublog speak to whats going on. Has anyone looked at the Unique contact stats? Has anyone been looking at the QSO distribution pattern?
Anyway, Rant off. Good luck to all. It's back to work for me, which means it will be next weekend before I get as chance to try for them again at optimal times.
73s
Rob
Hey,I feel you Rob!
Obie N5VYS
-
TO KY6R - WHY ARE YOU IGNORING THE SPIT BAY QUESTION???????? WG5G
-
Most operational questions are being ignored, same with why no 20m 24/7 or at least try longer into the evening/night,
Trevor
TO KY6R - WHY ARE YOU IGNORING THE SPIT BAY QUESTION???????? WG5G
-
I have a serious station, I'm happy so far to have worked VK0EH on one band (80M CW) and to have the ATNO. The biggest impediment to me working them again is the amazing amount of liddish DQRM going on; I've had moments to call when their signal was decent on 30M, only to hear them covered up on my listening breaks. We talk about this every DXpedition, and I don't want to divert the thread, but seriously there is no respect.
-
TO KY6R - WHY ARE YOU IGNORING THE SPIT BAY QUESTION???????? WG5G
When the team gives me their plan(s) I will immediately post on VK0EK.ORG
-
Eleven days left, never give up :)
36% uniques.
21% NA
53% EU
-
Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
-
TO KY6R - WHY ARE YOU IGNORING THE SPIT BAY QUESTION???????? WG5G
When the team gives me their plan(s) I will immediately post on VK0EK.ORG
If I knew when they plan to be QRV Spit. I could plan my schedule for some operating time. 11 days, but how long does it take to get to Spit and setup ?
OK let us know.
73 N5UD
-
Eleven days left, never give up :)
This.
There have been a few dxpeditions I tried each and every single day and it wasn't until their very last day I was finally able to squeak a QSO through. Never, ever give up!
-
There is always JAG re-runs. Cathy Bell.............mmmmmm
73, Gene AF3Y
-
HI Rich just a comment that keeps coming up any chance for 10m to vk around 04:00- 06:00 utc its africa month so the path should be open. ssb would be great for the fcall ops with 4 letters this is b4 its open to eu. many vk's and ja's love 10m. 12m limits contact and 1/3 of all vk ops cant operate on 12m my self included.
cheers
steve
vk3meg
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TO KY6R - WHY ARE YOU IGNORING THE SPIT BAY QUESTION???????? WG5G
When the team gives me their plan(s) I will immediately post on VK0EK.ORG
If I knew when they plan to be QRV Spit. I could plan my schedule for some operating time. 11 days, but how long does it take to get to Spit and setup ?
OK let us know.
73 N5UD
Has the shine wore off yet Rich? Hang in there. ;)
-
Worked them on 17 20 30 and 40 VK0IR. I have same antenna up and have not heard them at all to say I could understand them. I do have a wire on 30 now. Are the conditions any different now than before?
I know I worked them like 2100 utc on 20 and 0400 also. 1300 on 40 and 1400 on 30 and 1500 on 17m and the month of Jan.
Boy conditions seem to be a lot worse now than in 1997.
-
Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
No mention of Spit Pt (yet?).
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Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
No mention of Spit Pt (yet?).
Bob has to make that call. Rich subtly asked Bob to publish a plan as soon as possible so people can stop whining ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
As expected, work the EU piles down then concentrate on NA. Not sure if that solves the limited propagation window problem though. The limited window for NA needs to be NA only, that is the only way. EU has all day basically, they should QRX like how Caribbean DXpeditions QRX for JA.
-
Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
No mention of Spit Pt (yet?).
Nope - I requested that question via the chat line in place during the interview but Rich KY6R just texted back that a plan will be put into place. I wish Dr. Bob on the island would have been asked directly.
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The limited window for NA needs to be NA only, that is the only way.
The support team is pushing for NA-only windows.
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Thier 40m SSB working frequency is utter horse--hockey. Rich/someone, can you please ask them to find a different QRG for 40 phone, preferably a bit further down the band and away from the south American nets and digital crud?
-
Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
No mention of Spit Pt (yet?).
Bob has to make that call. Rich subtly asked Bob to publish a plan as soon as possible so people can stop whining ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Not whining at all, just be nice to have a rough idea of the plan now that they're there, I suspect wx is not too good tho'.
Yes, I caught Rich's nudge nudge for a public plan (even tho' it might change as soon as written) ;D
73
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The limited window for NA needs to be NA only, that is the only way.
The support team is pushing for NA-only windows.
Not sure how much help that'll be, it's propagation that's the problem !! Still, give it a shot :)
PS DXA just turned 30,000 Qs
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Very clear 7090 lsn up at 0205z
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Very clear 7090 lsn up at 0205z
Yes! And no DQRM! Beaming over the long path over the EU. I could have avoided the 7016 mess last night and worked them tonight on SSB. I don't plan on calling them tonight since I already have 40m and SSB confirmed. GL to all!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Not whining here either. Just stating a fact from my end.
I did make one mistake. I worked VK0IR on 40 with a 100w and R7 back then.
I would like a rtty. But no big deal.
I found other things in life that are better than radio. But it is fun at times.
I noticed on my end I missed a lot of operations this year for not hearing them. Maybe I am just getting old.
Ya ya I know. Get the wife to work 3 jobs and get a 400 arce lot and a 200 ft tower and 65 element beam to work them all.
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Very clear 7090 lsn up at 0205z
other than cops and guys on the wrong VFO there is ZERO copy in SEOK...
I don't know that it would be better from Spit, but I'd sure like to find out...
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Finally got my SSB on 40. Short-path, all the hamsters spinning and the K3 doing its magic. That was just ugly. Right in between the Pactor garbage and the spanish-ops. In the log, and done. I'm spent.
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Very clear 7090 lsn up at 0205z
Not here in STX!
Obie N5VYS
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It's no cake walk in EU only the big guns are getting anything more than an odd slot here or there, most of you guys have more than most of the EU guys I would Compare my stats with,
Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
As expected, work the EU piles down then concentrate on NA. Not sure if that solves the limited propagation window problem though. The limited window for NA needs to be NA only, that is the only way. EU has all day basically, they should QRX like how Caribbean DXpeditions QRX for JA.
-
Maybe some of our questions will be answered in about 45 minutes:
http://www.w5kub.com/
Rich is on right now and addressing the NA problem!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
No mention of Spit Pt (yet?).
Bob has to make that call. Rich subtly asked Bob to publish a plan as soon as possible so people can stop whining ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
No whining here, just stating the facts.
Obie N5VYS
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Well maybe the EC guys or Pac NW or Upper midwest but down this way I have 2. N5MOA has 2. Others have 1 and none.
Just not much chance to work them from SW US.
N5UD
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As we in the SouthWest peer around the corner of the volcano and say "Oh, there you guys are, we didn't hear you."
It is what it is.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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I was part of the crowd thinking this one was not to be for me. Never heard them anywhere.
My problem was that I always went to bed too early. ;)
Finally got them on 30 meters tonight. I can really hardly believe it.
Happy dance here.
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Finally got my SSB on 40. Short-path, all the hamsters spinning and the K3 doing its magic. That was just ugly. Right in between the Pactor garbage and the spanish-ops. In the log, and done. I'm spent.
Yeah, that was tough to listen to. It seemed at a point in time to clear up enough to hear well and get the QSO in the log. I'm giving the new FT-5000 a workout with all it's various filtering options, but there has to be a little propagation to start with. Maybe 40 CW tomorrow. High bands maybe this weekend if I get up early. Today, I was at the station early, and the high bands were pretty useless, not only for VK0EK but in general.
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Finally got my SSB on 40. Short-path, all the hamsters spinning and the K3 doing its magic. That was just ugly. Right in between the Pactor garbage and the spanish-ops. In the log, and done. I'm spent.
Yeah, that was tough to listen to. It seemed at a point in time to clear up enough to hear well and get the QSO in the log. I'm giving the new FT-5000 a workout with all it's various filtering options, but there has to be a little propagation to start with. Maybe 40 CW tomorrow. High bands maybe this weekend if I get up early. Today, I was at the station early, and the high bands were pretty useless, not only for VK0EK but in general.
The FT-5000 has a steep learning curve. The Yahoo 5000 forum is excellent. Go check it out. Another great resource is here: http://www.ac0c.com/main/page_ft5k_ftdx5000mp_home.html
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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When I started learning about DXing in the late 70's, my elmer explained to me that the goal was to work the DXpedition, and if you were really lucky you worked them SSB, CW, and RTTY for the sweep.
I swear we're now a spoiled bunch, and crucify the Dxpeditioners if we don't work them on 10 bands.
Personally, my cup absolutely overfloweth with my single QSO. Damn I worked Heard Island!
PS - congrats AB8MA! Bet you're happy too.
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40 SSB is very loud tonight. They have pactor QRM and the occasional idiot but they are very much workable. Even W2IRT vanquished his SSB curse.
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Disappointing to say the least. Second day at NR5M and I've heard them on 40SSB for 10 minutes beaming 50 degrees. Other than that, nothin!
Central US needs Spit or it's going to be a disaster.
Colin KU5B
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Light the fireworks....
Tonight was the first time I have heard them with any
significant strength.
Got em on 30m CW a while ago.
# 288
Now to find FT4 Juan de Nova.
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Where is Vince K3NRX wonder how he is doing,
Trevor
EI2GLB
-
Disappointing to say the least. Second day at NR5M and I've heard them on 40SSB for 10 minutes beaming 50 degrees. Other than that, nothin!
Central US needs Spit or it's going to be a disaster.
Colin KU5B
That speaks volumes!
Obie N5VYS
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I was part of the crowd thinking this one was not to be for me. Never heard them anywhere.
My problem was that I always went to bed too early. ;)
Finally got them on 30 meters tonight. I can really hardly believe it.
Happy dance here.
Congrats George!
I’m listening to UT6UD on 30 cw.
FB op really cranking them out at a good rate and it is the loudest I’ve heard them.
I like the strategy of running a cw station on their money band 30 meters when it is open. The pile ups have thinned and from the looks of the cluster little pistols are getting into the log. If the rate goes down then maybe do some rtty.
IMHO going for the best rate on your best band is a very effective way to achieve the goal of as many ATNO's as possible.
73's Rich KB8GAE
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When I started learning about DXing in the late 70's, my elmer explained to me that the goal was to work the DXpedition, and if you were really lucky you worked them SSB, CW, and RTTY for the sweep.
I swear we're now a spoiled bunch, and crucify the Dxpeditioners if we don't work them on 10 bands.
Personally, my cup absolutely overfloweth with my single QSO. Damn I worked Heard Island!
PS - congrats AB8MA! Bet you're happy too.
ain't that the truth!
I am happy with 1 QSO - thats about all I got on VP8 and was VERYYYYY happy!
anything else is a bonus!
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Disappointing to say the least. Second day at NR5M and I've heard them on 40SSB for 10 minutes beaming 50 degrees. Other than that, nothin!
Central US needs Spit or it's going to be a disaster.
Colin KU5B
At NR5M ? WOW
Hard to believe ;D
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Got em on 30m CW a while ago.
# 288
Saw your QSO! :)
I was just a bit after you. I finally got in the log closer to 0430z. :)
#324
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At NR5M ? WOW
Hard to believe ;D
I got lucky and found just the right beam heading (direct, 165) on 20SSB. Extremely weak on a pair of 6el at 187ft and 137ft. I'm bowing out to let others fight the sun.
Best of luck to the central US guys.
Colin
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Where is Vince K3NRX wonder how he is doing,
Trevor
EI2GLB
I was wondering the same thing. I think he'd be throwing a fit if he was trying to work them.
73,
Chris NU1O
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On my misaligned EU Beverage I can hear them consistently on 80M, but not at all on 160M. Last night it was frustration for me, but congrats to the many NA on 160M who made their QSOs. Seems to be a short window around 0000Z to 0100Z, then they move up in frequency a bit. I'm going to spend Saturday afternoon setting out a properly aligned short path BOG in an effort to be able to hear them on 160M at all.
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I went ahead and requested my QSL card through their web site.
I found it curious that there was no requirement to enter date and time. LoTW is confirmed.
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I know...... sounds like a broken record from here in Florida. NOISY bands and WEAK signals and of course the DQRM. Nothing here..... Its not just the central or Midwest, but hell, I wonder if Spit Bay might, somehow, work better for me, It CANNOT be any WORSE. I am positively in some kind of dead zone. I THINK........ ???
73, Gene AF3Y
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All bands conditions have been really bad here today.
I have not heard VK0EK well on any band.
It doesn't seem to be affecting the path to Japan, or some of Europe, however...
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I found it curious that there was no requirement to enter date and time.
Double-blind seems like a good spec for LOTW but not so meaningful after DXA3 was turned on. Er, um, when DXA3 is working, at least!
Now, noting time/date/band/mode when trying to get a busted call fixed, that will be important but evidently not done through that particular step. Done through a "ticket"?
In most cases VK0EK seems to be hearing us, better than we are hearing them so I don't think there will be all that many busted calls to fix.
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All bands conditions have been really bad here today.
I have not heard VK0EK well on any band.
It doesn't seem to be affecting the path to Japan, or some of Europe, however...
Yes, some of Europe... here in the NW EU it's another grim day trying to hear them, and when they finally pop up out of the noise it's South America only >:(
The only positive today was that they were a good print on 15m rtty, and if that keeps up for another 10 days there may be a some small gaps in the JA wall by then.
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I'm beginning to fear they won't be going to Spit Bay..... hope I'm wrong
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They were good to NA on 17 and 12 CW this morning. Got 'em on 17, missed the opening on 12 after fighting the 17m pileup. Another day. Not counting on 10 or 160 so 12 will probably do it for me for Heard.
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Disappointing to say the least. Second day at NR5M and I've heard them on 40SSB for 10 minutes beaming 50 degrees. Other than that, nothin!
Central US needs Spit or it's going to be a disaster.
Colin KU5B
You get to operate from one of the super stations and conditions still stink ?
That says a lot.
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At NR5M ? WOW
Hard to believe ;D
I got lucky and found just the right beam heading (direct, 165) on 20SSB. Extremely weak on a pair of 6el at 187ft and 137ft. I'm bowing out to let others fight the sun.
Best of luck to the central US guys.
Colin
So from down Texas way it took a 6 over 6 to barely hear them. No wonder I can't hear them !
Hey Gene you better be checking that 30M frequently !
73 N5UD
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I really do think the Big Ben Volcano is actually helping the West Coast and hurting the central U.S. The proof is in the log. NJ6P has logged VK0EK on 12m-80m. Rich has also done some data mining with the log data using SQL and he did confirm that the West Coast has done far better than expectation. I surmise the team will analyze the log data carefully and conclude that the Spit operation will not be worth the effort.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I saw "WYI5" scroll past?????
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Last night I had a miracle. This is from Tucson, AZ. At 0409Z on 20 meters, with my antenna pointing 170 degrees, I started to hear the Heard Is. Group. I turned every noise reduction filter on and increased the pre amp and got through. That was #332 for 20 meters. I could not believe that they heard me.
I received my prediction maps from the Heard Island people and my predictions were confirmed. On just about every band, they are operating with a time schedule that is backwards to the United States Southwest. 15 and 17 meters according to VOCAP should be around 15-17Z and 80 and 160 peak between 09-11Z. Every day so far, the Heard Group has been operating on the opposite end of the spectrum.
I repeat again, this is an East Coast/Great Lakes operation. If they continue with this schedule, there will be no chance for the west coast to work them on the Low Bands. I thank God that He gave me a gift and I got 1 new band ...
Art WA7NB
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I saw "WYI5" scroll past?????
WY5I ? Anyway it is Florida.
N5UD
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They were good to NA on 17 and 12 CW this morning. Got 'em on 17, missed the opening on 12 after fighting the 17m pileup. Another day. Not counting on 10 or 160 so 12 will probably do it for me for Heard.
And they were calling for NA, so I dumped in my call during band peaks--got them with 600 W to a 17M dipole at 35 feet. ;D
Zack W1VT
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At NR5M ? WOW
Hard to believe ;D
I got lucky and found just the right beam heading (direct, 165) on 20SSB. Extremely weak on a pair of 6el at 187ft and 137ft. I'm bowing out to let others fight the sun.
Best of luck to the central US guys.
Colin
So from down Texas way it took a 6 over 6 to barely hear them. No wonder I can't hear them !
Hey Gene you better be checking that 30M frequently !
73 N5UD
In the central US it seems very band-dependent, with the higher bands being worse. In MS I couldn't copy them on 20m with a 4 element monobander @ 100 feet. But I did work them with 100 W to an EDZ between trees on 30m, and they have had a good signal on 40 at times.
Tor
N4OGW
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They were good to NA on 17 and 12 CW this morning.
All I got was a barely there copy on their call twice, LP, on 20m ssb about 45 minutes ago.
They were most certainly NOT good to NA. Maybe EC/WC as the calls flew across DXA, but this neck of the woods, nope.
I really do think the Big Ben Volcano is actually helping the West Coast and hurting the central U.S. The proof is in the log. NJ6P has logged VK0EK on 12m-80m. Rich has also done some data mining with the log data using SQL and he did confirm that the West Coast has done far better than expectation. I surmise the team will analyze the log data carefully and conclude that the Spit operation will not be worth the effort.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Not worth the effort? I'm willing to bet there are quite a few WC/Central U.S. ops still looking for a qso who would dis-agree with that.
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I see the AZ and so Cal lads fussing about VK0EK.
NJ6P is not quite So Cal being Bakersfield.
For darn sure, it has been the southern states without the skip, except for 30M. Mainly Texas and west.
Yeah, likely won't do Spit. North half of USA can work them on all bands but 10M. Even dipoles on roof tops can do it !
N5UD
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Hi,
I never even heard them since the arrived on Heard, ..... until....
Monday night I went to bed at 10pm. Tuesday morning I woke up at 1:50am to take a pee and decided to take a listen for them. I saw the 20m SSB spot, heard him S9, left everything on the radio where it was, gave two calls and by 1:52am (05:52Z) he was in the log. Talk about luck, just a 31' Vertical, 200 feet from the Caribbean Sea, and small kidneys. Fifteen minutes later he was S1 and working EU. I am now "one and done".
For the life of me I do not understand why there is not a 24/7, 20m, SSB station given the CW to SSB QSO imbalance.
73,
John
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Haven't heard them yet..
Just sayin' :)
73'
Tom N3ZC
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Last night local they where in on 30m for a very long time, good prop into the southwest.
Went to bed at 0600z and still a good signal.
Good for RTTY, just saying............
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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Probably my sideburns aren't long enough, I mean who knows, right? :) Radiation treatments messed my sideburns up ;D
Tom N3ZC
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I've heard them consistently on 20M and 15M from here in Northern California. They're never very strong, but almost always readable. I have very, very low noise levels here, which certainly helps.
My one contact with them was 20M CW on long path. I'm not a band/mode hog, so I'm done and will probably just listen from here on in.
Part of the difficulty I had working them was the jammers, guys who can't figure out what "split" means, and guys who's pileup technique consists of calling continuously, even when VK0EK is transmitting.
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"and guys who's pileup technique consists of calling continuously, even when VK0EK is transmitting" = Beacon Callers
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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"and guys who's pileup technique consists of calling continuously, even when VK0EK is transmitting" = Beacon Callers
Cheers
Henry NM6V
I think some of this is a byproduct of people who don't understand how DXing works at the most fundamental level.
They see the glam and eye candy of something like DXA and think you just push some buttons on your keyer until you see your callsign appear on the web.
The sad thing is that it probably works for some of them some of the time.
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I have not heard a squeak of VK0EK on 20,17,15, and 10. S zero noise level, with preamp on.
A 6 over 6 to work them from Texas. It is geography (location) on this one.
N5UD
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They see the glam and eye candy of something like DXA and think you just push some buttons on your keyer until you see your callsign appear on the web.
VK0EK ops have been super-persistent about repeating the caller's call until he wakes up and sends 599. Super duper persistent. I have never heard an operation emphasize this so much (other than maybe 160M ops but life moves at a different rate on 160M.)
Still there are guys who get NIL'ed after many many repeated attempts by VK0EK to complete the Q.
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I'm beginning to think Spit Bay won't happen.
Looking at windyty.com if they're going to do it they'd better get going.
I thought Bob would've mentioned it last night on W5KUB.com if it was coming up.
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I'm beginning to think Spit Bay won't happen.
Looking at windyty.com if they're going to do it they'd better get going.
I thought Bob would've mentioned it last night on W5KUB.com if it was coming up.
No News! Is bad news here!
Obie N5VYS
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I'm perfectly content with my one contact. Sights now set on JDN.
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"I have not heard a squeak of VK0EK on 20,17,15, and 10. S zero noise level, with preamp on." Been looking all day
Ditto _.. . Tom N3ZC
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They see the glam and eye candy of something like DXA and think you just push some buttons on your keyer until you see your callsign appear on the web.
VK0EK ops have been super-persistent about repeating the caller's call until he wakes up and sends 599. Super duper persistent. I have never heard an operation emphasize this so much (other than maybe 160M ops but life moves at a different rate on 160M.)
Still there are guys who get NIL'ed after many many repeated attempts by VK0EK to complete the Q.
I agree they are doing a great job with this and I like it. It is not always the fault of the DXer either with all the QRM and QSB anything can happen.
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They see the glam and eye candy of something like DXA and think you just push some buttons on your keyer until you see your callsign appear on the web.
VK0EK ops have been super-persistent about repeating the caller's call until he wakes up and sends 599. Super duper persistent. I have never heard an operation emphasize this so much (other than maybe 160M ops but life moves at a different rate on 160M.)
Still there are guys who get NIL'ed after many many repeated attempts by VK0EK to complete the Q.
Yep... I heard an 30 meter op call for a specific station for at least a minute or longer.... he persisted until he had the call, no thanks to the LIDs who called continuously. The lids slowed down the Q rate by 90% at times. Sad to see.
Pete
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They see the glam and eye candy of something like DXA and think you just push some buttons on your keyer until you see your callsign appear on the web.
VK0EK ops have been super-persistent about repeating the caller's call until he wakes up and sends 599. Super duper persistent. I have never heard an operation emphasize this so much (other than maybe 160M ops but life moves at a different rate on 160M.)
Still there are guys who get NIL'ed after many many repeated attempts by VK0EK to complete the Q.
I am grateful for their persistance.
Last night, on 30m cw, they were replying to me several
times but I could NOT hear them due to on freq CLOWNS.
The knuckleheads FINALLY gave it a rest, and I heard my call OK.
Otherwise, I would have been S O L
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They see the glam and eye candy of something like DXA and think you just push some buttons on your keyer until you see your callsign appear on the web.
VK0EK ops have been super-persistent about repeating the caller's call until he wakes up and sends 599. Super duper persistent. I have never heard an operation emphasize this so much (other than maybe 160M ops but life moves at a different rate on 160M.)
Still there are guys who get NIL'ed after many many repeated attempts by VK0EK to complete the Q.
I am grateful for their persistance.
Last night, on 30m cw, they were replying to me several
times but I could NOT hear them due to on freq CLOWNS.
The knuckleheads FINALLY gave it a rest, and I heard my call OK.
Otherwise, I would have been S O L
Bill,
Congrats !! I made my one and only contact on 20CW and due to his persistence I finally made it also.
I am in the log so I have my ATNO. I consider myself very fortunate. Things arent looking any better.
If it wasnt bad enough already the SSN is now down to 13 >:(
73,
Bob
K6UJ
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So I guess Spit Bay is not happening, ok so here are my options, try to work them on 30 with a dipole - slim chance running 5 watts,
Rich, you are NA pilot, please have them leave 1 of their 5 stations on 20 cw for stations needing them for ATNO. Our best time for 20 has been 0600 to 0900, absolutely no copy earlier in the evening, Heard is 1 of the last 5 I need, I'm sure there are many stations in the same boat, Hey tnx fer all the effort, I don't think band cdx cud get much worse, will be listening.
73 Dan WG5G
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So I guess Spit Bay is not happening, ok so here are my options, try to work them on 30 with a dipole - slim chance running 5 watts,
Rich, you are NA pilot, please have them leave 1 of their 5 stations on 20 cw for stations needing them for ATNO. Our best time for 20 has been 0600 to 0900, absolutely no copy earlier in the evening, Heard is 1 of the last 5 I need, I'm sure there are many stations in the same boat, Hey tnx fer all the effort, I don't think band cdx cud get much worse, will be listening.
73 Dan WG5G
Dan with VK0IR 0600 + was correct on 20M. Also there was a short opening 2330. I had a cw Q on one time and SSB the other. Of course that was January, not March.
On 30M try 0300-0500. I have noticed at that time the pile thins out, and he does a lot of CQn. They do hear well.
My busted Q (no mobile) was 0400Z, and my ESP backup was at 0100Z. The 0100Z Q really surprised me. 0300 seems to be when the signal comes up in Texas.
Don't give up.
73 Tony N5UD
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Good evening Tony, the people making q's have been north like Austin or east like Houston, I have only heard them twice since they started, I think south central US is a dead zone + I think
your right Jan - Feb better time for that part of the world, strange though, FT4JA is booming in & in the same general area, will keep trying, by the way congrats on VP8STI & VK0EK from the mobile - you must have a killer location you drive to HI HI 73 Dan WG5G.
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Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
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After missing VK0IR, finally bagged VK0EK after returning to Florida on vacation.
Only two left on cw now.
And yes.....congrats to AF3Y as I'm sipping a beer listening to 30m after enjoying my q.
73 Rob
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So I guess Spit Bay is not happening, ok so here are my options, try to work them on 30 with a dipole - slim chance running 5 watts,
Rich, you are NA pilot, please have them leave 1 of their 5 stations on 20 cw for stations needing them for ATNO. Our best time for 20 has been 0600 to 0900, absolutely no copy earlier in the evening, Heard is 1 of the last 5 I need, I'm sure there are many stations in the same boat, Hey tnx fer all the effort, I don't think band cdx cud get much worse, will be listening.
73 Dan WG5G
Dan,
I agree with you but I think 30M is the best band. It has been the money band from day one.
Bob
K6UJ
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There on 40 CW now with a very small pile up.
GL to all.
Rich KB8GAE
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14.190 down 5 not busy cqing at times worth a look
-
I'm perfectly content with my one contact. Sights now set on JDN.
I would be also.
Obie N5VYS
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just added 30m. Heavy QSB on my end.. at times they were strong..and then fade into the noise. They got my call wrong the first time (I thought I heard it correct but I didnt).. worked them again 10 mins later and got a good QSO. Thanks to a very patient AE0EE on the other end of the propagation.
If I can add 80 or a higher-than-20 band I'll be happy. In the mean time I need to focus on getting Juan de Nova in the log for an ATNO.
-
Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
Thanks Frank and Rob! It was not all that "Pretty", but it's in the log. I am getting too damn old for fighting all this wall to wall DQRM crap. ;D
73, Gene AF3Y
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Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
Thanks Frank and Rob! It was not all that "Pretty", but it's in the log. I am getting too damn old for fighting all this wall to wall DQRM crap. ;D
73, Gene AF3Y
Congrats Gene!!!! Persistence pays off!
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on 30 CW now (0500) with the best true S9 signal I've heard.
good luck
Ray
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Finally made 30M at 0515Z. The last time I heard them at the start, they were 599 and a huge pileup. Now, 349 and no pileup! :)
.....and upload to LOTW! Very nice......! ;D ;D
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they have a workable signal on 20 SSB listening 10 down for NA...
good luck
Ray
modified: they have built to an S3, very readable no wait.... (0523) I'm beaming 25deg west of my SP
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Nothing heard. Thanks!
I need some sleep to hit the bands later today. Would like to get FT4JA on CW. So far, just one SSB 12M contact at the start.
-
Staying up late had benefits. Nice copy into central AZ at 0717z. Worked easily on 20 SSB for second QSO and second mode.
Already LOTW credited a whopping sixteen minutes later. I'm still blown away by that. The new "gold standard" for DXpeditioning, at least as far as the "Back end" of the Dxpedition goes.
If you'd have told me in 1990 that I would finally work Heard and have it confirmed in 16 minutes then I, despite (or maybe because of) what I knew about computers, would never have credited it.
Sure, I could probably have imagined some form of on-line logging in 1990, official or otherwise. But from Heard? I would have laughed out loud.
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good signal in vk on 20m not busy at all.
14.190 down 5
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Worked them on 30m earlier this week, QSO shows up on their website just fine. Did the donation thing (even ordered a coffee cup!), entered my call for automatic fast LotW - but nothing on LotW.
I did all that after the QSO - anyone know if the auto fast LotW only works if you donated before the QSO? Will see if next QSO triggers LotW upload.
73 John K3TN
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Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
Thanks Frank and Rob! It was not all that "Pretty", but it's in the log. I am getting too damn old for fighting all this wall to wall DQRM crap. ;D
73, Gene AF3Y
Congratulations Gene! Breaking a big pileup to a rare country is a lot like playing sports. Perseverance has its rewards.
I can't count the number of times I've shut off the equipment due to DQRM. It's the worst part of this hobby and it's entirely avoidable.
73,
Chris NU1O
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I'm perfectly content with my one contact. Sights now set on JDN.
I would be also.
Obie N5VYS
I saw you go across last night. Congrats??
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Worked them on 30m earlier this week, QSO shows up on their website just fine. Did the donation thing (even ordered a coffee cup!), entered my call for automatic fast LotW - but nothing on LotW.
I did all that after the QSO - anyone know if the auto fast LotW only works if you donated before the QSO? Will see if next QSO triggers LotW upload.
73 John K3TN
Donated early. Got instant LOTW last night for 30M contact. My 20M contact was uploaded the second day.
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Worked them on 30m earlier this week, QSO shows up on their website just fine. Did the donation thing (even ordered a coffee cup!), entered my call for automatic fast LotW - but nothing on LotW.
I did all that after the QSO - anyone know if the auto fast LotW only works if you donated before the QSO? Will see if next QSO triggers LotW upload.
73 John K3TN
No. I ordered a mug after I made three Qs and they were uploaded within an hour of my purchase.
(I would order a shirt but they don't have the selection I want).
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Does anyone know if I order an embroidered polo shirt from the astrids site does it count for a quick upload to LOTW???
Thanks
Trevor
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Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
Thanks Frank and Rob! It was not all that "Pretty", but it's in the log. I am getting too damn old for fighting all this wall to wall DQRM crap. ;D
73, Gene AF3Y
Big congrats to you Gene. I'm younger than you but the DQRM is also making me feel too old :D I may not jump in to work Juan de Nova until the dust settles.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Does anyone know if I order an embroidered polo shirt from the astrids site does it count for a quick upload to LOTW???
Thanks
Trevor
The support staff may not monitor this site regularly due to the workload but my bet is yes. If not I'll make sure you get your LoTW credits ;)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Worked them on 30m earlier this week, QSO shows up on their website just fine. Did the donation thing (even ordered a coffee cup!), entered my call for automatic fast LotW - but nothing on LotW.
I did all that after the QSO - anyone know if the auto fast LotW only works if you donated before the QSO? Will see if next QSO triggers LotW upload.
73 John K3TN
Hi John,
Thanks for your support. I see that your LoTW confirmation was uploaded 17 minutes after your QSO. It doesn't have a match on your end though. Double-check the time on your record and if it's still not working, send us a support ticket with the QSO details and we'll get it sorted out.
73,
Mike
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Does anyone know if I order an embroidered polo shirt from the astrids site does it count for a quick upload to LOTW???
Thanks
Trevor
Yes, but an order from Astrids won't get processed automatically for LoTW. Just send us a ticket and we'll get you in the system without delay.
73,
Mike
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Two items. Is Spit Point going to happen ?
If start time for low bands LP to WC is 1400Z ? Why not come up at 1230Z and try for midwest and southwest first ?
N5UD
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Two items. Is Spit Point going to happen ?
If start time for low bands LP to WC is 1400Z ? Why not come up at 1230Z and try for midwest and southwest first ?
N5UD
My understanding is that they were on 160 from around 1230 on this morning, with live coordination via the internet, and there was no propagation.
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Is there are a reason they aren't on 20m during their late afternoons/early evenings? If they did 20m phone, they may pick up lots of casual DXers from Asia who otherwise don't give a fig about rare ones but will certainly call because it is Heard Island.
I know at least one young ham who has been trying to work VK0 but has found the pileups overwhelming. I have been trying to wean him away from the 40m nets and feel VK0 might make a convert of him.
73 de Deepak VU2CDP
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Two items. Is Spit Point going to happen ?
If start time for low bands LP to WC is 1400Z ? Why not come up at 1230Z and try for midwest and southwest first ?
N5UD
My understanding is that they were on 160 from around 1230 on this morning, with live coordination via the internet, and there was no propagation.
They did the low band (160) chat room thingy ? "Do you hear me now "
I mean 80/40. I am east Texas. I might be too far east. But middle to west Texas should be in the grey line. Of course stations north too. Then it works across to Calif. If someone knows the sked. Then I make the effort to listen.
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Two items. Is Spit Point going to happen ?
If start time for low bands LP to WC is 1400Z ? Why not come up at 1230Z and try for midwest and southwest first ?
N5UD
My understanding is that they were on 160 from around 1230 on this morning, with live coordination via the internet, and there was no propagation.
They did the low band (160) chat room thingy ? "Do you hear me now "
I mean 80/40. I am east Texas. I might be too far east. But middle to west Texas should be in the grey line. Of course stations north too. Then it works across to Calif. If someone knows the sked. Then I make the effort to listen.
Yes. The low band chat room thingy. W6GX says he asked them to try 80, and they did, but apparently no joy there either.
Edit: one thing to be aware of is a limitation of DXA. It only shows them being active on a band once the first QSO is made. If they are listening, calling CQ, but not working anybody, it won't show up.
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I made my first attempt last night on 30 CW where they had a weak but clear signal for about 45 min. Then they faded and noise took over the band. No luck. Then just before going to bed I checked the cluster and someone had posted they were on 30m begging. I decided to try again and was surprised they were in there, very weak but readable. It took me all of two calls and before I knew it my call showed up in DXA!! Heard Is. is one that I really wanted and now I'm very happy. 30M CW about 0415 UTC was when I worked them. GL and 73.
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I made my first attempt last night on 30 CW where they had a weak but clear signal for about 45 min. Then they faded and noise took over the band. No luck. Then just before going to bed I checked the cluster and someone had posted they were on 30m begging. I decided to try again and was surprised they were in there, very weak but readable. It took me all of two calls and before I knew it my call showed up in DXA!! Heard Is. is one that I really wanted and now I'm very happy. 30M CW about 0415 UTC was when I worked them. GL and 73.
Shows what a little perseverance can do. I'm very glad you made your first QSO with Heard island. My 30 meter QSO was at 0417 UTC.
73,
Chris NU1O
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I made my first attempt last night on 30 CW where they had a weak but clear signal for about 45 min. Then they faded and noise took over the band. No luck. Then just before going to bed I checked the cluster and someone had posted they were on 30m begging. I decided to try again and was surprised they were in there, very weak but readable. It took me all of two calls and before I knew it my call showed up in DXA!! Heard Is. is one that I really wanted and now I'm very happy. 30M CW about 0415 UTC was when I worked them. GL and 73.
Congrats! I saw lots of "ATNO" comments last night so props to the team.
I think maybe Obie is sleeping off his QSO celebration. :)
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will keep trying, by the way congrats on VP8STI & VK0EK from the mobile - you must have a killer location you drive to HI HI 73 Dan WG5G.
[/quote]
On STI I first worked a 10M pirate. Thought I was done, but no. So I had to work them again before I left on a trip. That was 30M.
On SGI I had 4 diff bands in 2 hours.
I have one location that is good to the west. Another good spot for the north, but access to it has been flooded since last fall. Still is flooded. The real hot spot is Miss beach. Seldom get down there. The main thing is a quiet location. Can't work them if you can't hear them.
Did you try 30M last night 0400Z ?
N5UD
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I'm perfectly content with my one contact. Sights now set on JDN.
I would be also.
Obie N5VYS
I saw you go across last night. Congrats??
Thank you. a birthday gift?
Obie N5VYS
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First, congrats to Obie, I heard his qso, I did'nt hear them on 30 but called them for abt 1 hr on 20 between 0600 & 0730 last nite, I think if the bands recover some I'll get my qso, Obie lives in the same city as I so at least 1
San Antonian got thru, Tony I will keep trying 73 Dan WG5G.
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I made my first attempt last night on 30 CW where they had a weak but clear signal for about 45 min. Then they faded and noise took over the band. No luck. Then just before going to bed I checked the cluster and someone had posted they were on 30m begging. I decided to try again and was surprised they were in there, very weak but readable. It took me all of two calls and before I knew it my call showed up in DXA!! Heard Is. is one that I really wanted and now I'm very happy. 30M CW about 0415 UTC was when I worked them. GL and 73.
Congrats! I saw lots of "ATNO" comments last night so props to the team.
I think maybe Obie is sleeping off his QSO celebration. :)
No I was up before the crack of dawn as always!
Obie N5VYS
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First, congrats to Obie, I heard his qso, I did'nt hear them on 30 but called them for abt 1 hr on 20 between 0600 & 0730 last nite, I think if the bands recover some I'll get my qso, Obie lives in the same city as I so at least 1
San Antonian got thru, Tony I will keep trying 73 Dan WG5G.
Thanks Dan.
Obie N5VYS
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I think VK0EK's focus on 30 and 40 meters is very well reasoned. Everything NA is a least 3 hops away and the ionosphere just isn't up to supporting that on the high bands unless you have a very big gun. I have an all-seawater path to Heard, but it's more than 11000 miles away. 5 hops? 6? Nothing here above 30 meters. The ocean is a nearly perfect reflector; the ionosphere is not.
Even 40 meters is tough because there is very little time when part of the path isn't in daylight. 30 meters is what splits the difference: long enough wavelength to stay within the MUF; short enough to keep attenuation acceptably low.
I am hoping FT4JA runs a bunch of 30/40, especially long path. I easily worked them from Mayotte on 30 meters where I have a seawater long path. Odds are very much against working them short path; I think this will be true for most of West Coast NA.
73 and GL; Ken W7NUW
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Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
Thanks Frank and Rob! It was not all that "Pretty", but it's in the log. I am getting too damn old for fighting all this wall to wall DQRM crap. ;D
73, Gene AF3Y
Congratulations Gene! Breaking a big pileup to a rare country is a lot like playing sports. Perseverance has its rewards.
I can't count the number of times I've shut off the equipment due to DQRM. It's the worst part of this hobby and it's entirely avoidable.
73,
Chris NU1O
Thanks Chris..... I appreciate your comments. We obviously think alike on some things.
BTW, I will pick the Mets to win the NL, AGAIN, this year..
73, Gene AF3Y
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Big congrats to you Gene. I'm younger than you but the DQRM is also making me feel too old :D I may not jump in to work Juan de Nova until the dust settles.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Thanks Jonathan.... Hmmm, you know, you just MIGHT be wise beyond your years! ;)
73, Gene AF3Y
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First, congrats to Obie, I heard his qso, I did'nt hear them on 30 but called them for abt 1 hr on 20 between 0600 & 0730 last nite, I think if the bands recover some I'll get my qso, Obie lives in the same city as I so at least 1
San Antonian got thru, Tony I will keep trying 73 Dan WG5G.
Now Dan, come on. Obie got through. In the same city. It has to be your turn. You still have not heard them on 30M ? 0300Z - 0500Z ?
Gene, I knew you could do it.
73 Tony N5UD
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Is there are a reason they aren't on 20m during their late afternoons/early evenings?
Hi Deepak,
I've noticed that, too. They, for some reason, spend very little time on 20m. They do spend a lot of time on lower and ever higher bands, but for some reason they have not liked 20m so far. Every night I wait for them on 20m, hoping they would work RTTY, but so far no luck. RTTY has so far been limited to 40m and 15m.
Marvin VE3VEE
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When they are on 20m SSB 24/7 they are always making contacts. They come in for short periods to what seems like every part of the world at some hour during the day or night, yet as you stated at nights they move up to 17m, 15 and 12m to feed the already full bellies in the EU ??? ??? At only 33.6% Unique contacts, if one uses that against the latest club log numbers you find that roughly 2809 Hams in the USA are in the Logs and a whopping 161 Hams from SA. It seems they will be setting a new record for Unique contacts
73s
Rob
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Tony, after tmw, I'll be on vacation, it's been ruff trying to get up in the middle of the nite, my plan is to reorient my dipole cut it down from 40 to 30, spend the next week like a vampire - sleep in the day time, hunt at nite, I really think if the SF will turn around I have a good chance
on 20, I'm sure gonna try, thats all I can do, 73 Dan WG5G.
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Tony, after tmw, I'll be on vacation, it's been ruff trying to get up in the middle of the nite, my plan is to reorient my dipole cut it down from 40 to 30, spend the next week like a vampire - sleep in the day time, hunt at nite, I really think if the SF will turn around I have a good chance
on 20, I'm sure gonna try, thats all I can do, 73 Dan WG5G.
Many DXpeditions often ask for callers to stand by so they can listen specifically for QRP stations. Maybe VK0EK will find time to do that at this point in their operation (Rich?). Good luck Dan.
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They are asking for "ATNO only" now on 40CW. I am glad they are doing that, unfortunately (I guess) that means I am not upstairs sending this. But it is best that most people get SOMETHING as opposed to a few guys getting alot.
paul
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Tony, after tmw, I'll be on vacation, it's been ruff trying to get up in the middle of the nite, my plan is to reorient my dipole cut it down from 40 to 30, spend the next week like a vampire - sleep in the day time, hunt at nite, I really think if the SF will turn around I have a good chance
on 20, I'm sure gonna try, thats all I can do, 73 Dan WG5G.
Weak but Q5 on 20m cw right now, Dan. First time I've had anything close to a decent copy on 20m.
Nothing at all on the vertical.
GL
73, Tom
N5MOA
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1:28AM (0528z) not a peep anywhere ???
Maybe next time? :)
73'
Tom N3ZC
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No signal to speak of, but still solid copy in Texas on 20m cw.
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Yes, Marv. I am sure they have their reasons and conditions too aren't the best. There are unfair comparisons being made with FT4JA who are much closer to EU and seem to be making the most of the prop they are getting. If comparisons are to be made, then VK0IR is probably a better choice. I hope condx improve and they are able to strike a better balance between modes. Still need a few bands and one ssb QSO. Will be trying this weekend.
73, Deepak VU2CDP
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0825Z Still nothing heard here :)
GL
73' Tom N3ZC
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Congrats Gene, just heard your Q on 30M!
Frank, W1NK
Thanks Frank and Rob! It was not all that "Pretty", but it's in the log. I am getting too damn old for fighting all this wall to wall DQRM crap. ;D
73, Gene AF3Y
Congratulations Gene! Breaking a big pileup to a rare country is a lot like playing sports. Perseverance has its rewards.
I can't count the number of times I've shut off the equipment due to DQRM. It's the worst part of this hobby and it's entirely avoidable.
73,
Chris NU1O
Thanks Chris..... I appreciate your comments. We obviously think alike on some things.
BTW, I will pick the Mets to win the NL, AGAIN, this year..
73, Gene AF3Y
No two people agree on everything, Gene. Just look at how many husbands and wives vote for opposing political candidates which was relatively rare once upon a time. I'm sure we share many of the values we were taught playing sports.
It was actually a very mild winter up here but March seemed to last forever. I'm just looking forward to watching some baseball games. The Cubs are the favorites to win the World Series at 9 to 2. Your Mets are 10 to 1 and my BoSox are 12 to 1. That'll be a hell of a story if Theo Epstein is able to bring a World Series to the Cubbies after breaking the "Curse of the Bambino" up here in Boston. He'd be a lock for the Hall of Fame and he's only 42 which is still younger than the typical starting age for that job.
Enjoy the season and I hope your Mets have a good year just so long as they don't play Boston in the World Series. ;)
73,
Chris NU1O
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Tony, after tmw, I'll be on vacation, it's been ruff trying to get up in the middle of the nite, my plan is to reorient my dipole cut it down from 40 to 30, spend the next week like a vampire - sleep in the day time, hunt at nite, I really think if the SF will turn around I have a good chance
on 20, I'm sure gonna try, thats all I can do, 73 Dan WG5G.
Dan, if it drops some more ? It will be back to 1997 and VK0IR levels.
SFI=82 A=7 K=0 No Storms -> Minor w/G1
Looks like a good plan for this weekend and week. Also looks like no Spit Point.
GL with VK0EK
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Wow! I thought the high bands were a lost cause but a some guys in 1-land are having QSO's with VK0EK on 10M this morning, and I got them on 15M CW first call!
SSN is the lowest it's been so far this year. But.. K index is 0!
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A handful of stations from here in New England have worked them on 10 CW, but no copy here. Not even a hint.
73,
Chris NU1O
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Q5, no signal strength on 17m ssb, just came up a few minutes ago and glad my noise level is zero.
Working NA.
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Thanks, Mike - I re-uploaded that QSO and got the confirmation. Some sort of upload misfire on my end.
Thanks for the rapid response and the FB web site/QSL process.
73 John K3TN
Worked them on 30m earlier this week, QSO shows up on their website just fine. Did the donation thing (even ordered a coffee cup!), entered my call for automatic fast LotW - but nothing on LotW.
I did all that after the QSO - anyone know if the auto fast LotW only works if you donated before the QSO? Will see if next QSO triggers LotW upload.
73 John K3TN
Hi John,
Thanks for your support. I see that your LoTW confirmation was uploaded 17 minutes after your QSO. It doesn't have a match on your end though. Double-check the time on your record and if it's still not working, send us a support ticket with the QSO details and we'll get it sorted out.
73,
Mike
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Q5, no signal strength on 17m ssb, just came up a few minutes ago and glad my noise level is zero.
Working NA.
And now he is gone. Short window.
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I never heard them here in STX.Only noise,although it is a beautiful morning here.
Obie N5VYS
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Good morning Tom & Tony, yes they were Q5 from 0300 to 0600 last nite I was calling still no luck had a doctors appt this morning so was able to sleep in, hopefully we will have good cdx tonite
73 Dan WG5G.
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I never heard them here in STX.Only noise,although it is a beautiful morning here.
Obie N5VYS
It is about to thunderstorm again here. I was out but could not see a sunrise. Maybe that tequila would have helped ?
Nor hear VK0 early.
73 N5UD
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Good morning Tom & Tony, yes they were Q5 from 0300 to 0600 last nite I was calling still no luck had a doctors appt this morning so was able to sleep in, hopefully we will have good cdx tonite
73 Dan WG5G.
If that was 30M ? Then maybe it will help cutting and re-orienting the dipole later ?
I had two of those doc appts this week. Trying to get them all out of the way.
73 Tony N5UD
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I'm still hoping to make at least one phone contact for an ATNO. They were on 15 and 17 this morning +/- 1300z. Barely readable above the noise here in Virginia on a 5 band beam at 83 feet. However, heard a few 5's and 6's make contact. The bands are just not playing well lately. :(
73, Jim AB4D
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had a doctors appt this morning so was able to sleep in, hopefully we will have good cdx tonite
73 Dan WG5G.
I may have a doctor appt later this month when EP2A begins. I was unable to work EP6T last year.
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I never heard them here in STX.Only noise,although it is a beautiful morning here.
Obie N5VYS
It is about to thunderstorm again here. I was out but could not see a sunrise. Maybe that tequila would have helped ?
Nor hear VK0 early.
73 N5UD
The storms were to our north Tony, I only got much needed rain.I could hear the static crashes last night, which are still here.
Obie N5VYS
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17 SSB this morning for me. Not too to hard.
Very happy they are telling people not to dupe them by working unnecessary greenies. Makes it a wee bit easier.
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I should probably know this (but I don't).. What's a "greenie"?
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I'm still hoping to make at least one phone contact for an ATNO. They were on 15 and 17 this morning +/- 1300z. Barely readable above the noise here in Virginia on a 5 band beam at 83 feet. However, heard a few 5's and 6's make contact. The bands are just not playing well lately. :(
I needed them on 17m. Both their SSB and CW signals were experiencing QSB, but their CW signals were copiable throughout more of the cycle, and yielded a QSO at 1304Z after ~10 minutes of trying to break the pileup.
73,
Dave, AA6YQ (15 miles west of Boston, MA)
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For Jim, AB4D, and everyone else still looking for their first contact...it seems to me that around 0200 they are literally begging on 10.116 from here in EN90 on either of three simple wire antennas, one of which is a simple half-square that I made and worked them on. For the past three nights like clockwork, they've been s5+ and working anyone--including west of the Mississippi--and I dare say the 30m pileup has dwindled to give even qrp'ers a chance.
They were spotted late last night by locals on 20m cw, but nothing heard here on a hex beam at 40feet. Haven't been qrv early morning EST, but guess my point is not putting all my eggs in ANY higher bands when they seem like a slam dunk on 30m. FWIW...
73 Rob
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I should probably know this (but I don't).. What's a "greenie"?
It is reference to Clublog and the check mark one gets for a QSO. Some folks love them on EVERY DXpedition.
They have been few and far between from VK0EK down Texas way. Not all like up north or the coasts.
73 Tony N5UD /M
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I'm still hoping to make at least one phone contact for an ATNO. They were on 15 and 17 this morning +/- 1300z. Barely readable above the noise here in Virginia on a 5 band beam at 83 feet. However, heard a few 5's and 6's make contact. The bands are just not playing well lately. :(
73, Jim AB4D
Jim:
I noticed today that on 15 and 17 the they came out of the mud and were very strong for about 15m and then the sigs dropped again. If I hadn't been in the shack at the time, I would have sworn that the sigs were generally poor the whole morning.
Maybe you stepped out for a few minutes or ???. Hit and miss when sigs will pop up and I guess I was just lucky.
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A few guys in Dallas area worked them on 17ssb this morning 1230Z +/-, FYI.
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I recognize and appreiciate that word got to the Heard group and they started listening on 80 meters around 1345Z the last couple of days. I hope they worked some guys on the west coast. Unfortunately, they are not coming onto 80 meters early enough. By 1345Z, the sun is up here in Southeast Arizona and I do not have any chance of hearing the group.
I had my miracle and got them on 20 meters for a new band.
I will have a much better chance focusing my time on the FT4 group who I need on 40, 80, and 160. At least I will have some chance of getting thru to them.
I give up on Heard.
Art WA7NB
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very good copy 14.030 dn 1 not spotted yet
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very good copy 14.030 dn 1 not spotted yet
It would be nice if it was RTTY ;)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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10116 loud, best ever sig in DFW/NTX
NOW 0315Z
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Got them on 40m SSB at about 1330z this morming. Fairly easy, so it might take a better setup, but it can't hurt to listen.
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I just heard them on 17m for the first time. Just at the noise level....too weak to get it in the log. I saw my neighbor work him....and he has a Steppir. I have no gains on 17m and 12m. Bummer. Maybe my summer project is to put up a four element Steppir :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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very good copy 14.030 dn 1 not spotted yet
It would be nice if it was RTTY ;)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
I was just swl'n and thinking the same thing. I'd like to get RTTY before they leave, they haven't done much.
However, judging by the cluster comments, there were/are quite a few ATNO's gotten on 20m cw, so kudos to whatever brought their signal up tonight.
The ssb op was in-n-out of the noise. I thought the cw op might be a slim at first, he was 579 when I first heard him @02:49z. Loudest by far I've heard them yet. Down to 539 now.
I hope whenever they decide to do some 20m RTTY, they use the cw antenna. It was also stronger last night than the ssb op.
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20m ssb 190 listening 240-250
what happened to them working down and FT4 working up?
that will be a mess as FT4 moves up as his daylight hits!
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Rich,
What ever the boys are doing on 20m both CW and Phone starting around 0230z, Q5 in
Arizona and working a bunch, keep doing it!
Skew path from 60 to 180 degrees about the same signal strength.
Cheers
Henry NM6V
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The op was basically begging on 30 CW around 11pm my time tonight. For hoots and grins I called with the power almost all the way down, expecting nothing at all. Worked in two calls. I'm still stunned.
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12417508_10153674042943650_1510696312940607064_n.jpg?oh=ce8c46f5a83a1c57b3050f0b25863a5d&oe=578B019D)
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The op was basically begging on 30 CW around 11pm my time tonight. For hoots and grins I called with the power almost all the way down, expecting nothing at all. Worked in two calls. I'm still stunned.
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12417508_10153674042943650_1510696312940607064_n.jpg?oh=ce8c46f5a83a1c57b3050f0b25863a5d&oe=578B019D)
Now try the stunt again with your coax connected to the dummy load. I'll give you authorization to use my club call which is K0AB. And you may sign as K0AB/DUMMY ;D
It's about time for them to get on 30m RTTY. I'm bored out of my skull with nothing to work here...
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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And the news on their site is.....no Spit Bay.
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The op was basically begging on 30 CW around 11pm my time tonight. For hoots and grins I called with the power almost all the way down, expecting nothing at all. Worked in two calls. I'm still stunned.
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12417508_10153674042943650_1510696312940607064_n.jpg?oh=ce8c46f5a83a1c57b3050f0b25863a5d&oe=578B019D)
Good one.
What pwr was it do you think ?
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And the news on their site is.....no Spit Bay.
Latest news I heard from a credible source was that they are moving the entire camp to Spit Bay.
Sorry it's still April 1st here :D
73,
Jonathan W6Gx
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And the news on their site is.....no Spit Bay.
Which site ?
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VK0EK emerged from the noise on 160m around 0110Z. Still blown away by the rapid LoTW confirmations.
Up the band a bit, FT4JA was much louder, with a correspondingly larger pileup. I waited until ~0300Z to try, and got through 15 minutes later.
Nice to see 160m working well again...
73,
Dave, AA6YQ (near Boston)
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Good one. What pwr was it do you think ?
As it turned out, unfortunately it was a tad too high to really qualify as QRP: 8.8 Watts according to the K3S' display. I always thought QRP was 10W. Oh well, 100' of old crappy coax oughta be good for -4dB ;D
VK0EK emerged from the noise on 160m around 0110Z. Still blown away by the rapid LoTW confirmations.
Up the band a bit, FT4JA was much louder, with a correspondingly larger pileup. I waited until ~0300Z to try, and got through 15 minutes later.
Nice to see 160m working well again...
That's fantastic. Congrats! I heard a couple of dits from VK0 but that was it. I did hear the FT4 on 160 clearly for a few minutes and tried calling but no joy; then the bottom dropped out. Man, what I wouldn't do for a 160 QSO for each of them--or even one!
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No spit
http://vk0ek.org/2016/04/02/the-word-on-spit-2/ (http://vk0ek.org/2016/04/02/the-word-on-spit-2/)
Doesn't actually say NO but it's what they mean :(
(Still CQ CQ on 10116 )
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Just saw QRP'er WG5G made it on 20cw, CONGRATS, Dan ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Good going, Dan.
I'm still amazed at how much louder the cw station, 559, on 20m is over the ssb op, 5nothing.
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Tnx Paul & Tom, well I'm still shaking, they were s8 here at 170 degrees just a crushing signal compared to the ssb on 14.190, I was running 5.0 watts on the meter, was afraid to send /qrp,
funny thing again just like the 3C7A he kept calling W7 W7 then W7HG, I new I had him just had to reel him in like so mni times before. I saw the post abt Spit Bay but by the strength of their signals they must have done something, hell now I can chase FT4JA for a Marathon point.
By the way Heard was #344 all time/336 current + 330 current on cw 1 away from cw HR qrp,
If I can, think I'm gonna get some much needed sleep, hey Rich tnx.
73/72 Dan WG5G/QRP
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Tnx Paul & Tom, well I'm still shaking, they were s8 here at 170 degrees just a crushing signal compared to the ssb on 14.190, I was running 5.0 watts on the meter, was afraid to send /qrp,
funny thing again just like the 3C7A he kept calling W7 W7 then W7HG, I new I had him just had to reel him in like so mni times before. I saw the post abt Spit Bay but by the strength of their signals they must have done something, hell now I can chase FT4JA for a Marathon point.
By the way Heard was #344 all time/336 current + 330 current on cw 1 away from cw HR qrp,
If I can, think I'm gonna get some much needed sleep, hey Rich tnx.
73/72 Dan WG5G/QRP
Congrats!
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Have not seen Rich post here in a while has it gotten to much for him all the moans and requests, has to be the worst just of a DXpedition being the pilot/freshdesk guru :-)
As Jon said I wish the would do 30m RTTY until the end now to give everyone a shot at a digi QSO as apart for 20m I don't think I will get any more bands,
Trevor
EI2GLB
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...By the way Heard was #344 all time/336 current + 330 current on cw 1 away from cw HR qrp,
If I can, think I'm gonna get some much needed sleep, hey Rich tnx.
73/72 Dan WG5G/QRP
Dan, Congratulations !
If you are at 330 on CW you are not one away from HR. With the deletion of KH5K there are only 339 current entities so you have CW QRP DXCC HR if you apply.
73, Harry
WB3BEL
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To WB3BEL, Tnx I had to think abt it, last nite I was still lil excited when I posted, I forgot abt
KH5K being deleted so my DXCC/QRP totals should have read 344 all time, 335 current mixed,
& 329 current cw, tnx fer catching my error, 73 Dan WG5G
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Have not seen Rich post here in a while has it gotten to much for him all the moans and requests, has to be the worst just of a DXpedition being the pilot/freshdesk guru :-)
Trevor
EI2GLB
I think Rich is suffering from a case of "Battle Fatigue." :) He didn't make the band selections or the decision not to go to Spit but you can bet your last dollar he's hearing a lot of the flack. It's a thankless job.
73,
Chris NU1O
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"344 all time/336 current" QRP
Absolutely amazing Dan! :D I was hoping to wake up this morning and read here that you'd made it. Congrats!
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Good morning John, Tnx fer pullin fer me, I was really worried on this one but did'nt give up, correct total is 344/335 as I lost a point with the KH5K deletion, 73 Dan WG5G.
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Got 12m this morning. Barring a miracle on 10 or 160 that will be it from here.
JdN gets my focus now.
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We should all be more appreciative of what the guys on these teams suffer through for our benefit. I bet few of us know how much sweat is involved both on the stage and behind the scenes. I don't think I'd enjoy reading all the endless griping moaning and arm-chairing either.
Great job by the VK0EK team.
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They were real S9 here on 40cw last night with no preamp (s meter amplifier). But the craziness was just more than I could deal with. The qrm, and then they started working dwn/up at the same time. Giving the non extras a chance on 7036 - 7038. Got to be too much for this old bird. Good luck to all.
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Congratulation Dan, 5 watts very impressive.
Obie N5VYS
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very good copy 14.030 dn 1 not spotted yet
It would be nice if it was RTTY ;)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Yes, Jonathan, I am also hoping for them to surprise us one day and come on 20m RTTY. That's all I'm hoping for between now and the end of their expedition.
Marvin VE3VEE
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VK0EK emerged from the noise on 160m around 0110Z. Still blown away by the rapid LoTW confirmations.
Up the band a bit, FT4JA was much louder, with a correspondingly larger pileup. I waited until ~0300Z to try, and got through 15 minutes later.
Nice to see 160m working well again...
73,
Dave, AA6YQ (near Boston)
Dave, congrats to VK0EK on 160m! It looks like FT4JA & VK0EK worked each other on 160, too! They are in each-other's log.
Marvin VE3VEE
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Geo storm, F2 freq much higher than prior couple of weeks. Might be good time for 20/15 ssb?
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Current status from vk0ek.org
Dave, K3EL said the southern auroral oval is right over them – and with the Nullabor filling up like a lake – several antennas need some work.
2016-04-03 03:02:24Z: Curently we have stations on 20 (14027 dn 1 and 14190 dn 5) and 30 (10116, dn 1).
The ongoing major solar storm is killing propagation down here at latitude 53 S.
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Current status from vk0ek.org
Dave, K3EL said the southern auroral oval is right over them – and with the Nullabor filling up like a lake – several antennas need some work.
2016-04-03 03:02:24Z: Curently we have stations on 20 (14027 dn 1 and 14190 dn 5) and 30 (10116, dn 1).
The ongoing major solar storm is killing propagation down here at latitude 53 S.
Welcome to MY world! I saw that coming a couple of days ago and figured they'd be in for a rough weekend. Looks like they're still making a few contacts though, hang in there guys!
73
John VE8EV
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I'd love to an see auroral display !
I experienced a radio aurora on 2mtrs ssb/cw just once, sure sounded strange but made some good contacts.
73
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I'd love to an see auroral display !
I experienced a radio aurora on 2mtrs ssb/cw just once, sure sounded strange but made some good contacts.
73
If their skies are clear they should see a pretty spectacular light show.
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Au visible last night in ZL and VK
Kp6 earlier
def not good at 43S!
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didnt hear a peep from them this morning on 80m and 40m. they have been quiet just glad i have them already on 15m and 20m.
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No Spit Bay operation? Too bad! Most Californians have only 0 or 1 SSB contact.
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I heard them this evening weakly for the most part, on 20 CW working a few JAs.
Not hearing much at all from either DXpedition this afternoon/evening.
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Hope they continue to try 80cw an hour to an hour and a half before their sunrise. We got the vertical working,
since the dipole was not making it to Heard Island.
Hope they can recover the busted hard disk, since many still did not get a chance to redo their lost QSO.
Just wonder how expensive is the satellite packet link, given they are running it 24x7 for the entire duration of
the Dxped.
krish
w4vku
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Hope they continue to try 80cw an hour to an hour and a half before their sunrise. We got the vertical working,
since the dipole was not making it to Heard Island.
I got them on 80M early on... it felt easier than the other bands (mostly because of fewer kilocycle cops). I'm sure you can do it!
Hope they can recover the busted hard disk, since many still did not get a chance to redo their lost QSO.
Which Q's (band/day) were lost? I lost a 30M QSO the first night, due to some sort of computer problem on their end. But felt justified in duping them the next night.
Just wonder how expensive is the satellite packet link, given they are running it 24x7 for the entire duration of
the Dxped.
My understanding is that burst-mode satellite data traffic has reasonable rates, largely geared towards remote (I mean really "remote" as in thousands of miles from any commercial phone network) telemetry usage. I don't think they are on "24x7" I think there is a incremental log burst (anywhere between 1 and a dozen QSO's) once a minute or so.
"Full retail" for burst mode data on Iridium is about $1 per 1000 bytes. If there are 100,000 QSO's in total, and each was 10 bytes (compressed callsign + timestamp + band/mode), that works out to 1 Mbyte, or only $1000 at full retail for the entire DXpedition.
Reference: https://www.satellitephonestore.com/iridium-short-burst-data-service-plans
P.S. This is not a data plan you want to get for your kids to stream youtube videos :-)
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Just wonder how expensive is the satellite packet link, given they are running it 24x7 for the entire duration of
the Dxped.
Inmarsat provided all the connectivity for free in support of the science mission.
I don't think they are on "24x7" I think there is a incremental log burst (anywhere between 1 and a dozen QSO's) once a minute or so.
They are connected 24x7 with multiple IP connections.
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Bob KB1JZU
APRIL 1, 2016 AT 12:54 PM
Absolutely fantastic operation! Just worked them on 10 Meter CW. This makes 8 bands in addition to all modes from a medium size station in the Northeast USA. Didn’t think it was possible. Now I’m wishing that I had enough room for a 160 meter antenna.
I pulled this excerpt down from the VK0EK web sight. I am happy for this amateur who worked Heard on 8 bands.
Every Dxpedition has winners and losers. Unfortunately, for this one, the losers are in the the U.S. South West.
Im pretty sure this commenting amateur radio operator would have a very different opinion of the dxpedition if he lived here in Arizona. I'm also curious what his opinion will be when P5 comes on and he wont be able to get in over the west coast and JA wall.
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I doubt if I will ever work P5 unless it is a major DXpedition with big antennas. BS7H probably wont happen either.
Mark N1UK
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I doubt if I will ever work P5 unless it is a major DXpedition with big antennas.
Mark, I feel exactly the same. I don't stand a chance to make a P5 QSO during a small (Dom-like) operation. However, I don't much worry about P5. I'm positive, there will one day, sooner or later, during our lifetime, be a change in the political system that will allow even ham radio. It is just a matter of time. I much rather work any of the very rare island entities lower on the most wanted list than P5.
Marvin VE3VEE
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If you stick with it you will all work P5 and everything else.
When P5/4L4FN came up in 2001 the pileups were gargantuan, and extended 45Khz up. People laid in wait, big amps and yagis at the ready. His signal was weak from a vertical (as I remember it) and he certainly wasn't going to hear my Cushcraft R-8 vertical. I didn't even try; I couldn't even really hear him.
Then, one morning I was on 15 and was tuning through the RTTY segment. Someone was sending "P5P5P5P5...." for maybe a minute. "Some knucklehead", I thought but then I saw "CQ de P5/4L4FN up 1-2". Shocked, I didn't answer so he called CQ again and then I called and I got him. A pirate? No, the real thing.
Never, ever give up. I never thought I'd work Yemen; I hadn't in 50 years but then 7O6T happened. Disappointment is part of it; nobody gets them all every time.
Stay with it and believe! Maybe not today but, tomorrow, well, that may be a different story. There will be other opportunities but you've got to be in the game to work them.
GL es DX!
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I'd love to an see auroral display !
I experienced a radio aurora on 2mtrs ssb/cw just once, sure sounded strange but made some good contacts.
73
Paul, AU in Teaxs ? Well skip, maybe. The lights ? Best I ever saw was a red glow to the north back in 1989. I had my satellite gear back then. I worked 70 cm, and 2M stations by aiming. Stations north all over the midwest. The CW sigs sounded like pulsed white noise. Really strange.
I also had a 6el 6M yagi at 90 feet. On 6M one could understand the SSB signals, but they were heavily distorted.
As VK0...really stink signals in south and southwest. No 15 QSO stuff from here. One and done has been the norm. Certainly not hearing VK0 like EC and stations up north.
73 N5UD
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If every DXpedition could easily be worked on 10 bands and 3 modes with 5 watts and a coat-hanger from every other grid square on the planet, there would be few DXers (or DXpeditions).
For many ops, what makes DXing attractive -- and addictive -- is the challenging number of factors involved in making a DX QSO and (for those who care) getting it confirmed. Some of these factors are under the DXer's control, some can be overcome with skill/knowledge/experience, some can be influenced over time, and some are beyond anyone's control. Many of them aren't fair. You can work hard to improve your chances, but not to anywhere near 100%. The only way to prevail is with dogged persistence. Victory is thus all the sweeter when ultimately achieved.
When Cass WA6AUD (http://www.oocities.org/capecanaveral/1641/dxstories.html) spoke of true blue DXers, mysteries of the ages, and the eternal enigmas of DX, he was referencing the power of persistence over decades.
DX Is!
73,
Dave, AA6YQ
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Hope they continue to try 80cw an hour to an hour and a half before their sunrise.
krish
w4vku
I'm hoping the same, Krish. I enjoy adding to my 80m totals. Heard would be a very nice catch. I did hear them early on but family and work obligations have kept me away from the radio for several days. I see them spotted on 80m currently so perhaps they will be on tonight.
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I've yet to hear them on SSB. I've heard mist other dxpeds (even some others couldn't hear) but no joy with this one so far( I'm not a _._. ._ _ guy..never was :)
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Cass WA6AUD[/url] spoke of true blue DXers, mysteries of the ages, and the eternal enigmas of DX, he was referencing the power of persistence over decades.
I absolutely agree success in DX, or anything worthwhile, takes effort.
According to your quotation from WA6AUD, it takes a rather one-track mind to be a "true blue DXer". I have been licensed for 35 years, but there's no way I would have focused on ONE activity all those years. Much of that time I was very active in various other, non-amateur radio pursuits.
I'm rather amazed and a little shocked that I've been able to amass 323 entities and around 2000 Challenge points in my short DX-ing phase (eight years). In another ten years, I doubt I'll be as active on air as I have been lately, maybe not at all. The shine has come off it already.
A net has started up on 40 m, in which I sometimes participate, but the voices are starting to annoy me already. Now I'm going out to enjoy some Autumn sunshine, on my day off.
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Just worked them down 1 on 40m. No waiting.
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Just worked them down 1 on 40m. No waiting.
That's because all the DX'ers are in the pileup for FT4JA 80m :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I chased him (FT4JA) up and down the band I think he finally got tired and worked me, he wasn't saying NA only but he didn't work any EU in the 20 mins I was there,
I moved the feed point of my delta loop from the top to down near one corner and it made the difference from barely hearing VK0EK and FT4JA to working both tonight,
73
Trevor
EI2GLB
Just worked them down 1 on 40m. No waiting.
That's because all the DX'ers are in the pileup for FT4JA 80m :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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And here we go again, I don't hear them !
Obie N5VYS
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According to your quotation from WA6AUD, it takes a rather one-track mind to be a "true blue DXer". I have been licensed for 35 years, but there's no way I would have focused on ONE activity all those years. Much of that time I was very active in various other, non-amateur radio pursuits.
I'm rather amazed and a little shocked that I've been able to amass 323 entities and around 2000 Challenge points in my short DX-ing phase (eight years). In another ten years, I doubt I'll be as active on air as I have been lately, maybe not at all. The shine has come off it already.
Mirrors my experience almost exactly. I too have too many non-ham activities that I'm involved in to really be one of the truly hard-core DXers. I just got back into it three years ago and decided to start from scratch and despite my lackluster drive to work everything that comes along I'm still up to 303 entities (although not all confirmed as I've too many other things to do than sit around filling out QSL cards--all of my recent confirmations are LoTW).
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I chased him (FT4JA) up and down the band I think he finally got tired and worked me, he wasn't saying NA only but he didn't work any EU in the 20 mins I was there,
I moved the feed point of my delta loop from the top to down near one corner and it made the difference from barely hearing VK0EK and FT4JA to working both tonight,
73
Trevor
EI2GLB
Seem to remember best feed point is about 15-20% up from lower corner, something like that ;D
73
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I'd love to an see auroral display !
I experienced a radio aurora on 2mtrs ssb/cw just once, sure sounded strange but made some good contacts.
73
Paul, AU in Teaxs ? Well skip, maybe. The lights ? Best I ever saw was a red glow to the north back in 1989. I had my satellite gear back then. I worked 70 cm, and 2M stations by aiming. Stations north all over the midwest. The CW sigs sounded like pulsed white noise. Really strange.
I also had a 6el 6M yagi at 90 feet. On 6M one could understand the SSB signals, but they were heavily distorted.
As VK0...really stink signals in south and southwest. No 15 QSO stuff from here. One and done has been the norm. Certainly not hearing VK0 like EC and stations up north.
73 N5UD
No, no, I meant to be somewhere else to see it !!
1989, that's the one I worked on 2m ssb/cw but couldn't see anything given city lights etc. Didn't get any new grids, best dx was Chicago IIRC but it was fun to play ;D
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I'd love to an see auroral display !
I experienced a radio aurora on 2mtrs ssb/cw just once, sure sounded strange but made some good contacts.
73
Paul, AU in Teaxs ? Well skip, maybe. The lights ? Best I ever saw was a red glow to the north back in 1989. I had my satellite gear back then. I worked 70 cm, and 2M stations by aiming. Stations north all over the midwest. The CW sigs sounded like pulsed white noise. Really strange.
I also had a 6el 6M yagi at 90 feet. On 6M one could understand the SSB signals, but they were heavily distorted.
As VK0...really stink signals in south and southwest. No 15 QSO stuff from here. One and done has been the norm. Certainly not hearing VK0 like EC and stations up north.
73 N5UD
No, no, I meant to be somewhere else to see it !!
1989, that's the one I worked on 2m ssb/cw but couldn't see anything given city lights etc. Didn't get any new grids, best dx was Chicago IIRC but it was fun to play ;D
OK 1989. I was surprised that even 70 cm was involved. I too did mostly 2M. Then I decided to check 432 MHz. Gosh it was bouncing too.
Yes the red glow was low on the north horizon from east Texas. I have never seen real northern lights. Maybe someday I will have to make a trip near a pole ?
73
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3 day aurora forecast looks bad. Bummer!
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-3-day-forecast
Rich KB8GAE
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tough here havent heard them for a few days. glad i got my 15m and 20m contacts early.
re dx chasing i had one very solid year chasing dx very hard 2014 worked 210 all ssb 100w. that got my totals to a respectable level now at 260 and just moving along working what i can no huge towers here only 33'. im enjoying leaning and working with cw and rtty/digi my goal is 300 no rush any more is a bonus. africa is tough for me i'll hav eto wait till the next solar peak to get there but not unhappy.
now i'm waiting for macquarie so i can say i have worked every vk entity
cheer
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Haven't even heard them yet period? Might go find / watch a YouTube video of them so I can say I heard them :D
73'
Tom N3ZC
-
Now I can actually say I "heard" them on SSB ::)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ1MBBB6v-o
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Woo hoo! Got em' on 80m cw :) Nice sigs at their greyline.
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Woo hoo! Got em' on 80m cw :) Nice sigs at their greyline.
Congrats!!! That's what it took for me, too. Nice peak about 10 minutes after their sunrise and bingo!
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3 day aurora forecast looks bad.
It looks bad or good, depending on your aims! Those of us looking for Aurora are happy, while those of us trying to work HF DX wring our hands, and complain!
Another funny comment I've seen on the clusters: Heard Island should perhaps be re-named "Unheard Island" LOL!
I'm glad I worked them early, but there's still time for "different" propagation.
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3 day aurora forecast looks bad.
It looks bad or good, depending on your aims! Those of us looking for Aurora are happy, while those of us trying to work HF DX wring our hands, and complain!
Another funny comment I've seen on the clusters: Heard Island should perhaps be re-named "Unheard Island" LOL!
I'm glad I worked them early, but there's still time for "different" propagation.
this one I didn't struggle with but last few days they have been MIA on the polar path
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This has been the Not Heard DX-pedition for me.
Only this morning did I catch a hint of a signal on 15m RTTY. I had maybe 20% copy for about 30 minutes. There was no way it was going to happen.
-
This morning's VK0EK NA/SA rtty run on 15 was greatly hampered by continual callers and by fairly weak signals. The VK0 was struggling to work a WA5 who was being constantly stepped on by a 4. The VK0 then made an announcement for everyone except the WA5 to standby, that he would not work anyone else until he completed the QSO with the WA5.
The 4 still continued to call nevertheless, giving his call and sending "??" and his call yet again and again on top of the poor WA5, trying to steal the Q, pretending that the VK0 was coming back to him. The WA5 never did get his Q but, to the VK0's credit, neither did the 4.
Would any of us want this to happen to us? Would the 4 have liked it if the WA5 had done it to him?
What a sorry state of affairs!
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Lol Un-Heard Island :D
I have heard them several times, I even worked them on 30m but my call was so busted that I am not even going to bother write in about it because it might be conceived as an attempt at cheating.
The interesting thing was 5 days ago their signal on 17 and 15m SSB during sunrise was a workable 54 signal but the EU was pounding away at them and within 30 minutes they faded totally. I would say I got a good 15 minutes that they were really good but it was just too short.
Some of my friends have said the same thing, when the bands open just enough to work them it's a contest with the EU and you can never break through in those few minutes.
Anyway looking at the uniques number stat on clublog I suspect by time this Is over it will be in the high 20s. Everytme a station pops up in the DXA I type in the call and most people seemed to have worked them 5-9 times.
My suggestion to them is to turn those beams in some weird directions for a day and night and see if that makes a difference. Maybe they can work the path the ANZA net uses on 20m at 05:00Z and work the states and SA. At least it's an all water path even though it's much longer.
Anyway just throwing out ideas.
73
Rob
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Still have not heard them at all, period ??? I hear the Alpha Hotels yelling on their call freq.)! FT4JA sounded like a normal DXPED. I heard BS7H (on phone) more then these guys.. Glorioso had a better signal (just better prop. I guess)
Not whining, just sayin'...I'll get them eventually (Hopefully B4 they go QRT ;D )
GL
73'
Tom N3ZC
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Still have not heard them at all, period ??? I hear the Alpha Hotels yelling on their call freq.)! FT4JA sounded like a normal DXPED. I heard BS7H (on phone) more then these guys.. Glorioso had a better signal (just better prop. I guess)
Not whining, just sayin'...I'll get them eventually (Hopefully B4 they go QRT ;D )
GL
73'
Tom N3ZC
Hang in there Tom, hopefully you will get them. i know the feeling. Been there !
Obie N5VYS
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This morning's VK0EK NA/SA rtty run on 15 was greatly hampered by continual callers and by fairly weak signals. The VK0 was struggling to work a WA5 who was being constantly stepped on by a 4. The VK0 then made an announcement for everyone except the WA5 to standby, that he would not work anyone else until he completed the QSO with the WA5.
The 4 still continued to call nevertheless, giving his call and sending "??" and his call yet again and again on top of the poor WA5, trying to steal the Q, pretending that the VK0 was coming back to him. The WA5 never did get his Q but, to the VK0's credit, neither did the 4.
Would any of us want this to happen to us? Would the 4 have liked it if the WA5 had done it to him?
What a sorry state of affairs!
Well that's pretty much what happened to me during my only half good CW session. I think we were both weak and the OP was calling back the same two consecutive letters that I can only imagine another op also had in his prefix or suffix. In the end the VK0 operator combined what he could make out from the two and created a bad entry that showed up on the DXA and does not belong to anyone. This is the kind of thing that happens when stations are fading in and out of the ether and the DQRM on my end is deafening.
73s
Rob
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I guess us little guys, or areas with poor propagation need to use remotes. Check out K5XI.
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Right now on 40CW they are POUNDING in on 7013.5 Pile is not that bad....if you can hear em nows your time!!!
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Quite a good sig on 14.034 down 1
1 call.
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10.116 Mhz working NA. 2nd call 2 down. No pileup. Loud sigs tonight. GL
-
Weak signal work for me, but I got 30m on my newly minted dipole this evening at 0542z. It seems to be the "money band" if you don't have them anywhere yet.
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VK0EK is another dx'pedition that has poorly managed schedule and a poor understanding of propagation that i so typical of dxpeditions lately.
They seem to have 3 target (Europe, Japan and North America)areas and are chasing high QSO numbers in these areas rather than servicing needs fairly across the world.
While they are working stations in these 3 keys areas others in other areas of the world its a uphill battle. Theres plenty of propagation but again like many dxpeditions, they
too lazy to turn their beams or think that Japan represents Asia with an area that covers 2/3s of the worlds surface. How can you work Asia or any other area off the side of the beam?
The same goes for the South Americans who get the side of the beam while the lazy operators beams towards JA, USA, Europe and then calls for Africa, South America or VK or ZL with the beam side on. Nothing heard back to JA, Nothing Heard back towards Europe. What idiot operator thinks that beams have no side rejection?This geographic stupidity seems to be getting worst and it seems to inflict the biggest dx'peditions run lately. I have been reading the clusters and can understand the many complaints from the rest of the world. The operating practices are sometimes really dumb.
Another example of propagation stupidity is that VK0EK will be in a gray line path and still insist on working and selfishly concentrating on a pileup rather than the countries going into daylight. This is utter stupidity and selfishness to tell stations on the end of their peak while moving into daylight to standby. Who conceives this kind of operating practice and considers it fair? Then to make matter worst they only seem to want to come onto a darkness band and call CQ for Europe, USA and Japan and despite many countries and areas having propagation they just shut down in periods of darkness because they not getting QSO numbers in the 3 key areas. When are the rest of the world supposed to work the low bands if they not in the 3 key areas. Maybe they think other areas of the world can work lowband in daylight. This is monumental stupidity and selfishness on their part.
Then there is the short higher band openings on 10 and 12 meters where the window is barely 30 minutes yet they think the rest of the world has 6 hours of propagation like the JA's and Europe. Again ignorance of propagation, grayline peaks and geography. Numerous stations in Africa, Asia(not JA) South America, VK and ZL have had their hopes dashed by propagation incompetence in the goal for high QSO numbers rather than being fair to the majority. The Not Heard DX'pedition is appropriate because they cant even bother turning their beams or even standby for anything longer than 5 minutes for areas with high ham populations that have very short windows of opportunity.
Then there is the subject of SSB VS CW imbalance. Such a low level of SSB QSO's that is spread evenly across the band. Again they have the service mentality to the 3 key areas and then just shut down on SSB ignoring everyone else on SSB if you not in JA, NA and Europe. Their poor ssb QSO numbers is clear evidence of this.
I dont give a crap I dont chase DXCC awards I gave that up years ago and certainly dont need a QSO with Heard Island for anything. Its just disappointing to see their resources being squandered with such unfair operating practices and incompetent management of propagation. For such a major expedition that is so sort after their QSO numbers is terrible. They also dont have a sense of a balance of fairness. This dx'pedition will go down in ham radio history as one of the poorest on so many fronts. I cant see the point of having pilots and advisers when they dont want to listen to the free advice or dont want to be fair about their stupid operating practices.
The one good feature of this Dx'pedition is the DXA facility, this is brilliant. It would be nice if the DXA actually showed the frequency that they actually operating on , on the various bands. If they could have their pilots giving live feedback on propagation from the whole world this would eliminate this propagation stupidity that is on display from VK0EK.
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VK0EK is another dx'pedition that has poorly managed schedule and a poor understanding of propagation that i so typical of dxpeditions lately.
We'll be waiting for the dxpedition you'll be leading Zenki so you can show us how it's done!
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VK0EK is another dx'pedition that has poorly managed schedule and a poor understanding of propagation that i so typical of dxpeditions lately.
I am delighted to be on the other side of the world from VK0EK and have 5 bands. VK0EK has done superbly in milking every grey line opening for every QSO and unique call.
OTOH...(http://www.trailing-edge.com/zenki.png)
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"I don't give a crap". Why waste your time and ours?
VK0EK is another dx'pedition that has poorly managed schedule and a poor understanding of propagation that i so typical of dxpeditions lately.
They seem to have 3 target (Europe, Japan and North America)areas and are chasing high QSO numbers in these areas rather than servicing needs fairly across the world.
While they are working stations in these 3 keys areas others in other areas of the world its a uphill battle. Theres plenty of propagation but again like many dxpeditions, they
too lazy to turn their beams or think that Japan represents Asia with an area that covers 2/3s of the worlds surface. How can you work Asia or any other area off the side of the beam?
The same goes for the South Americans who get the side of the beam while the lazy operators beams towards JA, USA, Europe and then calls for Africa, South America or VK or ZL with the beam side on. Nothing heard back to JA, Nothing Heard back towards Europe. What idiot operator thinks that beams have no side rejection?This geographic stupidity seems to be getting worst and it seems to inflict the biggest dx'peditions run lately. I have been reading the clusters and can understand the many complaints from the rest of the world. The operating practices are sometimes really dumb.
Another example of propagation stupidity is that VK0EK will be in a gray line path and still insist on working and selfishly concentrating on a pileup rather than the countries going into daylight. This is utter stupidity and selfishness to tell stations on the end of their peak while moving into daylight to standby. Who conceives this kind of operating practice and considers it fair? Then to make matter worst they only seem to want to come onto a darkness band and call CQ for Europe, USA and Japan and despite many countries and areas having propagation they just shut down in periods of darkness because they not getting QSO numbers in the 3 key areas. When are the rest of the world supposed to work the low bands if they not in the 3 key areas. Maybe they think other areas of the world can work lowband in daylight. This is monumental stupidity and selfishness on their part.
Then there is the short higher band openings on 10 and 12 meters where the window is barely 30 minutes yet they think the rest of the world has 6 hours of propagation like the JA's and Europe. Again ignorance of propagation, grayline peaks and geography. Numerous stations in Africa, Asia(not JA) South America, VK and ZL have had their hopes dashed by propagation incompetence in the goal for high QSO numbers rather than being fair to the majority. The Not Heard DX'pedition is appropriate because they cant even bother turning their beams or even standby for anything longer than 5 minutes for areas with high ham populations that have very short windows of opportunity.
Then there is the subject of SSB VS CW imbalance. Such a low level of SSB QSO's that is spread evenly across the band. Again they have the service mentality to the 3 key areas and then just shut down on SSB ignoring everyone else on SSB if you not in JA, NA and Europe. Their poor ssb QSO numbers is clear evidence of this.
I dont give a crap I dont chase DXCC awards I gave that up years ago and certainly dont need a QSO with Heard Island for anything. Its just disappointing to see their resources being squandered with such unfair operating practices and incompetent management of propagation. For such a major expedition that is so sort after their QSO numbers is terrible. They also dont have a sense of a balance of fairness. This dx'pedition will go down in ham radio history as one of the poorest on so many fronts. I cant see the point of having pilots and advisers when they dont want to listen to the free advice or dont want to be fair about their stupid operating practices.
The one good feature of this Dx'pedition is the DXA facility, this is brilliant. It would be nice if the DXA actually showed the frequency that they actually operating on , on the various bands. If they could have their pilots giving live feedback on propagation from the whole world this would eliminate this propagation stupidity that is on display from VK0EK.
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It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
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I feel very fortunate to be in the log for a new one. That said it's been a tough ride for CO and I don't know of a single station here that has worked them above 20M on any mode. Not K8ZTT, not N0UN, W0LSD, W0BV, K0RS, and not even (gasp) W6GX.
I do wish they'd consider a good run of RTTY on 30 and/or 40 to give those in the rf shadows a shot at a RTTY QSO since it ain't gonna happen on 15.
GL to all!
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~2k RTTY qso's is very poor from 2 weeks of activity time the did 30m RTTY all the time until the finish,
No point sending it to the freshdesk as they don't listen.
Trevor
EI2GLB
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Rich, I didn't get a penguin hat! >:( ;D
Love the pic :)
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/10399825_1091421274237395_4513578144360037972_n.png?oh=75f43799e0bcf7b4f4398a28be91f43c&oe=57BC0B76)
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:D
Wasn't there a fairly animated discussion here once upon a time about "DX welfare"?
:D
I tried to correlate all the calls on the hats to something but couldn't find it...
73
John VE8EV
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That is a great graphic!
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I do wish they'd consider a good run of RTTY on 30 and/or 40 to give those in the rf shadows a shot at a RTTY QSO since it ain't gonna happen on 15.
Sometime other than 09:00z-14:00z would be nice, too. I heard a few diddles on 40m the first couple of day they were on the air in our early evening, but not enough to get a good print or call.
I got lucky one morning @12:30z and happened to be at the radio during a 15 minute window of 43 copy on 17m ssb. It took about 4 back and forths for him to get my call, but he finally did. Not a thing on any band higher than that at any time.
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Well looking at the DXA it seems they have all but given up on trying to reach new people and seem to be content to sit on the Low bands and work the EU during the night and then the EU and JA on the upper during the days. Just saw a station make his 14th contact. I think those cartoon Penguins should be drawn with the feeding line circling the tent in a loop.
Re Zenki:
I made a suggestion in an earlier post that they try different beam headings and try using the times and maybe the paths that the ANZA net uses. It was interesting to find that they evidently tried that one day, well at least the time, I doubt they moved the beam and well here are the results.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrc35HkLw9k
Why they are not trying to use 20m at 05:00Z more often is beyond me. I have gotten so many contacts from New Zealand and Antarctica bases during that time period.
73s
Rob
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Counting the Contacts Shaun The Sheep Style:
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yj6Ru3TUcWY/VikeKR8FB9I/AAAAAAAAw5Q/8mSsbgVYvbQ/s1600/shaun%2Bthe%2Bsheep15.jpg)
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I got 'em last on on 40CW at about 0300Z with only a handful of guys I could hear in the pileup. Got em after only a few calls with my dipole. I would think with effort most people could get one QSO on 40 or 30.
paul
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Most people don't have a good antenna for 30m and even if you whip up a quick Dipole I don't think it's going to make a difference. This DXpedition is either workable from your location with just a Dipole or it is not! I have a 30m/40m rotatable Dipole and I can barely hear them much less work them.
Just in case someone at VK0EK is listening, I repeat.
I made a suggestion in an earlier post that they try different beam headings and try using the times and maybe the paths that the ANZA net uses. It was interesting to find that they evidently tried that one day, well at least they tried the time, I doubt they moved the beam and well here are the results.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrc35HkLw9k
Why they are not trying to use 20m at 05:00Z more often is beyond me. I have gotten so many contacts from New Zealand and Antarctica bases during that time period.
73s
Rob
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Look for 30m RTTY this evening.
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I've successfully told two local hams how to work them. ;D
I've worked them with a 43' dipole on 40, a 40' center fed dipole on 30, and a half wave dipole on 17M.
I already have Heard on 20SSB, so I see no reason to work them on 20 or SSB.
Zack W1VT
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Propagation to VK0EK has been interesting. So far I have worked them on 40, 30, and maybe 20 (still hoping for the broken computer there to be fixed!).
On 30 I actually did "whip up a quick dipole" between trees in order to work them (actually it was a 120' EDZ). When I worked them on 30 and 40 they had a reasonable signal here- even 569 on 30m. But that was last week before the geomagnetic storm hit. Since then their signal has never come back up here. I think they have had a good signal on the east coast mostly because that path avoids more of the southern auroral region- for the middle of country that is not the case!
Tor
N4OGW/5
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and maybe 20 (still hoping for the broken computer there to be fixed!).
me too
Mark N1UK
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No yagis here. 4 bands worked.....
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Just got them on band 4 with wires--80M CW. ;D
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I feel very fortunate to be in the log for a new one. That said it's been a tough ride for CO and I don't know of a single station here that has worked them above 20M on any mode. Not K8ZTT, not N0UN, W0LSD, W0BV, K0RS, and not even (gasp) W6GX.
I do wish they'd consider a good run of RTTY on 30 and/or 40 to give those in the rf shadows a shot at a RTTY QSO since it ain't gonna happen on 15.
GL to all!
Thanks team!
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Thanks team!
Wow. My prayer has been answered. A nice score for the Colorado home team :)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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Thanks team!
Wow. My prayer has been answered. A nice score for the Colorado home team :)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
One of the few instances recently where I was in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. I feel so lucky.
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Glad to see they are running some 30m RTTY tonight, and a few are getting qsos.
I'd be even gladderer if I could hear him. :P
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Where's that dancing horse?
Just worked on 30m RTTY. First time I've heard them above a whisper.
YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Where's that dancing horse?
Just worked on 30m RTTY. First time I've heard them above a whisper.
YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp30/k0yq/zebra_zpsolaagrsw.gif)
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Glad to see they are running some 30m RTTY tonight, and a few are getting qsos.
I'd be even gladderer if I could hear him. :P
So would I.
Obie N5VYS
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30m RTTY signal started slowly creeping up @04:00Z, Obie.
I finally had enough print to call and snag a qso shortly after 05:00z this morning.
73, Tom
N5M0A
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The only band I have never been able to hear them is 10 m. I'm at 37 degrees latitude, so guess I'm too far south. Others well north of here seem to have managed 10 m QSO. Given the current conditions, I don't expect to hear them on 10 m. Or any DX, on 10 m for that matter. Not a peep from FT4JA on 10 m either.
No chance to work them in stupid RTTY so far. Not that I particularly care about that, but I might later...
So, from my point of view, they've been doing a great job, and have exceeded my expectations.
Good luck to those still wanting.
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Nice sigs on 17m in Northern NJ this morning. Took maybe 5 or 10 mins and they were in the log for another band :)
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Why does VK0EK seem to avoid using 20 meters in North America's morning? VOACAP shows a 95% level of confidence at 1200 UTC but I can't recall the expedition using that opening to work NA. They opt for the early morning opening on 20 (0300 to about 0500). Seems to me both openings should be used. One other advantage of using 20 as opposed to the WARC bands is more DXers have beams for 20 meters as opposed to beams on the WARC bands. I use my tribander with a transmatch on 12 and 17 meters.
73,
Chris NU1O
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30m RTTY signal started slowly creeping up @04:00Z, Obie.
I finally had enough print to call and snag a qso shortly after 05:00z this morning.
73, Tom
N5M0A
Congrats Tom and watching DXA last night there were LOTS of familiar call signs scrolling by with their first Dxpedition RTTY QSO. They were never solid copy here, but enough print with multiple decoders to squeeze in on the peaks. I just got dumb lucky to sneak in right when they first came up, and my exchange got completely wiped out by simplex callers. I knew they called me but never saw the confirmation.
TU again to the team for the opportunity and hope they run that shift again tonight.
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Glad to see they are running some 30m RTTY tonight, and a few are getting qsos.
I'd be even gladderer if I could hear him. :P
So would I.
Obie N5VYS
They made 251 Qs l was not one of them. The 30 propagation of a week ago was not there last night. I talked with a Buddy in South Carolina who said they were an honest S7...
Makes me wonder how different it would have been if Spit were on the air?
Speaking of which, what have they done with this 3 stations??? Why aren't they on the air?
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Speaking of which, what have they done with this 3 stations??? Why aren't they on the air?
If I'm not mistaken, I think this was also a scientific expedition so all of their operators may not be available all the time
http://www.heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_about.html
From their site:
"Thus, one of the major goals of the expedition is to discover and document the missing species in order to extend the known biodiversity of this extremely isolated, extremely severe ecosystem. The second major goal is to develop, deploy, and operate an innovative communications system to enable radio amatuers worldwide to make a confirmed contact with Heard Island, and to provide real-time links to the internet for safety, scientific collaboration, and public information."
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By now, I believe everyone should have had a decent chance for at least one Qso with VK0EK. While it's true that some geographic areas have been much more successful than others, 30m band delivered somewhat equal opportunity for a Qso to almost all of us. Could VK0EK have been a much better operation? I think so. But it could have been absolutely much worse if there was no VK0EK operation at all. Heard island is a special place for us in the amateur radio world and we should cherish this unique opportunity provided to us by the VK0EK team.
73 Dragan K0AP
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30m RTTY signal started slowly creeping up @04:00Z, Obie.
I finally had enough print to call and snag a qso shortly after 05:00z this morning.
73, Tom
N5M0A
Thanks Tom, I shut down too soon, I went to forty to try to get them, but no joy.
Maybe today, after the SPURS game !
Obie N5VYS
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They were never solid copy here, but enough print with multiple decoders to squeeze in on the peaks.
I had 3 decoders running, and was switching to my 160m inverted-L for receive, to get enough print to tell who they were calling.
I only hot switched once. :P
TU again to the team for the opportunity and hope they run that shift again tonight.
+2. It would seem the best chance for middle-to-west of the U.S. ops to have a shot at a RTTY qso.
Thanks Tom, I shut down too soon, I went to forty to try to get them, but no joy.
Maybe today, after the SPURS game !
Obie N5VYS
They weren't as loud as they have been, but did get to a workable level. Just took a while.
Good luck.
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By now, I believe everyone should have had a decent chance for at least one Qso with VK0EK...
73 Dragan K0AP
If only that were true of me here on Oregon... Very difficult to even hear them using vertical, and not beam on tower...
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They were never solid copy here, but enough print with multiple decoders to squeeze in on the peaks.
I had 3 decoders running, and was switching to my 160m inverted-L for receive, to get enough print to tell who they were calling.
I only hot switched once. :P
TU again to the team for the opportunity and hope they run that shift again tonight.
+2. It would seem the best chance for middle-to-west of the U.S. ops to have a shot at a RTTY qso.
Thanks Tom, I shut down too soon, I went to forty to try to get them, but no joy.
Maybe today, after the SPURS game !
Obie N5VYS
They weren't as loud as they have been, but did get to a workable level. Just took a while.
Good luck.
Great idea !
Obie N5VYS
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This is from Radio Team Leader Dave, K3EL:
http://vk0ek.org/2016/04/07/final-days-of-vk0ek-atno-days/ (http://vk0ek.org/2016/04/07/final-days-of-vk0ek-atno-days/)
We are approaching our last weekend on Heard Island. One of our objectives is to give an All-Time New One (ATNO) to as many DXers as possible (we all like band-fills but they don’t give the same thrill as a first contact with an entity). To support this goal, we will be taking the following measures:
- We will identify some of our operating positions as “ATNO Stations” that will be specifically asking for ATNO contacts or new mode contacts during the upcoming weekend (Heard Island time). Please only call these stations if a QSO with Heard Island gives you an All-Time New One or a new mode. Watch the message box in DXA for instructions and information. We will post information regularly on bands / modes where the ATNO stations are operating.
- Weather-permitting, we will extend our stay, with the final day of radio operation being 11th April and departure on the 12th.
-
-
This is from Radio Team Leader Dave, K3EL:
http://vk0ek.org/2016/04/07/final-days-of-vk0ek-atno-days/ (http://vk0ek.org/2016/04/07/final-days-of-vk0ek-atno-days/)
We are approaching our last weekend on Heard Island. One of our objectives is to give an All-Time New One (ATNO) to as many DXers as possible (we all like band-fills but they don’t give the same thrill as a first contact with an entity). To support this goal, we will be taking the following measures:
- We will identify some of our operating positions as “ATNO Stations” that will be specifically asking for ATNO contacts or new mode contacts during the upcoming weekend (Heard Island time). Please only call these stations if a QSO with Heard Island gives you an All-Time New One or a new mode. Watch the message box in DXA for instructions and information. We will post information regularly on bands / modes where the ATNO stations are operating.
- Weather-permitting, we will extend our stay, with the final day of radio operation being 11th April and departure on the 12th.
-
Great! THANKS!!! Hope I finally get them... Been on 30 every morning from Oregon...
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Whats kind of interesting is that if you go on youtube and listen to the approx 10 videos across various bands of them in SSB, they are weak no matter were you are. I was surprised to see such low 52-53 signals into the EU and JA. Only one guy had them 58 and I don't remember where he was located.
73s
Rob
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I heard them for the first time on phone tonight on 40. They weren't real strong.. lots of qsb. With maybe 15 mins of trying I made it through for a new mode.
I can't find their 30m rtty sig in their pileup. Lots of stations seemed to be transmitting right on top of them
-
Now QRV until April 11, from DXA:
"2016-04-08 03:03:26Z:
VK0EK will be staying one more day to help you get that ATNO.
Please refresh your browser to show the new date."
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Now QRV until April 11, from DXA:
"2016-04-08 03:03:26Z:
VK0EK will be staying one more day to help you get that ATNO.
Please refresh your browser to show the new date."
Perhaps they will have an ATNO day or weekend for the folks still needing them?
-
Now QRV until April 11, from DXA:
"2016-04-08 03:03:26Z:
VK0EK will be staying one more day to help you get that ATNO.
Please refresh your browser to show the new date."
Perhaps they will have an ATNO day or weekend for the folks still needing them?
that's the plan, to have several stations for ATNO. The atno stations will be listed on DXA. Interestingly, they allow a new mode as well.
Ray
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Now QRV until April 11, from DXA:
"2016-04-08 03:03:26Z:
VK0EK will be staying one more day to help you get that ATNO.
Please refresh your browser to show the new date."
Perhaps they will have an ATNO day or weekend for the folks still needing them?
that's the plan, to have several stations for ATNO. The atno stations will be listed on DXA. Interestingly, they allow a new mode as well.
Ray
That is great, hopefully those that still need them can get them.
I am quite satisfied with my 'fill' so far. A rtty Q would be nice but otherwise I am about done unless I can hear em on 15,12 or 10. I'll gladly step aside for an ATNO day.
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Hopefully the 10m station isn't "atno." I need them on 10.
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Hopefully the 10m station isn't "atno." I need them on 10.
They've only made about 4% of their QSOs on 10 meters. I'd pick the most productive bands if I was trying to hand out ATNOs. 30, 40, and 15 meters have been their most productive bands.
73,
Chris NU1O
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10 m has been flat-line here for quite some time.
I'm just not hearing ANY DX on that band!
It seems to be working from both big DXpeditions to many parts of Europe and Asia, just nothing at all here on a 4 element yagi.
Oh well...
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Hopefully the 10m station isn't "atno." I need them on 10.
As do I. Although I give myself a less than 1% chance of getting it. ::)
Ray
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Having gotten only one Q (30m RTTY), I'd like to get them on SSB. I just don't see it happening. There hasn't been a single band that I've been able to hear an SSB signal from them.
Oh, to have a tower and a beam.... not in this lifetime.....
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Hopefully the 10m station isn't "atno." I need them on 10.
As do I. Although I give myself a less than 1% chance of getting it. ::)
Ray
I heard them once on 10 but too weak to work. I pretty much agree with your odds but I'd make them longer. I'd put the odds at between 1 in 500 and 1 in 1,000 for somebody with a moderately sized tribander and full power between now and QRT.
73,
Chris NU1O
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They specifically stated that a bandfill isn't an ATNO. Only ATNO or new mode.
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They specifically stated that a bandfill isn't an ATNO. Only ATNO or new mode.
But only on designated station as listed on DXA. Those needing ATNO should monitor DXA.
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They specifically stated that a bandfill isn't an ATNO. Only ATNO or new mode.
But only on designated station as listed on DXA. Those needing ATNO should monitor DXA.
Correct! I imagine that if 10 somehow miraculously opens it won't be the ATNO station. :)
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I finally, got them on 40 Phone. I looked on VK0EK's log, and it shows a contact for both phone and CW on 40, but I haven't tried to work them on CW. I want to try CW on 40 and RTTY on 30 if conditions cooperate. However, I am concerned, based on the ATNO only. If I make it through the pile up, I hope they don't toss out a CW contact with me, thinking it's a dupe.
Jim AB4D
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I wonder if this weekend they will finally come up on 20m RTTY for the first time?
73
John VE8EV
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Finally worked them last night on 30m RTTY, a bit after 0600z watery signal but printed ok. One call and done. Never give up and expect the unexpected.
Good luck to those that still need them.
From behind the volcano, Cheers
Henry NM6V
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Not saying this is anyone's fault. The worst signals I have experienced from any major DX-pedition in 50 years. I am glad EC and WC can get them easy. Sigs totally stink in the south and southwest.
This was my 3rd Heard island DXpedition to work. I need a few band fills, after I got the mobile QSO. Scant few of those. I did not burn the mid night oil looking for them. 30 of course was the money band. 40 had good sigs at times. I did not need 40M.
12M QSO was like a fluke one morning early on.
80M has been dead to here after the first couple of days. Only heard a few minutes for 2 days.
Heard not heard by me in Texas on 10,15,17,20
Maybe January is the proper time to activate Heard ?
FT4JA has been quite a contrast. Even hearing them for long periods on 80M. I have heard them on all bands but 160M. I don't have a 160M antenna.
N5UD
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You do realize that FT4 is an entirely different game than VK0. FT4 is basically ZS. VK0 is much further east and much further south.
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Tear down has started, it's the beginning of the end....
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Never heard them but my effort was a 2 on a scale of 1 - 10
Tom N3ZC
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I know this is off topic and kind of a silly question, but, does anyone know how many Heard Island activations have been made since the mid 60's
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Have a look here all the deails are there,
http://clublog.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/95157-vk0-h-heard-island
TRevor
EI2GLB
I know this is off topic and kind of a silly question, but, does anyone know how many Heard Island activations have been made since the mid 60's
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Have a look here all the deails are there,
http://clublog.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/95157-vk0-h-heard-island
TRevor
EI2GLB
I know this is off topic and kind of a silly question, but, does anyone know how many Heard Island activations have been made since the mid 60's
It's pretty amazing how many activations there were right up until the late 80's. 5 in the 40's, 8 in the 50's, 4 in the 60's, 2 in the 70's and finally 8 in the 80's. Then it is just one in the 90's and now the current one.
I would guess it was a mix of single operators perhaps on scientific missions and larger scale expeditions?
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Thanks guys, wow had no idea there were so many. I was pretty much qrt for most of the 80's no more hoa's condos, city dwelling for me!
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i was lucky and got 15m and 20m cw and ssb for both i though i would have had a great shot on 40m never seriously heard them on 40m 80m was a dream only a few dits. i havent heard Heard properly for over 1 week. i'm just happy i got them and qualified for our local worked all vk call area's award where you need to have vk0 antartica and either vk0-h or vk0-m.
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Not a peep in STX tonight on 30 RTTY, oh well such is life.
Thanks for the ATNO !
Obie N5VYS
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Not a peep in STX tonight on 30 RTTY, oh well such is life.
Thanks for the ATNO !
Obie N5VYS
Locals around DFW the other night were getting thru' on 30rtty around 0430-0500 +/- so it's not over yet !
73, gl
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piling in on 17 SSB this evening ....
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I checked grid square mileage from my QTH: to Heard Island 10,800
To Juan De Nova 9,600.
Both are a long way from Texas.
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Distance is one measure. Beam heading is an effect. JDN is due east of you. VK0 is due south significant implications (not to mention that big-assed mountain)...
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Paradoxically, VK0EK has been so hard for many that it is way easier for me to crack the pileups than FT4JA. Turn on the radio, work them in a few minutes, then log into DXA3! ;D
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http://clublog.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/95157-vk0-h-heard-island
I know this is off topic and kind of a silly question, but, does anyone know how many Heard Island activations have been made since the mid 60's
It's pretty amazing how many activations there were right up until the late 80's. 5 in the 40's, 8 in the 50's, 4 in the 60's, 2 in the 70's and finally 8 in the 80's. Then it is just one in the 90's and now the current one.
I would guess it was a mix of single operators perhaps on scientific missions and larger scale expeditions?
http://www.ats.aq/e/ats_environ.htm (http://www.ats.aq/e/ats_environ.htm)
It would appear that in 1991 regulations concerning environmental protection may have made it more difficult to get "permission(s)." I know from info we received through conversations with DoC officials, etc.. while preparing for ZL9 in 2012, there is a fear of boats/ships causing a man-made disaster by going aground and rupturing diesel on a pristine beach. Clean-up and damage to wildlife would be difficult to manage. If many governments had their way, only boats controlled/owned by one of the governments that have territory in the region would be allowed traverse the area. They would like to prohibit privately owned vessels from the region.
Interesting stuff....
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The 2 "Biggies" wrapping up. Hope everyone got at least one Q.
I only got one for Heard and finally one for Juan de Nova.
Not as much as I wanted, but still batting 1000 on expeditions I have tried to work.
DXCC 326 & 327! ( 324 & 325 Current.)
73, Gene AF3Y
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Not a peep in STX tonight on 30 RTTY, oh well such is life.
Thanks for the ATNO !
Obie N5VYS
Sorry you didn't get your RTTY Q. I did manage...though it was extremely tough. Like my 30m CW Q, I had to sit and listen for hours until they suddenly became audible enough to copy. Called once or twice and made it in the log...and then they went back into the mud again a minute or two later.
Both openings I had to VK0 lasted maybe 5-10 minutes, and only on 30m. Never heard them on any other band.
Had much better luck with FT4JA - 4 bands and 3 modes. Was great to work two ATNOs.
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DXA countdown timer has reached 0 no sign of any new QSO's being logged are they QRT ???
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Message says "Refresh your browser to get the updated end date/time"
Now showing less than 24 hours to go.
Still time to do a bit of 20m RTTY!
73
John VE8EV
edit: Message was from hours ago but I just clicked on refresh and now showing only 6 hours left!
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Shows Zero here, they were afraid of 20m hardly going to bother with it now,
Message says "Refresh your browser to get the updated end date/time"
Now showing less than 24 hours to go.
Still time to do a bit of 20m RTTY!
73
John VE8EV
edit: Message was from hours ago but I just clicked on refresh and now showing only 6 hours left!
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As of right now April 10th at 18:21Z the clock is showing 22hr 38min Left.
73s
Rob
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Strange. Either way, it seems as though they're basically done.
(http://www.qsl.net/ve8ev/Untitled.jpg)
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22hrs to go, 75,320+ QSOs, 40m RTTY only station showing.
What's with the "afraid of 20m" comment ?
From DXA:
2016-04-10 18:25:39Z: Operations through the Heard Island night may be sporadic. We have only one station, and the ops are getting some sleep before the big day tomorrow. We'll try to be on the air some tonight.
Weather is clear, cool, and not too windy. Great views of the Milky Way and the large and small Magellanic clouds, from some of the darkest skies in the world.
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They seem to be avoiding 20m should be on it 12-18hrs a day not just in the morning to work West coast NA and then QSY to the high bands,
Not that I have a problem with them looking for the West coast but the could have given us all a chance on 20m,
Trevor
22hrs to go, 75,320+ QSOs, 40m RTTY only station showing.
What's with the "afraid of 20m" comment ?
From DXA:
2016-04-10 18:25:39Z: Operations through the Heard Island night may be sporadic. We have only one station, and the ops are getting some sleep before the big day tomorrow. We'll try to be on the air some tonight.
Weather is clear, cool, and not too windy. Great views of the Milky Way and the large and small Magellanic clouds, from some of the darkest skies in the world.
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They seem to be avoiding 20m should be on it 12-18hrs a day not just in the morning to work West coast NA and then QSY to the high bands,
Not that I have a problem with them looking for the West coast but the could have given us all a chance on 20m,
I know that, for example, they were on 20 meter CW last Sunday with a beam pointing at EU, calling CQ for 8 hours with zero responses. If the band isn't open, it isn't open.
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If that's the case well fair enough can't ask for much more,
They seem to be avoiding 20m should be on it 12-18hrs a day not just in the morning to work West coast NA and then QSY to the high bands,
Not that I have a problem with them looking for the West coast but the could have given us all a chance on 20m,
I know that, for example, they were on 20 meter CW last Sunday with a beam pointing at EU, calling CQ for 8 hours with zero responses. If the band isn't open, it isn't open.
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I'm stoked! :)
73'
Tom N3ZC
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I'm very disappointed. :-[
It is tough here in the Midwest/Great Lakes to work DX in Asia and Pacific, so not surprising with the propagation that I never heard Heard.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when I did see them spotted (not much), it was typically to Europe, or on 10 and 18 MHz. Am I in the minority that I just have a tribander for 10/15/20 and a wire for 40/80? And no antenna that loads on 10 and 18 MHz? Since DX contests are on 10/15/20/40/80, shouldn't a DXpedition focus on those bands, and not seemingly avoid them?
I feel guilty being critical of DXpeds who make great sacrifices to get there. Nonetheless, I am disappointed that I only got 1 QSO with FT4JA, and missed the other two big ones earlier this year as well as VK0EK.
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An elmer (now silent) told me probably 15 years ago:
"The DXer ignores 30m at his peril."
Very applicable to VK0EK.
He also had many other nuggets of wisdom that are applicable to DXing lately.
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I'm very disappointed. :-[
It is tough here in the Midwest/Great Lakes to work DX in Asia and Pacific, so not surprising with the propagation that I never heard Heard.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when I did see them spotted (not much), it was typically to Europe, or on 10 and 18 MHz. Am I in the minority that I just have a tribander for 10/15/20 and a wire for 40/80? And no antenna that loads on 10 and 18 MHz? Since DX contests are on 10/15/20/40/80, shouldn't a DXpedition focus on those bands, and not seemingly avoid them?
I feel guilty being critical of DXpeds who make great sacrifices to get there. Nonetheless, I am disappointed that I only got 1 QSO with FT4JA, and missed the other two big ones earlier this year as well as VK0EK.
I am going to give you a little advice, and I beg you i am not trying to make you feel worse than you do now . I know and understand DX Disappointment been there done that . Without me researching this any further and i simply am not going to either . But you need to get with your local club or talk to other DXers in your area and find out how they did working VK0EK .
I know this for FACT . Years ago a friend of mine was using a hy-gain triband beam and curshcraft tribnader . He did work dx and sometimes it took a few calls more than normal which means not much . But i put up a 2 el Quad at 35 feet . My elevation was less than the other op and I am 7 miles from him and on top of it he being at 1500 feet elevation and TH 6DX was on 50 feet tower. We started to compete a little for fun. i started to run rings around him using 100 watts and he a KW+ . OK not end of my story , i was hearing stations better than him as well.
What happen next . He got real up set and took the antennas down and put up a Steppir 3 El. It was clear through some more testing that his old triband beams had some issues.
Want to see the leaderboards and what he is working now ? Every dx expedition under the sun and many bands modes on top of it.
Moral of my story - You may have faulty traps in beam too who know what.
i got a few more good stories of trouble shooting antenna that have had any where from water ingress in coax or what ever
I sure others can fill you in.
I find it really hard to believe You did not hear Vk0EK .
I know I am on East coast - Propagation seemed to favor this area for what I know . Take 599++ on 30 meter one night and working them with 30 watts 10,811.3 miles. That is NOT operating skills > that is propagation at its best. Not sure when I will come down off cloud 9
80 meters I heard them Every Night . But I was using very good Beverage antenna.
I can find better excuse for folks not hearing them . Mountain in their your way . Spot light propagation . But no one seems to think their own radio or antenna is at any fault ?
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Just had my 2 cw contacts confirmed on LOTW, that also makes #100 for me, now where is that form.
Gavin 1BBW
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VK0EK is Now QRT [11-APR-2016 0100z]
https://vk0ek.org/2016/04/11/vk0ek-is-now-qrt-11-apr-2016-0100z/ (https://vk0ek.org/2016/04/11/vk0ek-is-now-qrt-11-apr-2016-0100z/)
I thought they did a good job all things considered ;D ;D
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What is it with those who say "I can't operate 30 m as I have no antenna"?
Improvise, innovate, overcome.
30 m is one of my favourite DX bands. It is a great refuge from the Contest activity on the weekends. I first started enjoying 30 m using a large doublet antenna. Sure, 520' is larger than most, but it worked me a heck of a lot of 30 m DX (and all bands up to 17 m).
A 30 m dipole must be about the simplest antenna one could build. 50' of wire lives in most Ham's shed, or could be easily scrounged. Or, put up a bit more wire, as much as one can fit and run it as a doublet for multi-band use.
Ask for help if you can't manage this yourself.
I liked 30 m (and 17 m and 12 m) so much, I put up a 3 el tribander. My first QSO with VK0EK was on 30 m. I thoroughly enjoyed the VK0EK activation.
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What is it with those who say "I can't operate 30 m as I have no antenna"?
Improvise, innovate, overcome.
30 m is one of my favourite DX bands. It is a great refuge from the Contest activity on the weekends. I first started enjoying 30 m using a large doublet antenna. Sure, 520' is larger than most, but it worked me a heck of a lot of 30 m DX (and all bands up to 17 m).
A 30 m dipole must be about the simplest antenna one could build. 50' of wire lives in most Ham's shed, or could be easily scrounged. Or, put up a bit more wire, as much as one can fit and run it as a doublet for multi-band use.
Ask for help if you can't manage this yourself.
I liked 30 m (and 17 m and 12 m) so much, I put up a 3 el tribander. My first QSO with VK0EK was on 30 m. I thoroughly enjoyed the VK0EK activation.
Same here. 30m is an excellent band indeed ;D
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Just had my 2 cw contacts confirmed on LOTW, that also makes #100 for me, now where is that form.
Gavin 1BBW
What an excellent entity to be your 100'th. Congratulations.
My 100'th was PZ5RA in Suriname.
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I was able to get them on 30m RTTY from my apartment in Washington, DC. 100 watts to my MFJ-1786 magnetic loop (about 19.2 watts ERP). Set up the antenna at 0300 on Saturday night and was in the log at 0403.
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Paul, that's great stuff!
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I have a 3-El SteppIR (w 30/40M) use headphones no mountains around me. I don't fool with see dumb ya anymore after I got my General with using it (boring in my opinion) and just as many Alpha Hotels there as SSB. I didn't hear them because I was lazy and didn't feel like getting up whenever they felt like transmitting. I'd get up check for 30M or SSB when I found them, or the pile up of lids where they were, it was AH Central so I flipped the switch and went back to bed. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'll get them next time if the cancer doesn't kill me first. :)
Regards,
73'
GL All
Tom N3ZC
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I put up a 12M collinear to work China on 12M--just got a LoTW QSL from BG9XD! The path to China is right over the North or South Pole, making it very hard to work.
Turns out that the quarter wave open wire matching section to 50 ohms also presents moderate SWR on 30M, so I have an effective DXing antenna on 30M as well. ;D
Zack W1VT
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30 is a great band for DXing, especially if you have a decent antenna for it up high. I'm only running a rotatable dipole but it's up pretty high and it hears and plays well. My 30m totals are usually within a couple of my 40m totals, and they have been all the way up the climb. I'm at 318 worked/317 confirmed on both 30 and 40 at the moment, despite 1500W into two elements on 40m and only 200 (and now 100) Watts on 30.
I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN. No Topband luck with either. I got in and out early in the game with VK0EK. 40 and 30 were the best bands for me in New Jersey. 20 wasn't awful but the others were a rough slog propagation wise. Maybe it was less competition than for JdN but I don't recall the CW pileups for Heard being monstrous. The phone pileups were horrendous, however, and I consider myself quite fortunate to have them on SSB.
Thanks to the team for DXA and LoTW confirmations on-island, thus raising the bar for future DXpeditions. Good work and thanks for the Qs! Can't wait for the physical card for my album.
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Congratulations to the team on a great dxpedition! Safe travels home..
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Rich KY6R, and Mike KJ4Z,
I admire the job you did with the help desk and on this forum.
No matter what the problem, criticism, or complaint, you guys never got defensive and were as helpful as possible with your response.
Well played!
73's Rich KB8GAE
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I don't recall the CW pileups for Heard being monstrous.
If Heard had a marginal signal on the band, the pileups were actually quite thin. When Heard had a big signal, the pileups were much thicker.
I was NEVER at home during the day for FT4JA and only got them on the low bands. I was very lucky I got VK0EK on a couple high bands on a day I had off from work.
No Topband luck
I didn't get through, but there was one night where FT4JA had several consecutive hours of loud 160M signal at my QTH. And a huge NA pileup trying to work them!
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Both were pretty easy on 30 and 40 meters... just stayed up until 11 PM or later, and watched the cluster spots. Most of the DQRM from EU was dying down by then, and the FT and VK signals would peak on both 40 and 30 meters at about that time. I won't fight for hours, but both stations were worked with less than 1/2 hour of chasing the split. When I ever get the LP Pan setup, I suspect it will be even faster finding the split. BTW, just a modest trap dipole at 55 feet for 30/40 facing N/S. This summer a second one goes up orientated for East/West.
Pete
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thank God for the 30m band.
It has been very good to me.
Only place I found VK0EK was 30m CW.
One IS better than nuttin !!!!!!
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Rich KY6R, and Mike KJ4Z,
I admire the job you did with the help desk and on this forum.
No matter what the problem, criticism, or complaint, you guys never got defensive and were as helpful as possible with your response.
Well played!
73's Rich KB8GAE
+1.
I saw my RTTY helpdesk ticket was closed. Someone at the helpdesk must have saw that I made a RTTY contact ;D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
You still think you have just an average station ;)
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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You still think you have just an average station ;)
I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
I do. Tribander at 70' ain't no big thing and I could probably have done most of that with a Hexbeam at 50'. What I have that most don't is time in the chair. Being on the east coast didn't hurt either, but a 70 foot tower and a tribander (and a crummy 7ft. boom Yagi for WARC) are nothing special. Still had my ass handed to me in a few pileups; if it wasn't for bum-in-chair time my numbers would have been way down.
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Yes I think location definitely played a factor. Let's face it. W6UV has a tribander at 70'+ and yet he struggled to work FT4JA. He ended up with just one 20m contact if you don't count the second CW contact with a busted call. Propagation is only partly to blame. There are a ton more people to the East too...as he had to fight against 80%+ of the hams in N.A. plus EU and S.A. :D Granted he doesn't have any low band antennas and I think that worked against him on Heard.
Although you might think you have an average station, your results as measured by the number of contacts are definitely above average.
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
I do. Tribander at 70' ain't no big thing and I could probably have done most of that with a Hexbeam at 50'. What I have that most don't is time in the chair. Being on the east coast didn't hurt either, but a 70 foot tower and a tribander (and a crummy 7ft. boom Yagi for WARC) are nothing special. Still had my ass handed to me in a few pileups; if it wasn't for bum-in-chair time my numbers would have been way down.
I used to have a 70 ft tower with a c31xl and a dual band 12/17 yagi on it. It crushed the DX. That setup was moved from Nebraska to NJ by a friend who installed it at his QTH. When he sold the QTH, the new owner got the tower and beams. I would venture to say if he were in the VK0 or FT4 pile ups, he was successful. Just a Triband beam and a warc beam can mean different things to different people.
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Thanks, guys. I will have to get a 30m antenna up --- no doubt about it now. I just passed 200 confirmed; that next 300 or so is going to be much tougher!
I also have to get back on CW. I know I'm missing out on a lot of DX that's only on CW.
There's nothing wrong with my TA-33. It works very well in the DX contests, which is the bulk of my DXing. But DXing from Michigan is a lot more challenging than from either coast. There's a lot of us in the middle of the states that will agree with that!
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Thank you to the VK0EK team. Safe journey home. Thank you KY6R, Rich and KJ4Z, Mike. Working Heard Island was quite special to me as many of you know. Your tireless efforts are appreciated.
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I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
I do. Tribander at 70' ain't no big thing and I could probably have done most of that with a Hexbeam at 50'. What I have that most don't is time in the chair. Being on the east coast didn't hurt either, but a 70 foot tower and a tribander (and a crummy 7ft. boom Yagi for WARC) are nothing special. Still had my ass handed to me in a few pileups; if it wasn't for bum-in-chair time my numbers would have been way down.
You ain't got an average tribander. Fourteen elements on a 31' boom and you are comparing it to a hexbeam :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
I do. Tribander at 70' ain't no big thing and I could probably have done most of that with a Hexbeam at 50'. What I have that most don't is time in the chair. Being on the east coast didn't hurt either, but a 70 foot tower and a tribander (and a crummy 7ft. boom Yagi for WARC) are nothing special. Still had my ass handed to me in a few pileups; if it wasn't for bum-in-chair time my numbers would have been way down.
You ain't got an average tribander. Fourteen elements on a 31' boom and you are comparing it to a hexbeam :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Jonathan:
You did pretty good for being in Colorado. I heard many stations in your part of the country struggling. Job well done. I would have done better with VK0EK, had I spent more time in the shack. Just too many other things on my plate at the time, yet I did pretty good with FT4JA and got ATNO on CW and RTTY.
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All in all, I think a job well done by the whole VK0EK team.
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I am starting to feel withdrawal symptoms.
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I like your call, W6GX! In fact, the Juan de Nova op came back to me initially with W6GX.
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I like your call, W6GX! In fact, the Juan de Nova op came back to me initially with W6GX.
;D
Good to see another 'GX' who's chasing dxpeditions. And welcome to eHam!
73,
Jonathan W6GX
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I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
I do. Tribander at 70' ain't no big thing and I could probably have done most of that with a Hexbeam at 50'. What I have that most don't is time in the chair. Being on the east coast didn't hurt either, but a 70 foot tower and a tribander (and a crummy 7ft. boom Yagi for WARC) are nothing special. Still had my ass handed to me in a few pileups; if it wasn't for bum-in-chair time my numbers would have been way down.
You ain't got an average tribander. Fourteen elements on a 31' boom and you are comparing it to a hexbeam :D
73,
Jonathan W6GX
Gotta agree. C31XR is not a standard tribander.
A standard tribander would be a Cuscraft A4 or TH3. A "tribander" consisting of 3 monoband yagis is not an average tribander...
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I am starting to feel withdrawal symptoms.
You ain't alone, brother!
Looking for spots of anything new is like being hungry, staring into an open, well-stocked fridge, and thinking "There's nothing to eat..."
Frank, W1NK
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I was fortunate with both JdN and Heard. 7 bands/3 modes for Heard and 8x3 to JdN.
I do. Tribander at 70' ain't no big thing and I could probably have done most of that with a Hexbeam at 50'. What I have that most don't is time in the chair. Being on the east coast didn't hurt either, but a 70 foot tower and a tribander (and a crummy 7ft. boom Yagi for WARC) are nothing special. Still had my ass handed to me in a few pileups; if it wasn't for bum-in-chair time my numbers would have been way down.
I've used big tribanders and eventually monobanders (on three towers). The current, and very modest 8 el. KMA log antenna has delivered when ever I needed to work ATNO. Timing, location, propagation, mode, end even using the DX Cluster spots are what produces contacts. You can have the best station, the best antennas, the most money, and yet be clueless and not work anything.
Pete
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I used to have a 70 ft tower with a c31xl and a dual band 12/17 yagi on it. It crushed the DX. That setup was moved from Nebraska to NJ by a friend who installed it at his QTH. When he sold the QTH, the new owner got the tower and beams. I would venture to say if he were in the VK0 or FT4 pile ups, he was successful.
He was.
That new owner was me!! I bought Mike's house, and that must be your old LM-470 and C31XR in my back yard!
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/8dcj21tmvsk5dtn/PJD_6555.JPG)
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How cool is that?
My old Force 12 C3SS lives two blocks away from me. Its had three owners since I gave it away to a guy who helped me put in my new tower and 3 element Steppir. That Steppir now lives about 15 miles from me.
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How cool is that?
My old Force 12 C3SS lives two blocks away from me. Its had three owners since I gave it away to a guy who helped me put in my new tower and 3 element Steppir. That Steppir now lives about 15 miles from me.
Something bigger took its place, right ??? ;D ;D
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Oh yes, bigger is better I always say. The 3 element Steppir was replaced with a Steppir DB36. Four elements on a 36' boom. A nice improvement.
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I used to have a 70 ft tower with a c31xl and a dual band 12/17 yagi on it. It crushed the DX. That setup was moved from Nebraska to NJ by a friend who installed it at his QTH. When he sold the QTH, the new owner got the tower and beams. I would venture to say if he were in the VK0 or FT4 pile ups, he was successful.
He was.
That new owner was me!! I bought Mike's house, and that must be your old LM-470 and C31XR in my back yard!
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/8dcj21tmvsk5dtn/PJD_6555.JPG)
You Sir do NOT have an average setup! That combination rocks. The worm drive on the tower is great and the antennas are awesome. Mike does a first rate instillation too, so you should be good for ever.... I'm glad it's being used to its full advantage
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I used to have a 70 ft tower with a c31xl and a dual band 12/17 yagi on it. It crushed the DX. That setup was moved from Nebraska to NJ by a friend who installed it at his QTH. When he sold the QTH, the new owner got the tower and beams. I would venture to say if he were in the VK0 or FT4 pile ups, he was successful.
He was.
That new owner was me!! I bought Mike's house, and that must be your old LM-470 and C31XR in my back yard!
You Sir do NOT have an average setup! That combination rocks. The worm drive on the tower is great and the antennas are awesome. Mike does a first rate instillation too, so you should be good for ever.... I'm glad it's being used to its full advantage
What are the odds, eh? I love the C31XR. That beast plays like there's no tomorrow on 15 and 20 when there's propagation.
Yes, Mike's installation is solid, although I intend to change out my feedlines this year. He put it up in October 2005, a week after Kure went QRT. Greg (Mike's friend and assistant) strung a sloping 20m dipole in a tiny cedar tree for me to work Kure, which I did--once.
It's also exhibiting a very significant mechanical resonance wobble as it goes through the 60' mark. Did you also have the Force-12 2/2/1 up there? If so that was probably yours as well. I added a Delta-240 about 8 years ago and put a 15' mast in there. I still get beat like a rented mule to Europe, Africa, South America and the Indian/Southern oceans but that's topography. A 25' trapped tribander on the other side of the hill I'm behind (which I've nicknamed Mount Doom) will beat me clean every time in those directions.