Hello Topbanders!
I'm still listening to Mar (DL3DXX) knocking off the QSO's
almost 45 minutes past local sunrise here. It is just a pleasure to
listen to this operation and I thought I would make a few comments on
what they are doing RIGHT so that other expeditions can follow their
excellent example.
1. They get on the band at the right times for propagation
and are persistent if conditions are not good the first day. They
don't sit on 40 meters right through East Coast sunrise for example!
2. They have a decent transmit signal and MOST IMPORTANLY,
they hear very well. Both are important on 160!
3. They are understanding of the QRN and QSB on 160. They send
at reasonable speeds (20 WPM), they repeat calls several times at both
the beginning and end of exchange, and they give everyone at least 2
chances if they do not respond to the first try. Their typical exchange
is:
UW0MF UW0MF 5NN 5NN UW0MF BK (at 20 WPM)
(other station replies)
CFM CFM UW0MF TU UP 5 (occasionally giving their call)
If the other station does not respond correctly, they repeat and
stay with them until they QSO or until it becomes obvious the other
station is not really hearing them. They are very good at sensing whether
the station is actually hearing them based on QSO timing. Not many
"fakers" are in their log even with "helpers" prompting.
Thanks to these guys for their many excellent operations on
160 (VK9CR, VK9XY, S21XX, P29VXX, ZL7DK, 3D2DK and T20FW) and truly
showing everyone how to DO IT RIGHT on 160!
73, Bill W4ZV
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