Well
Now I have seen it all!
Today I was listening to the Eu pileup on 1828-1829 calling XZ1N about 2330Z
who was said to be on 1825.4.
About 2344z (2 mins prior to XZ sunrise), there was XZ1N big as life RST 579
working the EU pile.
I was so certain this QSO was beyond the pale that my amp was not even turned
on - and I was reading the local paper!
I turned on the rig and XZ1N starts saying QRZ USA/VE QSX 1828KHZ around
2350Z or so.
On goes the amp and I start calling about 2352Z. By now the XZ is sounding
thin and vy fluttery RST 449-469 and coming in both on the NE and SE paths
LONG PATH. NE is a little stronger so I focus on this quadrant.
About 2357Z I think I hear my call but many EU friends are trying to clear
the XZ listening frequency saying "W/VE W/VE W/VE only" right on his XMIT
frequency and I get pretty confused as to what the XZ is really saying.
Finally about 2358Z, there he is saying K1ZM K1ZM GA GA and I have to tell
you, I just about had a heart attack in the chair.
We exchange reports and he rogers my 449 report as his sig starts to sound
"ping like" which is a sure sign of the path about to fade off into the
sunrise.
Several Eu stations jump in saying "congrats" as does W3BGN who heard it all
- and I am off to get plastered.
This plus Monk Apollo last night is way too much excitement for this "good
ole boy" and at the moment I am ready for a stiff drink!
Boy oh boy - this 160M is some incredible band!
I never would have dreamed Z 26 was even in the cards from SE NY - but I
guess you just NEVER know.!! Maybe a Z 23 will fall out of heaven someday
for my 40th zone - I've always said that too was impossible from here on
160M, but you just NEVER know! You just have to hang in there and see what
comes out of ur radio.
For now though, I think I have seen it all........
73 And GL
Jeff K1ZM@aol.com
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/topband.html
Submissions: topband@contesting.com
Administrative requests: topband-REQUEST@contesting.com
Sponsored by Akorn Access, Inc & KM9P
|