I cannot resist the temptation to translate the propagation forecast of a
magazine that we read here. After considering predicted sun spot numbers
from World Radio / TV Handbook and the U.S.Dept of Commerce,NOAA, Space
Environment Center, as far as the expected propagation for our beloved Top
Band in January they wrote:
"North Hemisphere: There will be no conditions during day
time,except for local contacts. " Nice discovery.
"At darkness hours there could be openings up to 2500-3000 km.
Openings are expected to several world areas specially around midnight time"
And that is all.=20
What happened in my area:
1-Heard Island. This has been the "star of the month". 12522 km away. I had
good copy every day that they were working. It was a pleasure to hear his
bell like sound. I spent hours and hours of listening. Two nights my old
analogic s-meter needle jumpered to 9+20. Finger propagation ?. Maybe, but I
was imaginating that Ghis , my godfather for 160 in ON, was at the key.
2-Asia. JA (10.500 km ) regularly with good sigs , among other closer (to me
) countries.
3-South Africa. 9X (5500) and ZS (8000) always there.
4-CQ contest. Unbelivable sigs even from CA (9600) specially the second day.
EA3KU participated here at EA3VY, using an antenna with maximum radiation to
due North and in one of the propagation "waves" in 5 minutes digged 8 CA
stations from a pile-up that I never heard in 15 years of topbanding.
5-Last week WEST COAST. I used to be from 0530Z up to sunrise at 0700Z.
Practically no sigs from EAST COAST. Usually AZ shows after the first call.
10 to 20 contacts including CW and SSB. Jim in UT is oustanding.=20
I had the pleasure to work old friends several times. W6DAO and a specially
loud sigs from Earl K6SE (Earl if you read this, the family remembers with
pleasure your hospitality at Palmdale with the late Roger Mace W6RW and Dr.
David Morgan K6DDO. Including COLUMBIA and ATLANTIS space center visit).
Briefing: The best month I ever had in 15 years.
Father Sun, please sleep. No spots if possible. If necessary we will send
You a good high temperature detergent to clean your surface. Be QUIET,=
please.
Jos=E9 =20
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