Great report Dave.
I was late to the radio this morning and also found Kevin LW CQing with and
excellent signal.
Indeed, in spite of the elevated solar activity, TB is still showing signs of
life.
In the last week I have been able to squeeze out 11 QSOs with EU.
Sept 22 was a particularly strong opening over the pole with 6 EU logged that
night.
Mostly N. EU with strong signals from SM5EDX, OZ4MM, YL2SM, OK1CF, ON7PQ and
LA7AFA.
This time was exactly coincident with a low solar wind speed of around 350km-s
and low K index.
On Sept 23 I found Andy DL8LAS CQing and we easily had a QSO, although he faded
out quickly afterwards.
So, I support Daves comments, that in spite of the high SFI, TB still has lots
of life in it!!
73, de Steve VE6WZ on CW in Alberta.
________________________________
From: Topband <topband-bounces+ve6wz=shaw.ca@contesting.com> on behalf of David
Raymond <drbp4858@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 7:34 AM
To: topband@contesting.com <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Topband: Conditions
Greetings topbanders. . .
We all know topband conditions have been in the doldrums for quite
awhile. This morning was different.
As usual, I got to the rig about my usual 0500L and got things fired
up. Not hearing any activity I began CQing with the 1821.5 xtal. I was
a little surprised to see that I was being heard at the VK3RASA RBN for
the first time this season. I continued CQing for a few minutes with
nothing heard. Then at 1043z I was pleasantly surprised to hear Nob,
JA3KZR, in the noise call in with a 339 signal, my first JA QSO of the
season. I continued CQing then had another surprise at 1103z when Phil,
VK6GX, called in with a 449 signal. An even bigger surprise came when
Phil gave me a 599(!) report. Over the next few minutes Phil and I had
several more exchanges with his signal building to S7. Phil said my
signal was well above S9. Meanwhile topband stalwart Adrian, VK2WF, was
up on 1829.6 the whole time and was just detectable, not copyable enough
for a QSO. In the meantime John, W4NU, in Atlanta had success with
Phil/VK6 while Ron, N4XD, clear out west in NM did not. . . go figure.
After nearly four decades of DXing on topband it never ceases to
surprise and amaze me.
With SFI numbers still high, it's probably asking too much to expect
better conditions this season. . .but hope springs eternal!
73. . . Dave, W0FLS on CW in Iowa
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