TopBand: Down Under Diary - TL5A and FB Condx!

[Steve Ireland]

After a nice west coast USA opening on 14/8/94, I got up about an hour
before sunrise in the hope of an European opening.  At 2228Z, I heard Ken
SM5CEU calling CQ with a beaut 569 signal.

After Ken, there were nice QSOs with Mar DL3DXX and Kaare LA2GV, but the
biggest surprise was hearing TL5A on 1827.5 at 339.  I called a couple of
times, but no luck.

Although the evening of the 15/8/ brought only VK and ZL signals in the
local Rememberance Day contest, an early morning session brought really
strong signals from Europe.  Best signal heard was Bob G3ZEM, who peaked
589, while Neil G4DBN peaked at 579.  In the log went UN7JID, OH2BO, G3ITH,
GW3TMP, RA3DX and G4DBN.

Signal levels from European stations were very good, with many stations
being logged, ranging in strength from S4 - S8.

At around 2200Z, I spotted TL5A on 1828, who was a nice 449, occasionally
peaking 559, but could not attract his attention.  I heard TL5A work several
Europeans, along with UN7JID.  He seemed to disappear around 2230Z, but I
kept listening until past my sunrise (about 2300Z), without hearing him again.

Vy 73,

Steve, VK6VZ



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