TopBand: Good Conditions

[Bill Tippett]

        Starting at 0454, we had a very good opening to Europe
and I worked around 20 stations in about 30 minutes in the following
areas: I, LZ, S5, SM, ER, OK, DJ, F, SV/A (new!), VP8/P, SP, OZ,
YL, OH and UT.  All this was on SSB(!) after answering LZ1JY's CQ!
Signals were quite good to overcome about S 6-7 QRN on this side.
The Northern EU signals were very strong with SM4CAN peaking S9+10
and sounding like he was next door.  Northern signals were direct
and much better on my 30 degree Beverage versus the one at 65 degrees.
Looks like the band is beginning to open so I hope it holds for the
upcoming CQWW, since there will be many rare ones activated (XU, XZ,
JT, etc.)

        While talking to VP8CZJ/P (NOT land-based BTW), I asked Carl
about the rumor he would be going to South Sandwich in January.
He was not very specific and I got the impression that the chances
of that are not very good.  Hopefully he can still make it.

        Time to dust off your Beverages and get ready for the new
season.  Good luck to all!

                                        73,  Bill  W4ZV 



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