Topband: Down Under Diary 16/11/00

[Steve Ireland]

The topband finally came out of its post equinox slumber at VK6VZ over the
last two days, with two good westerly openings into Europe and Asia.

The sunrise opening started on both days at around 2030Z, some 35 minutes
before local sunrise, extending out to at least ten minutes after.  Today,
Gus A92ZE and several stations from the Russia were still audible at 2130Z
- some 25 minutes after sunrise.  

15/11/ produced 29 QSOs with Europe, ranging from the Mediterranean, across
western Europe and north to Scandinavia.  Propagation seemed best into
G/DL/ON, but was generally wide ranging, rather than the limited spotlight
stuff experienced previously in recent weeks.  Signal strengths varied from
S5 to S9, but were generally around S7.

16/11 was less dramatic, but very satisfying, with Gus A92ZE worked for a
new country at 2055Z.  Gus was working simplex on 1824 and peaked to a nice
S5 signal.  My impression is that his signal is comparable in strength with
those stations heard here from 4X and A45, so he has done a great job with
his inverted-L antenna - he hears very well too.  

Propagation on 16/11 was more limited than the previous day, favouring
Scandianavia and Asia, with OH0PM and several other Scandinavian stations
with S7 or better signals, and good signals from the UA3 area also.  Luis
IV3PRK was a solid 559 at my sunrise. 

Good hunting!

Vy 73,

Steve, VK6VZ


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