Topband: Topband from Uganda, Part II

[k3jt at westco.net]

Topband from Uganda, Part II

Dec 12, 2003.  Friday Evening.  Started at 2340Z.
QRN =20db over S9 constantly, with crashes pegging the S-meter.
Called CQ on 1828, I start hearing some replies but can't copy 
any callsigns.  It's just an occasional Letter,  my notes show "SM", "B", "A", "K".
Its just alphabet soup.  The "letters" signal strength peaks about 0100Z of Dec. 13. 
VE1ZZ calls in at 0040Z, at 0058Z it's W4ZV.   Two QSOs, No more.  

Evening of Dec. 13, 2003.  Saturday night.  
Starting at 2200Z called S9SS on 1834.  He is listening up 2.  I Never got his attention.  His note to the reflector indicates the QRN was terrible for him, but in Uganda, at 2300Z my QRN is S5 to S8, looks promising for me.  I finally hear S9SS report his is going QRT because the QRN is too bad about 2319Z.

I call CQ on 1828 at 2300Z.   2330Z:  Can't be sure, but I think somebody is answering me.   Can't get it.

at 2338Z I hear ON4IA on 1322khz.  Can't get his attention.

I hear YL2?? working Italy on 1828.5 khz.

Dec. 14 as the clock passes midnight GMT.

0007Z I hear G3ZIS at 1833, I copy his name "Ian" but he can't hear me calling.

at 0042Z, I hear SM6CTQ on 1829 khz.   Can't get his attention.

0020Z, I hear DK2FG? at 1832khz.

0023Z, I hear KV4FZ at 1833khz.

0030Z, I hear DJ7AA at 1828.3khz.

0036Z, I Call CQ at 1834khz since I suspect 1828 is busy. Nothing heard. 

0046Z, SM5EDX on 1831.5, I do get his attention, but he tells me I 
am too weak and can't pull me out of the QRN.   And I keep hoping to make a QSO tonight.  The situation seems bleak. 

Finally, 0058Z on 1828khz, I work 7 US stations.  Median time between QSOs (MTBQ) is 2 minutes.  I am pleased!

at 0130Z the band suddenly sounds empty and lifeless;  at 0140Z, I QSY to 80M.

The "window of opportunity" is about 0100Z to 0130Z for USA to Uganda, if the QRN and conditions cooperate.

I will be here two more nights only.   73.   Terry    5X1X