Topband: HS72B

[Paul Playford]

I would like to offer a little insight on the HS72B 160m operation.  This
will not be new information for those that know Robin but it may be helpful
to those that do not.

I was with Robin at the XZ0A Dxpedition and I developed a very healthy
respect for his and Milt Jensen's 160m operating.  While one was the
operator the other would also listen (with headsets) and between the two of
them they would identify the calling stations.  And they did not give up
easily on that identification.  I was busy on 80m but it seemed to me like
they would spend all of the time in the world to complete a QSO.

And they were extremely conscientious.  If the sun was not shining, they
were on the radio.  And they had a laptop with GeoClock displayed watching
the grey line as it crossed North America (we fought for possession of this
display).

So, if you have common darkness and cannot hear him, it's lack of
propagation because he is on the radio.  And the handicap is on his end as
he will be trying to work North America during his evening, when his noise
level is higher than during his morning.  All you have to do is overcome his
noise level.

What I am trying to say is, Robin is running perhaps 1000 watts output,
probably with multiple effective beverages in addition to the K9AY loops for
listening.  If you are running similar power with decent antennas, he will
work you if his noise level allows.

A friend of mine made the comment "lucky you" when my QSO with them was
announced.  Yes, luck has something to do with it, but it was also very,
very hard work.  Most of that hard work is on Robin's end, and he is more
than willing to do it.  I called for over an hour before I made it into the
log but we have to realize that Robin is working closer to 24 hours a day to
talk to us.

Have fun and may the spot light shine brightly.

de Paul, W8AEF


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