Topband: Condx in central WA

[Larry Molitor]

This morning I worked Ron, VK3IO, and Jon, DU9/N0NM. I could hear the ZL 
digital stations on 18.5 and 16.5 about the same strength as I do every 
morning but Ron's signal was up this morning and Jon peaked an honest 569 
1/2 hour before my sunrise.

I find it interesting that the ZL digi's are not a very good indicator of 
band conditions from here to VK and other areas west and north of ZL. I can 
hear the digi's every morning to some degree or another. Occasionally they 
peak up to s5 or s6. The VK regulars, VK3IO and VK3ZL, don't seem to have 
as much variation in their signals. QRN has been my limiting factor over 
the last month or so since I put up some of my seasonal RX antennas.

Another interesting thing is that the K index and aurora activity levels 
don't seem to give any advance warning of band conditions however the 
converse seems to be true. I can almost bet on a geomagnetic event 
following within a day or so of good topband conditions!

I wish there was more activity from the Pacific area at my sunrise. The 
band could support much more activity if those guys out there would give up 
a little sleep! I guess I shouldn't complain. I have worked more VK's in 
the last month here in WA than I had in the last five years I was in AZ!

It's a wonderful thing to finally be able to hear more than I can work! I 
even heard the EA beacon station CQ'ing away the other night. That would 
have never happened this time of year from my AZ QTH!

73,

Larry - W7IUV