Topband: Boring Update - 30-Dec

[Lee K7TJR]

      I did get up early this a.m. specifically to catch JD1BMM. As with Tree he
 was pretty easy from here. Still hoping for XU7 and HS0. Ive heard them but
 no Qs yet.
      I usually just listen and compare what Tree hears to what I can hear. He
 did not show up this a.m. so I ran off a few CQs. Yes, John SM5EDX was
 first in the log. He was followed by OH3SR, OH2BO, KL2AX, UA0ANW,
OH2TM, OH3WD,and SK5AA. The reason I am listing these is to emphasize
 what Tree has said. As you can see there was a KL station right in the
 middle of this run which made me search a different direction for the weak
 signal I heard. He was strong when I got the right direction.
     As Tree has pointed out this takes time and so calling stations should be 
patient and make sure to call more than a few times. 
   One other thing I would like to mention is that during contests I continue to
 see East coast stations come on a frequency and check if its clear. You
 know darn well they can hear you but I assume they think it will be OK
 because they are listening towards EU and shut you out. Well guess what
 guys it is not OK because some of us can listen to EU as well and as far as
 I am concerned this is simple malicious interference. Check both ways guys
 it is only fair, the freq might well be busy! Soap box off now!
    This year has not been Boring at all here in Central OR 
   Lee K7TJR