Topband: European SDR on 160m

[StellarCAT]

a similar issue to using SDR's placed elsewhere to the operator and the validity of "contacts" made by such methods... I wouldn't want to ruffle any feathers but after only being on the band for just over 2 weeks I have heard more than a few "contacts" where calls were incorrectly copied and/or reports either missed (when made obvious) or not even given ... I believe more so than I'm use to hearing on the other bands! 

I guess I'm still old school - if I don't hear the other stations call, him sending my call, and a report from him I simply won't count it. I'd rather come back at a later date/time and make it legit then to hope the other station put me in the log. 

I know conditions are such that contacts are often tough on this band - signals very weak and the fade is - well for me - very unusual and interesting at the same time... once I asked a station to repeat my report by sending ? RST ? BK  to him... to which he replied "TU 73" and then everyone started calling him! Surely the US stations knew I had not completed the contact.... but no chance to recover provided... 

That all stated I'm having fun on the band - after going on 43 years of hamming this is my first time on 160... in 2 weeks time I'm up to 60 countries worked (now 62 as of tonight) and thankfully 31 confirmed via LoTW! 

g.
Gary K9RX
Arizona