Topband: Evolution

[Eric NO3M]

Thanks to all the topbanders that had a listen on 630M this weekend.

Unfortunately, Part 5 U.S. experimental stations can only QSO with other 
Part 5 stations, so crossband QSOs would be prohibited.  But, since the 
VEs have an Amateur allocation already, it's "ham to ham".

The list of beacon stations heard here: WH2XHA (PA), WG2XKA (VT), 
WD2XSH/31 (VA), WG2XSB (MA), WH2XIL (MA)

QSOs: WG2XIQ (TX), WD2XSH/37 (MA), WD2XSH/12 (CO), VE7SL (BC)

Others QRV but not heard: WD2XSH/20 (N6LF, OR), WG2XSV, other VE7s, VO1NA

There were a number of additional stations active and more CW activity 
last year.  I should note that the WD2XSH/31 CW beacon in VA on 477.9 
kHz runs 24/7.

I caught VE7SL on 473.0 kHz while tuning the band and completed a 
crossband QSO at 0527z.  His signals were solid copy for a short while, 
then faded out.  It was the only time over the evening / morning that I 
heard any of the VE7s.

Recording of VE7SL after our QSO:

http://no3m.net/uploads/VE7SL-NO3M-2015-11-15-0527z.mp3

Recording of VE7SL last year:

http://no3m.net/uploads/VE7SL-NO3M-2014-11-01-0435z.mp3

Maybe another activity night can be planned for January or February.

73 Eric NO3M / WG2XJM



On 11/15/2015 11:28 AM, donovanf at starpower.net wrote:
> Hi Bruce,
>
>
> I also listened a few times on 630 meters over the weekend. My 580
> foot Beverages worked great as receiving antennas with a K3S.
> Although they're much too short to provide much useful directivity,
> they have excellent sensitivity.
>
>
> WG2XKA and WG2XJM were 579-599 every time I listened on
> Friday and Saturday night.
>
>
> WG3XJM (NO3M) was very strong Friday night, the strongest signal
> heard.. I never heard any of the Canadians that planned to be active.
>
>
> This activity weekend was a great idea. It would be even better if the
> U.S. stations announced a QSX frequency where a short QSO could
> take place (I assume crossband QSOs are not allowed).
>
>
> Lets do it again with more CW activity!
>
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
>
>