Topband: DX last night (12/2 to 12/3)

[Ron Spencer]

Last night (Monday locally here in NC) I was reading KST chat that Andy, DL8LAS, was on. After watching a great ISS pass came to shack and indeed, there he was. And loud! Approx 25dB above my noise floor. Called and easily worked. 



Karel, while not quite as loud, also on and easily worked. This was around 2300Z or so. A bit later, 2325, 4U1UN came on and, of course, very loud from NY. 



A half hour later 9L5A was spotted. On peaks, 15dB above noise floor. A few calls and worked. They were hearing very well. Worked up and down the east coast. 



Then, middle of the night, around western EU sunrise, came back to shack and Pat, ON7PQ had a fine signal and we worked for an easy Q. Up the band a little 9L5A was cqing with no replies. Not as loud as earlier but an easy Q5 signal. I called with our club call (K4OO) and in the log. During the time I listened, no one was calling.



All above was on CW. 


>From this I conclude the band is (or was!) in fine shape just not being used. Hopefully it will stay as is or get better for this weekend's contest. 



Ron

N4XD


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