Topband: Topband Contest- at sunrise

[Jim Brown]

On 12/8/2024 10:06 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
> Conditions were stinko all night Saturday in NorCal.

Another important point -- there was a LOT of "selective fading" both 
nights; I'd call someone on a peak, he'd respond, and by the time I 
responded with my exchange, I was in the mud. Same when stations called 
me. GOOD operators stuck with it, less experienced ones gave up, 
thinking the other op was a lid.

Tutorial info: this fading is the low frequency version of "picket 
fencing" that VHF and UHF mobiles experience -- it's due to the peaking 
and cancellation as the signal arrives over two paths, and are varying 
degrees of in and out of phase. The only difference is wavelength, which 
changes the time interval of the fading.

Being a great op is FAR more than being fast -- understanding how radio 
works is equally important.

73, Jim K9YC