Topband: DX Conditions

[jon jones]

I have not been on 160 Meters much this winter season. I am a 6 Meter operator and that is where I spend my most of my time.

I got on 160 Meters this morning to try for TX5S.  But my main 160 antenna is down. I loaded up the rain gutter on our home, added a 40 foot extension wire over to a short cherry tree for a "low inverted L."  Running about 50 watts. The SWR was low, but probably high ground loss.

After a couple of calls – TX5S worked on FT8 "F & H" around 0845z on 1.836 MHz! The CQ 160M contest was taking place. I then switched to a TS-850 (my favorite CW radio) and worked a few contestants. Best DX was VE7ZO in BC.

After the contest I was curious if I had any psk flags?  Had two in Japan, of all things.  The A index today is only 6.

Eventually will get a real antenna back on 160M. Used to have a ¼ vertical.

73 – Jon N0JK KS

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