Topband: Conditions

[David Raymond]

Greetings topbanders. . .

We all know topband conditions have been in the doldrums for quite 
awhile.  This morning was different.

As usual, I got to the rig about my usual 0500L and got things fired 
up.  Not hearing any activity I began CQing with the 1821.5 xtal.  I was 
a little surprised to see that I was being heard at the VK3RASA RBN for 
the first time this season.  I continued CQing for a few minutes with 
nothing heard.  Then at 1043z I was pleasantly surprised to hear Nob, 
JA3KZR, in the noise call in with a 339 signal, my first JA QSO of the 
season.  I continued CQing then had another surprise at 1103z when Phil, 
VK6GX, called in with a 449 signal.  An even bigger surprise came when 
Phil gave me a 599(!) report.  Over the next few minutes Phil and I had 
several more exchanges with his signal building to S7.  Phil said my 
signal was well above S9.  Meanwhile topband stalwart Adrian, VK2WF, was 
up on 1829.6 the whole time and was just detectable, not copyable enough 
for a QSO.  In the meantime John, W4NU, in Atlanta had success with 
Phil/VK6 while Ron, N4XD, clear out west in NM did not. . . go figure.  
  After nearly four decades of DXing on topband it never ceases to 
surprise and amaze me.

With SFI numbers still high, it's probably asking too much to expect 
better conditions this season. . .but hope springs eternal!

73. . . Dave, W0FLS on CW in Iowa