[VHFcontesting] 222 MHz Aurora Jan 20/21

[David Olean]

Hello VHFers

The aurora made itself known on the 222 band.   I have not heard any 
good stories on who worked whom on 222, but I have collected a few known 
contacts and distances from the previous night.

CALL                      DISTANCE (km)

VE3DS-K9MRI            568

VE3DS-KD2LGX            187

VE3DS-WZ1V            631

VE3DS-K1WHS            691

WA3EOQ-KM0T        1468

WA3EOQ-K1WHS        805

K9MRI-WZ1V            1069

K9MRI-K1WHS            1214

N0LL- KM0T                425

N0LL- W0ZQ?                720

W0ZQ-K1WHS                1786

K1WHS-K8RYU                979


Howard WA3EOQ informed me that he worked KM0T on 222. Howard runs 95 
watts and that is quite a haul (1468 km) for that power level.  I did 
not identify KM0T here, but there was one signal copied that was very 
weak and I could not peak it up to even copy the call sign.  The signal 
was on my frequency, but I am not sure they were even calling me. All of 
these contacts occurred before 00:00 UT. I am not sure when signals were 
best, but I got on at just after 2200UT and things were hot then.  K9MRI 
was very loud at over 1200 km. I worked W0ZQat about 22:56 UT. Things 
started fading after 23:00 UT.

I get very frustrated by these auroras as my antenna is way too sharp 
for locating signals. I noted that more northerly stations peaked up at 
305 degrees, while stations farther to the South peaked at more 
southerly headings. WA3EOQ was at 289 degrees. K8RYU was just over 290 
degrees.  W0ZQ and K9MRI were just above 300 degrees. Signals would move 
around with time, but the general headings are close enough. I once had 
a four stack of CC 220 Boomers (4.2 wl NBS) They were a killer on 
Aurora! I still had to chase signals though. What I really need is a 16 
yagi LVA aimed at about 300 degrees.

If anyone made any 222 AU contacts of note, please let us know. 
Incidentally, N0JK has retired from the ARRL VHF Column Editor position. 
There will be a new editor(s) starting in February 2026.

73

Dave K1WHS