Chasing FT5ZM

FT5ZM is QRT now. They stopped transmissions a bit earlier because a severe storm is approaching the island. It seams that they will have a rough crossing back.  They kept us busy for two weeks and as was it predicted they proved once more time they are a very capable and efficient crew. We all wish them a safe journey back.

FT5ZM on route…

FT5ZM on route to Amsterdam island. I worked them this morning in 28021 CW as VK6FZM/MM. They delivered a very decent signal, promising easy QSOs from the island as well.

Have a nice trip to your destination old boys.Our thoughts with you.

Update: Track their position on line here!

Beaming East…

Well mostly…December was a really productive month. In the end of 2013 several  dxpeditions from south Asia kept us busy. S21ZBB, XZ1J, VU7AG to name some of them. And to resolve what I mean saying busy, I am giving you the a club log snap for VU7AG.

Now we all will turn a little bit South as the big event of 2014 is coming. FT5ZM, number 4 in most waned list!! It is  starting on 24 of January. Good luck with them.

In the mean time do not forget work Santa Claus OF9X transmitting remotely from the famous ARCALA radio station.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

ANTENNA MANTAINANCE

Please take a look. Apart from SV8YM who is working on the mast of STIGMA FM broadcasting station you can also admire the gorgeous scenery of our island. The video has been taken by the hexacopter of SV8KOM on the top of Spopos mountain.

An exciting weekend

The last weekend of September, except for a farewell of summer,it  has a different meaning for me. Yes, it is the famous CQ WW RTTY contest! It became a tradition to join this great ham event every year. This time it was quite exciting and full of surprises. To say the truth I am not interested in the competition but I really  love the game.

BTW a storm is approaching..let me unplug the antennas. Autumn is here.

New band, new mode

As the summer is going by, a new band emerged. Two Greek stations, SV8CS and SV3DVO are transmitting on 136KHz almost every night. It is a  band given to us recently. So there is a lot of space for experimentation. Here is a receiving report of these stations in OPERA 8 mode using an active mini whip antenna.

On the other the hand traditional bands are not going well. Propagation is unstable and usually  suffering of strong QSB. The 24 sun cycle is turned out to be the faintest for one hundred years. The diagram shows the big deference with the recent cycles 21, 22 and 23. The comparison is disappointing.

There are rumors that the next cycle will be very faint as well. What a pity. Unfortunately, it seems that the golden era of  radio is over.

Athens Ham Fest 2013

A really nice ham fest this year. Many people to talk to, much hardware to please your eyes. Even the new flagship of Kenwood TS990s was there available to play with.

Unfortunately the recent passing of my good friend SV1GH keeps me  far away from being enthusiastic about the event. Farwell dear Tony.