Spring, TEP and other stories

We left spring solstice a week behind already, but unfortunately TEP is not so strong as expected. Of course several stations have been heard already as FR4NT,3B8CF,V51YJ and several ZS6. But those are the usual suspects. It seams that the second peak of cycle 24, predicted in previous post, it is late if it ever comes.

Last weekend we were occupied with the usual spring repairs in second QTH of SV8CS. In the photo you can see SV8KOU, SV8CS,SV8DOU (left to right). I call it the “periscope”, as it is located on the top of a hill 560m high and absolutely open 360 degree around. Keep in mind that it covers all bands from 160m to 70cm and it is fully remote operated. Powered by 800AH batteries or fuel generator if need it, it is a very respectable tool indeed. Now we are loaded with the finger on the trigger. The only thing we need is the target!

What is going on with the sun?

Sun is very quiet last months. This year should be the maximum of solar cycle 24, but solar activity keeps declining. The most part of radio community is somehow disappointed because of that.  Was this unexpected? Not quite. Don’t worry. There is hope.

The quiet has led some observers to wonder if forecasters missed the mark. Solar physicist Dean Pesnell of the Goddard Space Flight Center has a different explanation: 

"This is solar maximum," he suggests. "But it looks different from what we expected because it is double peaked."

You can read the whole article here. Let’s hope that Dean is wright and a second peak is on the way!

IC 730 restored

The IC 730 was my first transceiver back to early eighties. This transceiver belongs to a romantic era of my radio life. Unfortunately someday I took the wrong decision to exchange it to a more modern TS 440. I truly regret for this choice ever since. Recently thanks to my friend SV1GH I have it back to my shack just to remind me my very start. The photo has been taken in SV8YM lab, who undertook the task to align  and restore it in order  to make it fully operational again. Now it is sitting comfortably in its place like it never left.

…and a Happy New Year

Microham “micro Keyer II” was  what Santa brought to me this year. Obviously he was advised by my friend Nick (SV3SJ/F5VIH) who knew well my desires. Keyer II, siting on the top of FTDX 5000D, will be its precious companion from now and then. Happy New Year to all of you.

Merry Christmas

Dear fellows, after several years of faultless operation the tube of my ACOM 1000 had to be replaced. My good friend and very capable technician, Tasos (SV8YM), offered to to do the job. The photos show characteristically what he found out as soon as he took the cover off. Everything was covered under a huge amount of dust. Fortunately the dust didn’t affect operation.

 

After careful removal of the dust and several hours of conditioning the new GU74B the ACOM 1000 was fully operational again. Many thanks Tasos.

Merry Christmas to all.

Who said that an expedition is an easy task?

The boat of ZL9HR crew in rough seas. Actually they are safely anchored  right now south of Stewart island, waiting for the weather to calm down. It is obvious that it isn’t just a game. The thoughts of all of us are with them.

Autumn…time for DXing

Autumn is deeply established. The leaves are yellow, temperatures are lower and Greece is still alive. So do we! And very busy actually. PT0S is on the air, not as successfully as in previous expeditions, but conditions on the rocks are difficult and propagation rather poor. George and Thomas are doing their best as always.

But the big event of the year is coming next. I mean the major  expedition that  the whole amateur world is waiting anxiously. The 11th most wanted entity, Campbell island (ZL9HR), will be on the air quite soon. Tommy, VK2IR top of the team, reports that all preparations are under control and as scheduled. The expedition has been organized by Hellenic Amateur Radio Association Of Australia, known as H.A.R.A.O.A.

We wish them, with all our heart, ZL9HellenicRadio to be a great success.