Martin and all:
In light of the discussion that has been going on of late, I am proposing
the following strategy for this week-end.
First, let's try a 20-meter test for anyone interested or available at 2000
Z on Sunday afternoon. If my calculations are right, that would be 3 p.m.
eastern, 2 p.m. central, 1 p.m. mountain, and 12 p.m. Pacific. As for
frequency, let's try around 14.250 and up, given QRM, etc..
Then, later that evening, let's try our usual 40-meter cross-country blind
ops net on 7.197 MHZ at 0100 Z--8 p.m. eastern, 7 p.m. central, 6 p.m.
mountain, and 5 p.m. Pacific. Let's start on 40 meters, with the idea that
if the band simply isn't co-operating, we can then move down to 75 meters.
If someone can suggest a good 75-meter frequency, that would be helpful.
My thinking is that this will allow us to pursue the greatest variety of
options.
This is only my proposed plan, though, and I'm open to any suggestions.
P.S. Unfortunately, I will probably still be using 100 watts on Sunday for
our various activities. The Ameritron AL811H amp that I purchased did
arrive earlier this week, but it suffered some damage in the shipping
process, so I'm going to have to pursue an insurance claim with the U.S.
Post Office. Obviously, I'm a bit disappointed, but I'm sure I'll survive.
Thanks and 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin McCormick" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 9:22 AM
Subject: Re: Cross Country Net
>I wouldn't call myself a propagation expert, but here are some
> thoughts. In Winter at near the bottom of the Solar cycle, 75
> meters is pretty decent for medium distances after dark and this
> time of year, it is usually dark by 17:30 local time and by
> 19:00, 40 is way long. People work Europe all evening long and I
> hear lots of East and West Coasters when I hear anybody at all.
>
> The 75 meter band is probably the best choice if you
> want to keep the net around 01:00 Z.
>
> Keep in mind that it will be a different world in the
> Summer months because of both Daylight Saving Time and the
> longer day. Our ARES net, for example, is usually on 40 meters
> during the Summer because it occurs at 21:30 Z or 16:30 CDT but
> it has been known to move to 80 meters on occasion because the
> skip is too long on 40 during the Winter.
>
> Martin McCormick WB5AGZ Stillwater, OK
> Systems Engineer
> OSU Information Technology Department Telecommunications Services Group
>
|
