WVDXA More ZL8R on 160

[k8oql at citlink.net]

For Those Interested In Top Band:

ZL8R appeared on 1.815 this morning about 0630 EDT (Local Sunrise
0726 EDT). This was an hour before my Sunrise and about forty
minutes earlier than the previous couple of days. This gave ops in New 
England and down the Atlantic Coast a shot at a
QSO. The pileup was big.

Conditions were marginal this morning and some, including myself,
were not hearing very well. The signal was in and out of the
noise a lot, and at times was peaking S3. I watched for the
peaks and called then, but no luck. By 0800 EDT, looked like
they had quit 160--nobody out West calling.

Perhaps they should have tried 160 earlier. At 0355 EDT, they
were 57/89 on 3.512--nice consistent signal. Sometime when 80
is good 160 will be likewise, then sometimes not. The band was
down to 53/49 by 0600 EDT.

According to "Announced DX Operations" on the NG3K Website
<www.ng3k.com>, the ZL8R operation will finish the 18h or
possibly the 19th. There might be a couple of more mornings
to try for a 160 contact.

By yesterday afternoon, the Ionosphere had settled down enough to 
support a 12 Meter opening starting around 1530 and
lasting about 90 minutes. The op had a good run going into
the Northeast States. I got a cigar and a new country on 12
meters. Another op was trying to see if 10 was open at the
same time frame, but nothing.

Could be an opening this afternoon on 10 and 12 Meters with
the A Index at 8 and the K at 1. SFI is around 70, not so
hot for 10 and 12, but there's still some ionization around and
a weak to moderate opening is possible in mid afternoon.
Their Sunrise is about 1316 EDT. I sure would like to get 'em
in the log on 10.

Good Luck and remember it's only a Hobby!
de Jerry
K8OQL
In the Potomac Highlands
of
Wild and Wonderful, but Ready for Business, West Virginia