[WVDXA] Add One More on Top Band

[W8TN - Clark]

I was about to go to bed last night but before I did, I checked the
PacketCluster for new ones, just in case.  Not much on.  I tried to hear an
S5 that was spotted, but could barely copy him.  Nothing else was spotted
that I could use.

So, I started getting ready for bed and checked the Cluster one last time
before turning off the computer.  There I saw a spot for ISØ/YO3RA in
Sardinia.  Well, I had tried to hear him before with no luck.  However, this
time, I could hear bits and pieces.  So, I turned on the amp.  As it was
warming up, he worked a W4.  It was apparent the W4 was not really hearing
him all that well but they seemed to have a QSO.

After that he started calling CQ and the QSB brought him up a bit.  At
various times I copied "RA", "Ø", "YO3", etc.  Enough that I eventually
built up the entire call.  He was continuing to build (probably his sunrise
peak) and I was hopeful I would have a chance at a QSO.  The amp finally
completed its warm-up, I adjusted it for 1,500 watts out about 1/2 kc up the
band with XIT, and listened for him to complete his CQ and when he finished
I was all set to pounce!

Just before he finished the CQ, a BIG signal came on the band - EXACTLY on
his frequency.  It was a W7LR calling "CQ DX."  RATS!

W7LR finished his call and I could hear the ISØ calling "CQ" again weakly.
Before he finished the CQ, W7LR began calling again.  I was stumped as to
what to do.  If I just gave my call, W7LR would think I was calling him.  I
was not sure how to say "Go Away W7LR, ISØ/YO3RA is on the frequency" on
CW.  So, after W7LR finished his second CQ DX, I could hear nothing from the
ISØ.  I thought he might have gone away but, I took a chance and called
"ISØ/YO3RA de W8TN W8TN W8TN W8TN kk" and crossed my fingers.

Well, W7LR stayed quiet and I was able to hear the ISØ come back to me.  One
of the weakest QSO's I've had on Top Band but just good enough!  We
certainly could not have "chatted" about anything.  Call signs and signal
reports were all that it was possible to exchange.

In an email communication with ISØ/YO3RA later, he said:

OK Clark,you were at the limit of my earth as well but you got
> RST449/QSB/QRN .My address is correct.Best 73's
> Calin IS0/YO3RA
>
> P:S:
> Please tell me what is your TX PWR etc.
> My set up is IC7800 + PW1 .Ant. like yours since my initial  90 feet
> vertical broke partly down and the remaining 70 feet became a inverted L
> both TX+RX. However I shall add that I am 150 meter from the sea shore and
> this helps.
>

So, I get to chalk up Country No. 107 on 160-M with the *Famous W8TN 160-M
Inverted-L*.  I'm glad I've gotten my "100 Countries" before Greg, W8GG,
gets his Inverted-L up and Phil, W8UV, gets the "Killer" fully operational
as I know they'll start sucking away all the good DX and I'll have to fight
to snag their left-overs.


Clark, W8TN
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