NOVEMBER 1998

VHF/UHF - AN EXPANDING WORLD

Eric Jamieson VK5LP

PO Box 169 Meningie South Australia 5264

E-mail: vk5lp@ozemail.com.au

Fax: 08 8575 1777

Packet: VK5LP@VK5WI.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC

All times are UTC

Beacons

Colin VK5DK sends a short note to let all know that the VK5RSE two metre beacon on 144.550 MHz, is now using 4 x 4 element yagis connected via a 4-way power divider. One yagi beamed west, one beamed towards Adelaide, one beamed north east (VK2/VK4) and one beamed east. The antennas were changed over on 5 September.

Colin would be interested in any reports of how the beacon's signal compares to previously when a turnstile was used as the antenna. His e-mail address is <vk5dk@ansonic.com.au>.

The V73SIX beacon has changed frequency to 50.014 MHz.

The Christchurch VHF DX Group advises a new beacon, ZL3SIX on 28.228 MHz, power 10 watts, antenna halfwave vertical. The trustees Ross ZL3ADT and Mike ZL3TIC will be interested in any reports. Email to Ross at <zl3adt@xtra.co.nz> and/or Mike <Mycom@xtra.co.nz>.

Also, ZL3SIX on 50.040 MHz operates with a power of 70 watts, antenna two x phased dipoles. Reports also sought.

From the JA six metre www cluster - XE1KK/b on 50.110 heard in A35 at 0240 on 6/10/98. [This is probably a keyer using 50.110.]

According to Ted Collins G4UPS, the South African beacon ZS6TWB on 50.044 MHz peaked to 579 between 1854 and 1902 on 15/9. Its full locator is KG46rd.

TV off-sets

Mike ZL3TIC reports he receives e-mails asking for details of 45/46 and 55 MHz TV and off-sets in ZL, VK and the Pacific regions. The address is: http://www.radioinfo.co.nz/6mfreq.htm. He says band conditions are improving on six metres. Also remember the beacon ZL3SIX frequency is 50.040 MHz, location 20 km south of Christchurch, power 70 watts.

Six metres

Scott VK4JSR expects to operate from Lord Howe Island from 18/11 to 22/11 inclusive. Equipment - Yaesu FT847, 100 watts to a 5 element yagi on 50 MHz, and dipole on 28.885 MHz. Currently awaiting callsign allocation.

David Clegg VK5AMK reports that on 1/10 he worked from 0431 to 0438 JK8FGX, 0437 JA8QX and JA8NAE, all around S5. Using a Kenwood 680s David said the highest frequency signal heard was voice on 34.875. Unfortunately there is a gap between 35 and 45 MHz in the 680s so there may have been signals higher up.

Neville Mattick VK2QF in a brief message says he is still on six metres from QF47, focussing mainly on F2 and TEP, usually CW. He suggests you check his URL for all current six metre DX activity from his location: http://winsoft.net.au/~vk2qf

Ray VK4BLK (ex-VK3LK) writes that no six metre DX came his way during May to August. Since then as follows: 4/9: 0520 JAs; 12/9: 0400-1030 JAs; 13/9: 0455-0548 JAs; 14/9: 0810-1024 JAs; 20/9: 0440-1046 JAs; 25/9: 0820 KH6HME/b, KH6HI/b, 0834 KH7L 5x5, 0850-1146 JAs, 2300-2323 JAs; 26/9: 0918-0927 JAs; 27/9: 0351-0450 JAs; 29/9: 0930-1037 JAs; 30/9: 0640 KH6HI/b, KH6HME/b, 0656 WH6O 5x4, 0700 KH7L 5x1, 0714 KH6SX 459, 0700-1200 JAs.

Ray now lives at Yeppoon, so is in a position to make the most of TEP

openings. Interesting to note that JAs at times have only been via afternoon type TEP, others by evening TEP through to 1200, and some starting in the morning at 2300. Thanks Ray.

Alaska

Steve Gregory VK3OT/KL7SIX <steve_vk3ot@hotmail.com>, advises of visual auroral activity on 30/9 for first time much to delight of all the family. NL7OW was in on 50.130 5x5 on AU b/s from BP54.

Ten metres was open from 2400 to 0400 and he contacted VK7IK/3, VK2BA, VK2QF, VK4BRG, and VK6HK all who expressed the wish and will to work KL7 on 6 metres.

I am set up on 28.885 with 500 watts and an elevated ground plane and by being on this frequency daily I am somehow coaxing contacts between KL7 and VK6 at 15000 km on what was hitherto a dead band. So next stop 50 MHz in late October.

What started a week ago as weak signals from VK2RSY/b on 28.262 has rapidly accelerated to good paths as far as VK6 on 28.885 MHz now we are past the equinox.

On 1/10 the band opened on 28 MHz at 2330 to VK7IK/3, VK4APG, VK2QF, then at 0200 VK2RSY/b 28.262 539, VK5WI/b 28.260 539, followed by intermitttent reception of VK6RWA/b 28.264 559 on top of the JA5 beacon 28.263 339. David VK2BA announced a six metre path to JA8 existed.

Don VK6HK (15,000 km) on 28.885 was marginal around 0300 but improved at 0400 to 5x7 with rapid QSB and phase distortion, classic indicators of decaying F2. This is the first VK6 to KL7 in over a decade on ten metres and shows the band is improving rapidly. All using a rotary dipole at this end.

NL7OW was in on AU backscatter at 0700 and a visual fast moving green aurora was noticed above my house at an angle of 45 degrees at 10 pm local time.

As to how to work KL7 from VK, I suspect given the beam heading is 015 degrees that you need a good JA8 opening and should check for both 49.640 DARN radar signals and 55.2406 TV from KTUU on Mount Susitna. The TV will sound raspy with a 60 Hz frame frequency of the US NTSC system just like KVZK Pago Pago on 55.2498.

I suspect the window will be from 2330 to around 0330, our sunset, and that November and December the prime months.

Active stations are Steve KL7FZ who runs 400 watts to a 7 element yagi in Wasilla BP51, Dan KL7Y an itinerant operator also in Wasilla, Tom NL7OW a blind operator from Kenai or Homer Alaska, in BP52 250 miles south of Anchorage, and Al Noe KL7NO in BP54 at Fairbanks some 300 miles further north.

If you hear the radar call 907 373 5435 or 907 376 OHMS (yes OHMS).

Not much else to report. Don't forget that most USA and certainly all KL7s use 50.125 for calling and occasionally monitor 50.110. Openings are expected from US October/November so watch the pagers and other indications and expect to hear US soon.

Seanet Convention

Another reminder that the Seanet Convention in Singapore will activate 9V8SEA, which will include six metres, from 0200 on 13/11 to 0700 on 15/11. Six metres will be on 50.085 CW or 50.115 SSB. Full information was given in these notes last month.

VK-VHF - Excerpts from SM7AED newletter

Jesse N0SWV will operate from Ross Island, Antarctica, grid RB32, from 10/10/98 to 31/01/99, and bands include six metres. Emphasis will be on six meters. A beacon is planned with a power of 100 watts to a five element yagi. Call will be N0SWV. For the curious, grid square RB32 is Ross Island, in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. For more details e-mail <alcortje@pcisys.net>. ... de Jesse N0SWV.

Cocos-Keeling (VK9C) and Christmas Islands (VK9X)

Charlie W0YG, currently in South Africa, and George W8UVZ, will operate from Christmas and Cocos Islands from February 6 - 20th 1999. They will spend a week at each location primarily on the low bands, but they will attempt some six metre activity.

Tajikistan

Nodir EY8MM in MM48, is now active on six metres with TS-570S 100 watts. Antenna, 4 el Quad ready in October. All Extra Class stations in EY are allowed to use 50 MHz. If you need a copy of the licence Nodir can send it to you. Tel: +7(3772) 21-4706 Home. E-mail: <EY8MM@SOVAM.COM>. [Spelt Tadzkistan in the atlas, the country joins the northern border of Afghanistan, so it may be an interesting distance from Australia during F2 openings.]

Leonids Meteor Shower, November 1998

(Excerpts from a letter from COMNAVSPACECOM, Dahlgren, VA, published in the 50 MHz DX Bulletin).

Six meter operators should be aware of the increased possibilities of wide-spread Sporadic-E clouds to the deposition of meteor "dust" in the E-region. Said dust consists largely of atoms that are easily ionized and when ionized have a relatively long lifetime (compared to the natural constituents).

This message is to heighten your awareness and discuss preparations for the November 1998 and 1999 Leonid meteor storms.

Each November, the earth crosses the path of the comet Temple-Tuttle. As the earth passes through the debris trail from this comet, the Leonid meteor shower occurs. Typically this results in about 15 meteors per hour entering the earth's atmosphere. But, on certain occasions the meteor activity can reach "storm" levels, with thousands of meteors observed per hour.

The comet's orbital period is approximately 33 years. This year, and next, will be the most intense meteor storms of the 33 year cycle. The peak period of the meteor activity lasts for a span of two to six hours, and can be fairly accurately estimated. This year's peak is expected on 17 November at approximately 1900.

From a period of 1100 on 17/11 until 0100 on 18/11/1998, (maximum +/- six hours), all users of satellite assets should monitor their system very carefully. Naval space command is currently planning to add manning at the satellite operations centres. Nobody knows what can occur to the about 500 satellites now in orbit.

Europe

Ted Collins G4UPS reported September as excellent for 28 MHz, with obvious F2 propagation to VK, JA and other parts of the world. He said 28.885 - the liaison frequency - has been quite busy with VK6RO, PY5CC and others using it.

Geoff GJ4ICD sent information from the December notes of HRT. He says: The DX continues! Following on from last month's reports a very large Es opening occurred on the 15th August both on 50 MHz, 70 MHz and 144 MHz. Six metres opened very early throughout Europe, almost every country was worked/heard in the UK, this was by far the biggest opening this year, and yet so late in the season!

Martin G3VOF (Essex) reported working UA9SIX/LO91 at 1118 which was a new country! PE1PZS also worked the UA9 a little later, as did G3WOS, G3FPQ, G3HBR, GJ4ICD, G4CCZ, F6IFR and many more, the distance was around 4,000 km which indicates double hop Es.

At 1650 LU3EJW was into Europe big time on "6", several Gs were worked including G3WZT, G4RQI, G6IJJ and Clive Penna GM3POI. His best DX was OH2BC at over 12,800 km! Eight countries were worked in Europe. A little later ZD8VHF/b (50.0325 MHz) was copied by Al Harvey GU7DHI and GJ4ICD.

On the 16th August Dave N5JHV in DM62 (New Mexico) had a 50 MHz Es pipeline into the UK at 1745. Dave worked several "G" stations during the opening at over 8,000 km; at 1820 GD4XTT had an Es opening on 144 MHz to OK, and Jon OY9JD (Faroe Islands) managed to work 7Q7RM in Malawi on 50 MHz for a first between those two countries.

Whilst everybody was watching the BBC 9 pm news on the 17th Larry, TZ6VV (Mali) had a 30 minute 50 MHz opening into Europe via Es! Larry worked 35 grid squares, 11 countries, and completed 60 QSOs with many UK stations such as Mike G3OIL, Trevor G3ZYY, ONs, PA0s and GWs.

A small Es opening on the 23rd provided a "top end link" (F2 to Spain then Es to the UK) with Peter PY5CC/GG54 in Brazil, he managed to work 35 stations in ON, DL, SP, F, PA, G, GW and GM in the opening which started at 2000, best DX was GM3POI.

Early on the 28th August at 0600 50 MHz beacons ZS6DN and ZS6TWB were copied in Europe, this opening is most interesting as on 28th August 1988 the first ZS6 to G/GJ QSO took place on the band, it seems quite incredible that a repeat some 10 years later has occurred exactly to the day, later at 1810 ZS6AXT was 539 into Jersey and stations in Argentina were worked in France.

Ivo ZS6AXT who is located in Pretoria worked I, EH1, IS0, 4Z, F, EH3, EH5, SV, S5, YU on the 29th and the 30th produced TZ6VV into Europe, this was a very widespread Es event with Larry working over 100 stations, later in the day Argentina (LU) was into F/GJ.

Into September now, the 1st recorded a SFI (Solar Flux Index) of a massive 179, this was the highest recorded so far in Cycle 23, but beware! Solar Flux does not always indicate good conditions on the VHF bands, by this I refer to F2/TEP openings on 50/70/144 MHz.

During last cycle some very intense observations and data were recorded in respect to openings versus solar parameters, on many occasions openings transpired during high Geomagnetic/Solar activity periods, on other occasions no openings transpired when the solar flux levels were at their peak, so don't get caught out, watch the trends of 28 MHz, also 14.345 MHz and 28.885 MHz where the dedicated group of VHFers will be passing information around the world.

Geoff Brown's new address is Rockdene, La Rue du Rondin, St Mary, Jersey. C.I. or via email to: <equinox@itl.net>. The Internet 50MHz/70MHz/144MHz DX News is at: http://user.itl.net/~equinox/50dx.html

Two metre SSB net

Barry Miller VK3BTM reports that: Len VK3BMY, in Numurkah (about 32 km north of Shepparton), has been attempting to get his fellow local amateurs interested/operational on 2m SSB. To help in this, Len has been running a 2m SSB net at 0930 (1930 EST) on 144.150 every Wednesday night.

[Please note the following change of time: Len VK3BMY, advises that the Shepparton Group 2m SSB net has shifted to a start time of 1030 (2030 EST). Due to the increase in participants, the previous time-slot of 1930-2000 EST proved too short. Now, by starting after the Shepparton Group FM net, it will allow the SSB net to run as long as necessary.]

Len would be very happy for anyone to come up on the net, to help

demonstrate to his local radio group members, the fun that can be had with SSB. From this, hopefully some activity on 70 cm or above might eventually take place.

If you're interested in joining in, but are having trouble hearing the net or being heard, send me a message on <BMiller@vnpbtrom.telstra.com.au> and I'll let Len know.

Microwaves

Neil Sandford VK2EI of Port Macquarie (ex VK6BHT of Geraldton) sent a fax with news on 24 GHz activities from his new location.

During a trip involving long distances around Australia, Wal VK6KZ found himself at the new location of Neil, and he "just happened" to be carrying 24 GHz equipment! For a considerable time, when Neil was at Geraldton, Wal from Perth had maintained contact with him on many occasions using various microwave bands, so it was not surprising that another contact should be attempted.

Neil wrote: On 13 September, Wal VK6KZ/p2 at Sealy Lookout (310 m) just north of Coffs Harbour, made contact with Neil VK2EI/p at North Brother Lookout (490 m) on 24 GHz, a distance of 157.5 km. Initial reports were 5x3 and 4x5 respectively, peaking to 5x4 for the remainder of the contact from 0535 to 0550. We intend to lodge a claim for the Australian record by extending our previous VK6 record of 147.3 km in January 1998.

It is interesting to note that Wal travelled 11,501 km to make the contact - that must be some sort of record in itself! Calculations using the RSGB UWV Handbook Path Loss Programme indicates this probable line-of-sight path had observed results agreeing closely to predicted.

The weather was fine and very hazy with high scattered cloud and a very light breeze. Temperature/humidity was measured at VK6KZ as 24C/93%RH and VK2EI 18C/57%RH which is far from ideal.

VK2EI has now retired to a new house on a prominent site at Port Macquarie and plans to be operational on 10 GHz from about next December, with 24 GHz and 5.7 GHz also operational.

Further to the above, Wal VK6KZ now home, said that the equipment used was the same as that to set the previous record in Western Australia.

He also reported travelling 11501 km to make the contact and 5175 km to return home! He visited his son and family in the Kimberley regions of WA and daughter and her family in Melbourne on the way to Port Macquarie but returned direct to home.

In forwarding a copy of a microwaves contest details in the US, David VK5KK adds wistfully: We can only wish for this sort of activity on 10 GHz ... 36 stations within 400 km!

Larry Filby K1LPS sent preliminary results of his 10 GHz activity on 19/20 September. QSOs: 84 callsigns: 36 stations with 3600 distance points: total points 13,396. Best DX: FN44IG to FN31FH, 377 km (234 miles) to K1UHF. Total claimed score: 16,996 (Preliminary).

System: SSB Electronics transverter modules. 3 dB NF, 180 mW out (for better results this needs to be increased), 24 inch dish with Chaparral prime focus feed. IF/driver: Yaesu FT290R. WBFM: 35 mW Gunn/ARR receiver board, 12 inch dish w/waveguide feed.

IPS Daily Report

David VK5AMK <davclegg@cobweb.com.au> advises: I get this e-mail every day by "subscribing" (no cost), I wonder if you get it or others may be interested in the service with 6 metres on the up." Details for one day are below as an example but contact David if you run into problems.

Subject: IPS Daily Solar and Geophysial Report - issued at 2330 02 October 98 by IPS Radio and Space Services from the Australian Forecast Centre.

The report covers Solar Summary, GOES satellite data, solar forecast, magnetic summary, flux, A and K indices, global HF propagation forecast, Australian Region ionospheric summary and forecast and so on.

IPS Radio and Space Services PO Box 1386 Haymarket NSW 1240 AUSTRALIA tel: +61 2 9213 8010 fax: +61 2 9210 9060 email: <asfc@ips.gov.au> WWW: http://www.ips.gov.au/afc FTP: ftp://ftp.ips.gov.au/users/asfc/

One metre news

An e-mail from Ken Pincott VK3AFJ was in response to my recent writings (August AR) on one metre activity.

Ken said: I think I can claim to be one of the pioneers on this band, as Bert VK3AAF and I were active a couple of days after the Radio and Hobbies magazine published the article on the one metre mod-osc and super regen receiver. Within a week, I had my equipment installed in the car, and was operating mobile, back to Bert.

At one stage we held the distance record of 68 miles. I stayed with the mod-osc/super regen set-up, but Bert modified a disposals radar set.

Since those days, I've had several changes of QTH and my old log books have never been unpacked, and I do not know just where to look for them. [What a pity! ... VK5LP]. I do recall that we stirred up a lot of activity around Melbourne, and by the end of the following year had over 60 stations active. Those were the days when amateur radio was fun, and I have some pleasant memories of those activities.

Ken - you must find that information - please! ... VK5LP.

Spring VHF/UHF Field Day

Last month I advised of the field day to be held on 14-15 November. Details of the Spring VHF/UHF Field Day are included on page 36 of October AR and relate fairly closely to those of the January field day.

Chas VK3BRZ is one of many pleased that the field day has been organised. He will join with David VK3XLD and Les VK3ZLS and operate from Blue Mountain. He says: We probably will not be out to win as much as just have fun. We will have all bands from 50 to 1296 MHz.

John Martin VK3KWA advises that the two telephone numbers published last month are for Ian Godsil VK3DID. John said advice of this should have come to me.

John also says: The time limit for repeat contacts will be 3 hours, not 2 hours as advised to you by Rod VK2TWR. The original intention was to make it 2 hours, but discussion with a number of locals revealed 100% in favour of 3 hours. When the logs come in, it may turn out that the nationwide majority would prefer 2 hours after all. If so, I will make the change for both the spring and summer field days next time round.

I am aiming at getting the Ross Hull rules in the November issue. Changes will be:

(a) Six metre scores to increase with distance but 1 point only for contacts in Es range (1000 - 2500 km), and a similar drop in score for contacts in F2 range. This will make scoring more commensurate with the degree of difficulty of the contact, and prevent six metre scores from deciding the outcome. Last year was too close for comfort in this regard.

(b) Shorter duration. I am most reluctant to do this, but I have received constant complaints about the duration from some entrants and it is time to see whether their views are supported by the majority. The level of activity in the last two weeks of the contest has been poor over the last few years, so it may not make much difference!

The West Australian VHF Group Inc.

This very active group includes progressive thinking amateurs who continue to set an example for what can be achieved if you are prepared to devote time and energy, and finance, to the tasks seen to be necessary to support the day to day activities of amateurs interested in the bands above 50 MHz, particularly in the field of beacons.

I hope I can find space next month to summarise the wide-ranging Annual Report of the Group's President, Alan Woods VK6ZWZ. It is good reading.

Closure

It will be interesting to see whether the end of October, through November to December produces any interesting F2 contacts.

Closing with two thoughts for the month:

1. Ever notice that the whisper of temptation can be heard farther than the loudest call to duty? and

2. I've learned the same thing about my garden that Adam and Eve learned about theirs. It's best to follow instructions!

73 from The Voice by the Lake.