graphic by TF3JA:
On February 2, 2010,
in Amateur Radio,
by TF4M
On February 2, 2010,
in Amateur Radio,
by TF4M
CQ 160 Contest – TF4X #2 in Europe, #6 World !
Yuri, K3BU operated TF4X in the CQ WW 160 meter contest in the Single Operator High Power category.
A solar flare about a week before the contest started caused worry that conditions would be poor. The band seemed to have recovered nicely, but the Aurora Index stayed high during most of the contest and it became clear that conditions were disturbed.
Iceland is greatly affected by any Auroral disturbance, much more so than neighboring countries and Yuri observed, for example, that my Great Beverage antennas showed almost no directivity during the contest. I know for a fact that they work very well, but during the weekend it seemed that signals appeared to come from all directions simultaneously. I understand this may be due to a high arrival angle during disturbed conditions.
Some juicy DX was worked, two KH6 stations for example, it is only recently that the historic first QSO with KH6 was made from my station – this is quite remarkable considering the disturbed conditions.
The raw score is as follows:
1643 QSOs
51 States/Provinces
80 Countries
Total Score = 1,317,729
At present TF4X has the second highest reported score in Europe and is #6 worldwide. This may of course change as and/or when other stations report their scores, but it is incredibly satisfying to see all my hard work being justified with such superior results.
It was quite illuminating to observe such an experienced operator running my station – at times I feared that my amplifier would literally melt, but it performed to my full satisfaction and there were no equipment/antenna issues whatsoever during the contest.
Yuri wrote in his comment to the 3830 Reflector:
Last minute adventure to the Aurora zone, taking up Thor’s invite.
Being rusty from dormant period, problems with equipment setup,
drivers, but got ready for the start.
Stories about Aurora wipeouts made it a big if.
Thanks to Thor and his magnificent station it ended up being fun and decent
score, even if coming short of beating the Eu record.
The background noise is probably the lowest in the world allowing to
hear lot more of the juicy stuff than working it.
Thanks for wonderful hospitality and station from Thor, TF4M and all the QSOs
and points. Lot of dirty clixing signals and rude behaviour by “CQ pirates”.
Will have more later.
Yuri, TF/K3BU
I used my PERSEUS SDR receiver to record the entire contest 1800-1900kHz. The recording obviously contains the entire contest effort of TF4X and in addition it contains the contest effort of everyone else heard at my location.
This consumes two hundred GB of data, please contact me if you are interested in specific time periods.
A new chapter in the History of Amateur Radio has been written.
On January 21, 2010,
in Amateur Radio,
by TF4M
We have Aurora now and things do not bode well for the CQ WW 160m contest coming up.
I found this beautiful Aurora photo taken in Reykjavik by Fredrik Holm last night on the web. Click on the photo to enter his beautiful Aurora photo gallery.
I hope to have my own Aurora photo gallery soon.
More photos from the Aurora last night.
Glorious Aurora photos may be viewed here.
I can´t resist linking to one of the most beautiful Aurora photo I have seen. LalliSig is the photographer. You may click on the photo to enter his site.
On January 20, 2010,
in Amateur Radio,
by TF4M
Solar cycle 24 has begun.
The first radio blackouts are already occurring following a recent solar flare – the first in the new solar cycle….Sadly, this may spell the end of the glorious conditions experienced on 160 meters.
These kind of conditions may never repeat themselves in my life time.
A solar flare may cause enhanced conditions for stations outside the Auroral Zone. For stations in Iceland, a solar flare invariably causes exteme attenuation of signals.
Iceland is affected by Auroral conditions approximately 250 days a year. In comparison, England is affected by Aurora 5 days a year.
The attenuation by the Aurora varies from band to band, 160 meters are most seriously affected and the attenuation can be in the neighborhood of 130 dB.
This corresponds to a power factor of 10 billion times. Obviously, increasing power is not an option.
This is why I ask my visitors bring a bottle of something nice. So, in case we have Aurora, we can watch the Aurora in the sky and drink from the bottle.
Since 160 meters are effectively dead today, I printed out QSL cards for all new band/mode contacts made in 2009 – approximately 4,000 QSOs.
The card stock will be cut next time I go to Reykjavik and delivered to the TF Bureau.
On January 17, 2010,
in Amateur Radio,
by TF4M
Siggi, TF3CW was going to activate TF4X in the CQ WW 160 meter contest, but unforeseen circumstances caused him to cancel.
Yuri, K3BU, has stepped in and will operate the station in the Single Operator High Power category.
I sincerely hope that there will be no sun spots and no Aurora.
This may be the last chance in our life time to enjoy these fantastic conditions on Top Band.
I also hope the activity will reflect this – it would be so very cool if Yuri was able to work All 40 Zones in the contest !
It is interesting to note that I have followed the Tesla Radio Club project for years and several times I have been on the verge of writing to Yuri to invite him to my station !
