Arctic Diamonds - TF4M » DX

Extreme DX – Kingdom of Uvea

TF4M — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:17:34 +0000

Due to the poor conditions lately caused by solar storms, I occasionally have a listen on the higher bands.

Laci, HA0NAR was operating as FW0NAR on 30M from the “Kingdom of Uvea” on Wallis Island when I heard him very weak, actually barely audible – as can be heard from the recording.

This is an all time new country for me, I don´t recall ever hearing a station from Wallis & Futuna before.

Download audio file (FW0NAR_30M_QSO_TF4M.mp3)

I used my JA Rhombic to blast through the pileup (at the start of the recording) and a DX PIG shows up at the end of the recording by tuning up on the DX frequency. The recording is in stereo, with both sides of the split operation. I can not imagine a lesser antenna making this QSO possible. Here is another look at the DX PIG.

Centuries ago, cannibalism was the norm in these parts and I have met people from Polynesia who would pinch my arms and sides to check if I was fit to eat – I believe I was approved Foreigners are commonly referred to as ´long pigs´.

The photo below is linked from the web site of south-images.com and shows the preparation of a Polynesian feast.

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

V5/DK1CE – NAMIBIA

TF4M — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:20:25 +0000

DK1CE is on a DXpedition to Namibia 26 December – 16 January.

This is a recording of our QSO on 160 Meters.

Download audio file (V5-DK1CE_160.mp3)

Note: I have discovered that the recording audio leads from my transceiver were in the wrong sockets. Since I have not touched these for months, since installation at least, it appears that the mischievous Elves of Otradalur may be to blame. From now on both channels should be present in the recordings.

The Arctic King once again showed his tremendous power.

According to this they are even using Rhombics for their operations!

This is my country #176 Worked on Top Band.

KL7KY – Alaska

TF4M — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:18:59 +0000

The first DX QSO of the year on Top Band was with KL7KY near Anchorage, Alaska.

I had been listening to Kevin for a long time and was able to make the QSO with him on a QSB peak.

Download audio file (KL7KY_1601.mp3)

DXCC Challenge

TF4M — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:24:51 +0000

I received my DXCC Challenge plaque today. Processing of the award was slightly delayed at ARRL as the date shows, but all is good that ends well. It is certainly beautiful and I am proud to hang it on my wall.

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Top Band conditions improving

TF4M — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:49:33 +0000

Yesterday – 9th of December, I heard BU2AQ, in Taipei, Taiwan on 160M.

Despite numerous attempts, I was not able to raise him to give him a quick report, – we have worked twice before on Top Band.

Listen to his contact with SP3DOI

BU2AQ QSO SP3DOI 160 METERS

Upon checking my records, I found that I have never received a QSL card from BU2AQ, although I have worked and confirmed another station from Taiwan – BU2AI.

My cards for both contacts with BU2AQ will be posted on Monday.

This bodes well for the winter DX season, I am still missing several Asian countries – including China…