2013-08-24

Several more Brazil QSOs on 10 meters! The where having a contest called CVA  (Concurso Verde e Amarelo: Green and Yellow Contest... the Brazilian colors) I am puzzled about something: They were obviously having a hard time hearing my 8 watts since that asked me to repeat my call many times. However, they all gave me a 59 signal report. For you who do not know what that means: "5" is for readability (1-5 so perfect) and "9" for signal strength (1-9 so super strong)!! I am not sure how valid the RS reports can be if people are not honest. I have to admit that I rarely give the right report. I just do not want to hurt people's feelings, I guess. Here is what the system is supposed to be:

R = READABILITY
1-- Unreadable
2-- Barely readable, occasionally words distinguishable
3-- Readable with considerable difficulty
4-- Readable with practically no difficulty
5-- Perfectly readable

S = SIGNAL STRENGHT
1-- Faint signal, barely perceptible
2-- Very weak signal
3-- Weak signal
4-- Fair signal
5-- Fairly good signal
6-- Good signal
7-- Moderately strong signal
8-- Strong signal
9-- Extremely strong signal

T = TONE (Only used with CW)
1-- Sixty cycle a.c. or less, very rough and broad
2-- Very rough a.c., very hash and broad
3-- Rough a.c. tone, rectified but not filtered
4-- Rough note, some trace of filtering
5-- Filtered rectified a.c. but strongly rippled-modulated
6-- Filtered tone, definite trace of ripple modulation
7-- Near pure tone, slight trace of modulation
8-- Near perfect tone, slight trace of modulation
9-- Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind

Source: List produced by N4UJW

201-08-25

It was a great day for DX! There were at least two QSO Parties going on. I made at least 15 DX contacts including Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Denmark, Romania, and Croatia... all of these new countries for me.

I also went to our MARC Radio Class. It really is just for people preparing for their Technician and General Licenses. I am just using the classes as refreshers and a way to encourage me to study for my Extra examination. I should be ready to take the test in November or December.

I have received several new QSL cards though eQSL. There are still many hams that do not use this system but not having money for regular cards and stamps, it is the option I have chosen almost exclusively.

2013-08-22

I heard an amateur from Brazil and one from Argentina on 10 meters yesterday. Both reported that the band was open to North America. They were giving 59 to all contacts. They were also putting out 500W and coming in strong. However, I was unable to break through the pileups. My signal is very weak on 10 meters for some reason. I am only able to put out less than 20W! I think I remember Wade (owner of the TX I am using) told me something was wrong with the radio but not sure). I would love to get back on 10 meters.

FIELD DAY 2013

This was the first year I have been able to be a part of the ARRL Field Day from beginning to end. I have to say it was a lot of fun! I love the challenge of seeing how many contacts I can make. During the night before the contest started, I did take advantage of the HF radios to make personal contacts. It was thrilling to make so many contacts on 20m. I especially loved the DX contacts with Hungary and Ecuador.