UPDATED! The system check at W0ZSW was disappointing, as the bands were noisy and few signals were heard. I noticed a noise source that repeats across the band on 40 meters. I’ll track it when time is available – and because of the poor band conditions, there certainly won’t be many actual stations on the air to interfere with the noise source! That is a small blessing indeed. This morning’s HF forecast shows us that geomagnetic storms are expected and band conditions are “Poor”.
Meanwhile, station W0EQO has returned to service after the problem was traced to a bad LAN cable. Our thanks to troubleshooter extraordinaire Bill Jones, N0CIC. The station will be ready for Field Day!!!
Speaking of Field Day, it is coming up soon – the 4th full weekend in June, which is the 22nd and 23rd. For something this weekend, consider the June ARRL VHF Contest:
http://www.arrl.org/june-vhf
W0ZSW will tune the 6 meter band. Start by listening on the calling frequency, 50.125 MHz USB. Tune around that frequency. Station control ops should remember that the antenna may not be tuned until you throw out your callsign in a short transmission.
Since the radio is a Kenwood TS-480HX, it does not have the capability to operate on other VHF bands even though the W4MQ software does list those bands (such as the 2m band.)
Have a great weekend and be sure to get on the air!
73 – Pat Tice, WA0TDA
Courage Kenny Handiham Coordinator
