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[Moon-net]
TZ6NS Status update - 30 November 2006
[Moon-net] TZ Status update - 30 Nov
Od: aa7a@cox.net [+ do adresáře]
Předmět: [Moon-net] TZ Status update - 30 Nov
Datum: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 4:11:46 -0500
Komu: Moon-net@list-serv.davidv.net [+]
Mike (KC7V/TZ6MF) and I (Ned, AA7A/TZ6NS) had
good success with the JT65 EME effort on 29 November. It started very
slowly, however. As usual, our high noise level in the moonrise direction
prevented us from seeing any signals for almost 3 hours of calling. We
will continue to operate in that direction despite the noise in the hope
that we can pull someone out for a new one. After the moon got to roughly
45 degree elevation, we worked our first station, which has been a
consistent phenomenon throughout this effort.
Today, 30 November, is the last day of this operation. We will be
operating our station with the two operators in a tag-team mode for every
sequence from moonrise until moonset. We are tearing down the 160 meter
and WARC stations today prior to today's moonrise and then will focus 100%
of our attention on EME. This operation was a DX-pedition inside of a
DXpedition. Over 30,000 QSOs were made in the TZ5A warmup and contest
operation. And now, Mike and I are completing our little EME segment of
the DXpedition. It is a grueling affair, but it is certainly a thrill for
a couple of ham radio nuts like Mike and I. Tomorrow we will tear down the
EME station and put it in storage for next year's operation in 3X or
somewhere like it where the VooDoo Contest Group goes next for the 2007
CQWW DX CW Contest. If you want to see more about the VooDoo Contest Group,
read the lead article in the Novemebr 2006 CQ Magazine writen by Lee
Finkle, KY7M. It gives the full story of last year's eff
ort in Mali (with no 2 meter EME).
Activity status update:
Initials to date (29 nOV): 58
Stations worked (thru 28 nOV): DK3BU, YO9FRJ, DK3EE, W5UN, KB8RQ, RN6BN,
SM7BAE, ES6RQ, HB9Q, EA6VQ, DF2CZ, OZ1LPR, I2RV, DL6YHR, PA2CHR, DL6BAG/P,
DK3WG, RA3AQ, W7GJ, EI4DQ, PA3CMC, W7IUV, K9MRI, CT1HZE, N9LR, DF7KF,
SP2OFW, F6HVK, S52LM, DJ9CZ, SV8CS, EA2AGZ, DJ7OF, K6MYC, AND N5KDA
Stations worked on 29 Nov (thru moonset): RU1AA, DL8GP, PA0JMV, F9HS,
SM7GVF, F6FHP, DL2NUD, DL7FF, IK1UWL, K1CA, PE1L, EA3DXU, PA0ZH, K5GMX,
S54T, AA9MY, FM5CS, KD3UY, G4FUF, K9KNW AND K7MAC
Stations copied but not completed: ON4DPX, WP4G and W7MEM (we think...odd
decode, maybe?)
The equipment is being run hard. We have the peddle to the metal and are
praying for no sudden event in the PA. The truss for the Xpol yagi fell
apart while negotiating the antenna around a guy wire during a windy
period. We are contemplating a repair but are thinking of leaving it alone
since it is erect and working the way it is. It is always a gamble to
repair a mostly working antenna.
During our preparation for this event, we were struggling with the system
configuration but finally made a decision to go with the Xpol yagi. It was
a good decision as it turns out. I am convinced that our complete QSO
tally would be one half what it is with a single polarization antenna.
We will access the hotel's intenet when we start operation today in the "JA
window" frequency (TZ6NS TX/RX on 144.084). And, we will access in the
internet fo an update once again when we change the operating frequency
into the "USA window" (TZ6NS TX on 144.149 and RX up
1 to 2 KHz). We would like to refrain from the use of internet
through the day since it ties us up and it costs us money. We have to wait
in line to get on a computer and then after getting a seat we have to type
rapidly on a foreign (to us) keyboard to exchange information to the chat
rooms. We will stick to our plan and hope that everyone who needs us
simply watches the screen and calls us when we pop above the noise.
We will not take skeds on this trip. Coordination is simply too hard due
to limited internet access.
CW operation is off. Noise is just too high. In addition, my CW copying
system in my head is still broken after the CQWW DX CW Contest. I am still
copying IK3's in the ceiling fan noise while trying to go to sleep. They
are starting to get weaker, however.
A repeat of suggestions to work us:
1. Call all of the time that you see us. We can copy calls from another
station while completing the current station. Do not be concerned about
QRMing an ongoing QSO. We may skip a "73" message and continue with the
next station as necessary. If we have no other stations ready to call, we
will send a "73" message when completing a contact.
2. Be patient. We have watched the screen on every sequence from moonrise
to moonset. If you see us call. If we see you, you can be assured that we
will do all we can to work you.
3. Our local noise is severe on moonrise. The noise drops substantially
when we get above 30 degrees. Working in the JA window will be harder due
to this problem. We would consider a different QTH but we are at the edge
of civilization where we are currently. Going to a more remote location is
an interesting idea but not practical.
We will operate to our posted schedule today (30 Nov and into 1 Dec). We
will not be QRV on 1 Dec moonrise. We will be packing the station for
storage for next year on that day and then head to the airport to travel
to the land of cheeseburgers and warm showers. Full details of the TZ6NS
EME schedule can be found here:
http://members.cox.net/aa7a/2m_eme.htm
This will be the last live update on this effort. My hope is that these
notes give you all a feel for this side of the operation. The EME effort
is harder than I had thought. The long walk out the the antenna every 30
minutes to re-aim is taking its toll on my feet. Trying to explain EME in
English to the non-English speaking employees at the hotel must be
interesting to an observer. I use simple words, wave my hands a lot and
point at the moon. They nod knowingly and are undoubtedly convinced that
we are crazy. My wife at home has similar conclusions but has explained it
quite well to me using English. The need to keep awake and poised to click
on the right part of the screen in a two second timeframe every 120
seconds is a unique skill that is only mastered well by the WSJT
Dxpedition or contest operator. Having participated in several DXpeditions
and many contest operations, this EME effort is as demanding as any other
type of ham radio operation. You can rest assured that
this team will try to put this effort on every year wherever the VooDoo
Contest Group travels.
Good luck today for those who need us. For those that have worked us, QSL
via AA7A. No IRC, stamps or $1 required. SAE would be appreciated.
73,
Ned / Mike
AA7A / KC7V
TZ6NS / TZ6MF |