I must apologize. This little mote will be brief. I want to remind
everyone that it is Tuesday and Tuesday means a lot to many VHFers as it
is the best time to congregate on the 222 MHz band and make contacts on
one of our best VHF bands. While it is true that 222 MHz is not
authorized in Europe, that only means that out European friends don't
know what they are missing! The reason for the brief note is that we
got dumped on in Northern New England with lots of heavy wet snow again.
I have seen comments of 14-16" of the stuff. I think to the North it was
even deeper as most precip was well inland away from population centers
along the New England coast. It snowed all niight and then all day on
Monday. I got out my 17 year old snow blower and it went about 40 ft and
quit throwing the white stuff. Turns out it flat wore out and a key way
on the drive shaft broke and the key got reduced to nothing. Parts are
not available so, between trying to fix the machine and not having
driveways and walkways shoveled out. I was in a tough spot. The solution
was a new machine. I just finished clearing the place and there is no
way I can access my remote VHF shack. There is almost 2 ft of snow all
of a sudden in the woods. Negotiating the road at night on snow shoes is
possible, but not for me tonight! I would have to lug a computer with me
and common sense has reared its ugly head telling me to stay home. Too
bad because the Moon was getting in a great spot this evening. If you
have a few hundred watts on 222, it might be a good idea to check the
HB9Q 222 MHz Chat page and see if there is any action during your
Moonset. No harm in listening when the moon sets at your location.
Moonset for me in western Maine is about 0100-0145 UT. For every 15
degrees west add an hour. I am about 71 degrees west longitude. The
WSJT-X program will give you aiming info in the "ASTRONOMICAL DATA" window.
So it looks like my activity nights are on hold for about six weeks
until warmer wx shows up. I have a plan to grab a 16 element yagi and
put it up at the house maybe for next week. That is if I can find a
spot to hang the yagi that is not too far away. Running a longish
feedline could be difficult. If the snow abates, I might be able to get
on 222 from the VHF shack, but don't hold your breath. More snow is
predicted.
REMEMBER: Jan 24 starting about 7 PM EST 00:00 UT 222.100 MHz CW SSB
FT-8 JT65 Facsimile SSTV. The important thing is to be there and work
your friends. It is really a blast.
73
Dave K1WHS
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