A lot has been going on lately, but it is time for 222 MHz Activity
Night. So, if you are busy with your everyday activities and lose track
of time, please don't forget to get on 222 this evening. If you are
busy occupying Columbia University, Berkeley, or other campuses, take a
break at 23:00 UT, and turn on the 222 rig and see if you can work a
few of the hardy souls who get on every week for the gala Activity
Night. Most all of the contacts are SSB or CW, with a few FT8 or other
digital contacts thrown in as well.
I am hoping to be on and will be looking for any and all contacts from
here in FN43mj. WA1T is up in Northern Maine tonight with his newly
programmed Chinese HT that covers 222 MHz. Aim your bems NE and maybe
he can hear someone! I received a truckload of Rohn 45 sections last
night. I slid them off the 18 wheeler tailgate right into my pickup
truck and then drove them up to the VHF shack loation. It is exciting to
finally get a 144 antenna back up and percolating. I am hoping to have
144 operational this Summer for sure.
I was monitoring 222 MHz yesterday afternoon and caught a minor solar
flare while checking Sun noise. Background noise went from 215 mv up to
about 830 mv of audio noise when aimed at the Sun, but it would flare up
past 1.5 volts of AC audio with the flare. It makes me want to pay close
attention to the Solar indices in hopes of catching an aurora. Nothing
is predicted for this evening, but it sure would be a hoot if we had an
aurora on a Tuesday night!
So the activity starts after dinner about 23:00 UT (7 PM EDST) and goes
until you get tired and want to get back to your tent on campus. WE all
try to monitor the ON4KST (144/432 Region 2) Chat page and that is a
great way to let people know that you are on if you live off the beaten
path. It is a great way to set up skeds for difficult paths. Fellows
in the Midwest and Southeast also get on and it is a great way to test
your station and exercise your rotator.
There have been rumblings from the 222 MHz Activity Committee that a few
of the regulars have been missing of late. They do pay attention, and
their executive decisions can be pretty harsh if you get them worked
up. Just a word to the wise from someone who is actively shoveling dirt
on the East side of Mt.Moosilukee. I hope to see you all on 222 this
evening.
73
Dave K1WHS
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