Hello VHFers
The aurora made itself known on the 222 band. I have not heard any
good stories on who worked whom on 222, but I have collected a few known
contacts and distances from the previous night.
CALL DISTANCE (km)
VE3DS-K9MRI 568
VE3DS-KD2LGX 187
VE3DS-WZ1V 631
VE3DS-K1WHS 691
WA3EOQ-KM0T 1468
WA3EOQ-K1WHS 805
K9MRI-WZ1V 1069
K9MRI-K1WHS 1214
N0LL- KM0T 425
N0LL- W0ZQ? 720
W0ZQ-K1WHS 1786
K1WHS-K8RYU 979
Howard WA3EOQ informed me that he worked KM0T on 222. Howard runs 95
watts and that is quite a haul (1468 km) for that power level. I did
not identify KM0T here, but there was one signal copied that was very
weak and I could not peak it up to even copy the call sign. The signal
was on my frequency, but I am not sure they were even calling me. All of
these contacts occurred before 00:00 UT. I am not sure when signals were
best, but I got on at just after 2200UT and things were hot then. K9MRI
was very loud at over 1200 km. I worked W0ZQat about 22:56 UT. Things
started fading after 23:00 UT.
I get very frustrated by these auroras as my antenna is way too sharp
for locating signals. I noted that more northerly stations peaked up at
305 degrees, while stations farther to the South peaked at more
southerly headings. WA3EOQ was at 289 degrees. K8RYU was just over 290
degrees. W0ZQ and K9MRI were just above 300 degrees. Signals would move
around with time, but the general headings are close enough. I once had
a four stack of CC 220 Boomers (4.2 wl NBS) They were a killer on
Aurora! I still had to chase signals though. What I really need is a 16
yagi LVA aimed at about 300 degrees.
If anyone made any 222 AU contacts of note, please let us know.
Incidentally, N0JK has retired from the ARRL VHF Column Editor position.
There will be a new editor(s) starting in February 2026.
73
Dave K1WHS
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